Shop Outback Hats Collection

Outback hats have flat or slightly creased crowns with wide, flat brims, while cowboy hats feature upturned brims and deep crown creases. Outback hats prioritize sun protection for all-day outdoor wear, while cowboy hats evolved for ranch work with brims curled to stay out of the way during roping and riding.

Wide-brimmed outback hats provide excellent coverage for the neck, face, and ears, blocking more sun exposure than narrower-brimmed hats. Most Conner outback hats offer UPF 50+ protection, blocking 98% of harmful UV rays. Brim widths range from 2.5 to 3.5 inches depending on style.

For hot, dry conditions: Choose organic cotton or recycled fabric with mesh ventilation (like the Aussie Golf Soakable Mesh Hat). These materials allow airflow while blocking sun.

For hot, humid conditions: Straw or raffia options provide maximum breathability.

For all-weather versatility: Wool outback hats regulate temperature in both heat and cold, and resist light rain.

Many Conner outback hats are crushable and packable. Wool felt styles (like the Jackeroo Crushable Wool Hat) can be rolled and will reshape. Leather hats with shapeable brims can be folded temporarily. Avoid packing waxed cotton or stiff crown styles—these maintain their shape best when stored flat or on a hat stand.

Measure your head circumference with a flexible tape measure about 1/2 inch above your ears and eyebrows. Match your measurement to our size chart:

• Small: 21.5–22 inches (54.5–56 cm)

• Medium: 22–22.75 inches (56–58 cm)

• Large: 22.75–23.5 inches (58–59.5 cm)

• X-Large: 23.5–24.25 inches (59.5–61.5 cm)

• XX-Large: 24.25–25 inches (61.5–63.5 cm)

Most styles include adjustable sweatbands or sizing tape for fine-tuning fit.

Select styles in this collection are handmade in Australia by BC Hats, the original company founded by Bill Conner in Byron Bay in 1969. These Australian-made styles are marked in product descriptions. Other styles are designed by Conner Hats (founded by Bill's son Will) and crafted by vetted partners who meet our standards for fair wages and sustainable materials.

Regular maintenance: Brush off dirt with a soft bristle brush. Wipe with a damp cloth if needed.

• Conditioning: Apply leather conditioner every 6–12 months to prevent drying and cracking.

• Water exposure: If the hat gets wet, let it air dry naturally away from direct heat. Reshape while damp if needed.

• Storage: Store on a hat stand or upside down on the crown to maintain brim shape.

Vegetable-tanned leather develops a rich patina over time—this is normal and adds character.

Both terms describe cotton fabric treated with wax or oil for waterproofing. Oilskin typically uses oil-based treatments and has a slightly softer hand feel. Waxed cotton uses paraffin-based wax and may feel stiffer initially. Both are waterproof, windproof, and develop a worn-in appearance over time. Conner's waxed cotton hats (like the Mountain Trail and Portland styles) use non-toxic wax treatments and are biodegradable.