Outback hats from Conner Hats combine authentic craftsmanship with eco-friendly materials for rugged outdoor adventures. Our collection features wide-brimmed leather, wool, and canvas styles handcrafted to withstand sun, rain, and harsh conditions. BC Hats styles are handmade in Australia, continuing Bill Conner's 50+ year heritage of quality hat making.
Outback hats feature wide brims (typically 2.5-3.5 inches), flat or slightly domed crowns, and chin cords for secure wear in wind. Originally designed for Australia's harsh sun and unpredictable weather, these hats provide superior face and neck protection compared to standard brimmed hats.
Bill Conner started BC Hats in Byron Bay and created Australia's original leather hat with a shapeable brim—a design featured in films like Crocodile Dundee. Today, Conner Hats combines that 50+ year Australian heritage with sustainable materials:
• Made in Australia: BC Hats styles, handmade by Bill Conner in Byron Bay
• Sustainable Materials: Organic cotton, non-mulesed wool, genuine leather, recycled plastic bottle fabric
• Functional Design: Wide brims shade face, ears and neck; hats with open mesh, vents or brims under 2.5 inches carry no UPF rating; waterproof waxed cotton and oilskin options, crushable/packable styles for travel
• Price Range:
| Material | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Leather | Durability, weather resistance | Shapeable brim, develops patina, 10+ year lifespan |
| Wool | All-season wear | Crushable, water-resistant, breathable |
| Organic Cotton | Lightweight comfort | Machine washable, quick-dry |
Outback hats typically have a broad, mostly flat brim and a flat or lightly creased crown. Cowboy hats often have a more shaped crown and a brim turned up at the sides. These are style conventions, not strict rules, and both styles vary. Outback hats are associated with outdoor wear and shade, while cowboy hats are associated with ranch work and riding.
Wide-brim outback hats provide shade for the neck, face, and ears, with wider brims providing more shade than narrower ones. Many of our hats are UPF rated; check each product page. Hats with open mesh, vents, or brims under 2.5 inches carry no UPF rating. Brim widths range from 2.5 to 3.5 inches depending on style.
For hot, dry conditions: Choose canvas or recycled fabric with mesh ventilation (like the Aussie Cooler Canvas Mesh Hiker Hat). These materials allow airflow and offer shade.
For hot, humid conditions: Straw or raffia options provide maximum breathability.
For all-weather versatility: Australian 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:
Two free size inserts ship with every order to help fine-tune the fit.
Some Conner outback hats were made in Australia by BC Hats, the original company founded by Bill Conner in Byron Bay. These are limited pre-2020 styles, and Australian-made styles are identified in product descriptions. Other styles are designed by Conner Hats, founded by Bill's son Will, and made by suppliers in Australia, Sri Lanka, China, Pakistan, or Mexico. Our suppliers are required to pay fair wages and meet our standards for 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.
Genuine 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 highly water-resistant, windproof, and develop a worn-in appearance over time. Conner's waxed cotton hats (like the Mountain Trail and Portland styles) use wax treatments for weather resistance.
Lightweight organic cotton or recycled fabric styles with mesh ventilation and chin cords. Look for crushable/packable options like the Airflow Lightweight Recycled Outdoor Hat.
Water-resistant styles that float. The Tarpon Springs Recycled Floating Sailing Hat is designed specifically for water sports.
Wide-brim styles shade face, ears and neck; hats with open mesh, vents or brims under 2.5 inches carry no UPF rating, with breathable materials. Waxed cotton options provide rain protection for unpredictable weather.
Crushable wool or shapeable leather styles that pack flat and reshape. The Jackeroo Crushable Wool Hat can wrinkle when packed; steam brings the shape back fast.
Versatile leather or wool styles that transition from outdoor activities to casual wear. Look for neutral colors like brown, tan, or black.
