Handmade Gambler Hats from a Family-Owned Australian Hat Company
Conner Hats' gambler hat collection combines 50 years of Australian hatmaking tradition with sustainable materials. Each hat is designed by Will Conner, who learned the craft in his father Bill's Byron Bay factory, where BC Hats created Australia's first leather hat with a shapeable brim in 1969.
| Feature | Conner Hats Gambler | Typical Fashion Gambler |
|---|---|---|
| Brim Width | 3.5-4 inches | 2.5-3 inches |
| Crown Height | 4.5 inches | 3-3.5 inches |
| Brim Profile | Flat with subtle upturn | Pronounced "taco" curl |
| Materials | Australian wool, organic hemp, natural straw | Synthetic blends, treated straw |
| Construction | Handmade, crushable | Mass-produced, rigid |
| Sustainability | Cruelty-free, organic, recycled materials | Standard production |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 30-90 days (if any) |
| Price Range | $48-$89 | $30-$60 |
| Made By | Family-owned, 50-year heritage | Factory production |
| Material | Best For | Key Benefits | Weather Resistance | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Wool Felt | Travel, variable weather, year-round wear | Crushable, water-resistant, holds shape | Excellent (water-resistant) | $68-$89 |
| Organic Hemp | Hot weather, outdoor activities | Breathable, UV-resistant, lightweight | Good (dries quickly) | $58-$78 |
| Raffia Straw | Beach, summer, packable travel | Ultra-lightweight, natural texture | Fair (avoid heavy rain) | $48-$65 |
| Palm/Shantung Straw | Warm weather, structured look | Ventilated, flexible, maintains shape | Good (handles light moisture) | $52 |
A gambler hat is a Western-style hat with a flat, telescope crown and wide, flat brim (typically 3-4 inches). The brim has a subtle upturn at the edges. Gambler hats became popular in the days of riverboat casinos that moved up and down the Mississippi river, with their distinct oval crown and wide brim setting them apart from other western hat styles.
Cowboy hats have curved, pinched crowns and upturned brims. Gambler hats have flat, telescope crowns and wide, flat brims with minimal curve. Unlike the curved, pinched crowns of traditional cowboy hats, gambler hats feature flat or telescope crowns that sit level. Gambler hats offer a more refined, less rugged look.
Our gambler hats feature 3.5-4 inch brims—wider than typical fashion gambler hats (2.5-3 inches). This provides better sun protection for your face and neck during outdoor activities.
No. We specifically design our gambler hats with flatter brims to avoid the pronounced upward curl that many customers dislike. One customer review states: "I really like that it does not have a pronounced taco brim like so many other gambler hats out there. I own several gambler style hats, but I never wear them because they have too much of a taco brim".
Yes. The wide, flat brim (3.5-4 inches) provides excellent shade for your face, neck, and shoulders. Our materials—Australian wool, hemp, and straw—offer natural UV resistance. The generous brim makes gambler hats ideal for hiking, festivals, gardening, and beach activities.
We use sustainable, eco-friendly materials:
- Australian Wool Felt: Soft, crushable, water-resistant
- Organic Hemp: Breathable, naturally UV-resistant, durable
- Raffia Straw: Lightweight, packable for travel
- Palm & Shantung Straw: Structured but flexible, excellent ventilation
The wool used in Conner Hats is cruelty-free. Recycled and organic materials are used wherever possible.
Yes, if it's made from crushable wool felt or soft straw. Our wool felt gambler hats are designed to be packed in luggage and reshape when unpacked. Stiffer straw versions should be carried or stored in a hat box to maintain their shape.
Cowboy hats have curved, pinched crowns and upturned brims. Gambler hats have flat, telescope croMeasure around your head just above your ears where the hat will sit. Use a flexible tape measure:
- Small: 21 5/8" - 22" (6 7/8 - 7)
- Medium: 22 3/8" - 22 3/4" (7 1/8 - 7 1/4)
- Large: 23 1/8" - 23 1/2" (7 3/8 - 7 1/2)
- X-Large: 23 7/8" - 24 1/4" (7 5/8 - 7 3/4)
If you're between sizes, choose the larger size for comfort.wns and wide, flat brims with minimal curve. Unlike the curved, pinched crowns of traditional cowboy hats, gambler hats feature flat or telescope crowns that sit level. Gambler hats offer a more refined, less rugged look.
Yes. Within the Western hat revival, the gambler hat has emerged as one of the most visually striking Western hat styles. Sleek, bold, and steeped in Gold Rush-era mystique, these architectural hats represent a distinct kind of Western identity. They're popular at country music festivals, rodeos, and as everyday wear for people who want a distinctive Western look.
A Gus hat (named after the character in "Lonesome Dove") is a type of cowboy hat with a sloped crown and front pinch. A gambler hat has a flat, telescope crown with no pinch. They're different styles, though both are Western hats.
Wool felt: Brush gently with a soft hat brush. Remove dust with a damp cloth. Reshape if crushed by steaming over a kettle.
- Straw: Wipe with a damp cloth. Avoid getting straw hats fully wet. Store in a cool, dry place.
- Storage: Store on a hat stand or upside down on the crown to maintain brim shape.
Yes. Conner Hats are fully warranted to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the hat. If a hat ever fails due to a manufacturing defect or faulty materials, they will replace it.
Gambler hats work for:
- Country music festivals and concerts
- Outdoor activities (hiking, fishing, gardening)
- Casual everyday wear
- Western-themed events
- Travel (especially crushable wool versions)
- Beach and summer activities (straw versions)
It's a versatile appearance that's equally at home during casual and formal occasions. Paired with the right suit, a gambler hat can be the perfect accessory for a wedding. It can also complement a worker's jeans and give casual clothing a more formal appearance.
Family-owned, 50-year heritage: Will Conner started clocking his way toward hat making proficiency as a kid in his dad's factory in Byron Bay, Australia. In 2014, the surfer/musician created the Conner Hats brand
- Handmade quality: Each hat is crafted with attention to detail, not mass-produced
- Sustainable materials: Cruelty-free wool, organic cotton, hemp, recycled materials
- Better fit: Taller crowns and flatter brims based on customer feedback
- Lifetime warranty: We stand behind our craftsmanship
