Handcrafted straw outback hats combining Australian outback styling with breathable organic raffia and toyo straw. Each hat features UPF 50+ sun protection, wide 3-3.5" brims, and crushable construction for travel. 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.
Straw outback hats deliver superior breathability compared to leather or wool outback styles, making them ideal for warm-weather outdoor activities. The woven construction of organic raffia and toyo straw allows continuous air circulation through microscopic gaps between fibers, reducing heat buildup and moisture accumulation. Unlike synthetic materials that trap heat and restrict airflow, natural straw keeps your head cooler during extended sun exposure.
Conner Hats' straw outback collection features UPF 50+ rated materials that block 98% of harmful UV rays, providing medical-grade sun protection for face, neck, and ears. Wide 3-3.5" brims offer significantly more coverage than standard 2.5" fashion hat brims, shielding extended areas during hiking, fishing, gardening, and beach activities.
Each hat is designed with the same attention to quality that Bill Conner brought to Australia's first shapeable-brim leather hat in 1969. His son Will continues that legacy, incorporating sustainable materials like organic raffia harvested from Madagascar and toyo straw made from rice paper.
Conner Hats' straw outback collection uses two primary materials selected for durability, breathability, and sustainability:
Organic Raffia
Sourced from raffia palm trees native to Madagascar, organic raffia is hand-braided into a flexible, durable material. Raffia is naturally hydrophobic—water beads on the surface and rolls off rather than absorbing into the fibers. The material is completely biodegradable, breaking down naturally at end of life without leaving harmful residues. Raffia palm trees are fast-growing and can be harvested multiple times per year without pesticides or herbicides, making them a renewable resource with minimal environmental impact.
Toyo Straw
Toyo straw is made from rice paper that has been shellacked and woven into a lightweight, tear-resistant material. Known for its durability and water resistance, toyo straw molds to the wearer's head over time for a custom fit. It's more water-resistant than natural plant-fiber straw while maintaining excellent breathability.
Both materials provide natural UV resistance, though Conner Hats enhances protection with UPF 50+ rated construction. The tighter the weave, the more effective the UV blocking—Conner's straw outback hats use dense weaves that allow airflow while preventing sun penetration.
Cleaning
Spot-clean straw hats with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking the entire hat, as excessive moisture can weaken straw fibers. For stubborn stains, use a soft-bristled brush with natural fibers.
Shaping
If the brim loses its shape, use steam from a tea kettle to soften the straw. Let it cool slightly, then shape by hand. The straw will hold the new shape as it dries.
Storage
Store straw hats on a flat surface or hat stand to maintain shape. Avoid crushing under other items. Keep in a dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Breathable hat boxes work well for long-term storage.
Travel
Organic raffia and toyo straw hats are crushable—you can pack them in luggage and they'll bounce back to shape. For extra protection, stuff the crown with soft clothing to maintain structure during transit.
Conner Hats offers outback hats in multiple materials. Here's how straw compares:
| Feature | Straw Outback | Leather Outback | Wool Outback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Hot weather, beach, travel | Rugged outdoor use, rain | Cool to moderate weather |
| Breathability | Excellent—woven fibers allow continuous airflow | Moderate—depends on treatment | Good—natural fiber wicks moisture |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavier | Medium |
| Water resistance | Moderate (toyo straw better than raffia) | Excellent when treated | Water-resistant |
| Packability | Crushable—bounces back to shape | Not packable | Crushable (wool felt styles) |
| UV protection | UPF 50+ | Depends on thickness | UPF varies by density |
| Sustainability | Biodegradable, renewable | Depends on sourcing | Cruelty-free wool used |
A straw outback hat combines the classic Australian outback silhouette—wide brim, pinched crown, chin cord—with breathable straw construction instead of leather or wool. Conner Hats' straw outback collection uses organic raffia and toyo straw to create lightweight, packable versions of the traditional outback style. These hats feature 3-3.5" brims for sun coverage, UPF 50+ protection, and crushable construction that makes them ideal for travel and warm-weather activities.
Yes. Conner Hats' straw outback collection provides UPF 50+ sun protection, which blocks 98% of harmful UV rays according to Australian Radiation Protection Agency standards. The wide 3-3.5" brims provide superior coverage for face, neck, and ears compared to standard 2.5" fashion hat brims. The dense weave of organic raffia and toyo straw creates a physical barrier that reflects and absorbs UV rays while maintaining breathability.
Yes. Organic raffia and toyo straw are naturally flexible materials that can be crushed and will bounce back to their original shape. Conner Hats designs straw outback hats specifically for travel—you can pack them in luggage without a hat box. For best results, stuff the crown with soft clothing to maintain structure during transit. When you unpack, the hat will return to its original shape. If needed, use steam from a tea kettle to reshape the brim.
Straw outback hats are significantly lighter and more breathable than leather outback hats, making them better for hot weather and extended wear. The woven construction allows continuous air circulation, keeping your head cooler. Straw hats are also crushable and packable, while leather hats are not. However, leather outback hats offer superior water resistance and durability in rugged conditions. Choose straw for maximum breathability and travel convenience; choose leather for rain protection and heavy outdoor use.
Raffia is a natural fiber harvested from raffia palm trees in Madagascar. It's hand-braided, completely biodegradable, and naturally hydrophobic (water beads off rather than absorbing). Toyo straw is made from rice paper that's been shellacked and woven into a lightweight material. Toyo is more water-resistant than raffia and molds to your head over time for a custom fit. Both materials are breathable and provide UPF 50+ protection in Conner Hats' construction.
Yes. Conner Hats uses organic raffia and toyo straw, both of which have significantly lower environmental impact than synthetic materials. Organic raffia comes from fast-growing raffia palm trees that can be harvested multiple times per year without pesticides or herbicides. The material is completely biodegradable and breaks down naturally without harmful residues. Toyo straw is made from renewable rice paper. Both materials require minimal energy and water to produce compared to synthetic alternatives.
Most straw outback hats in Conner's collection include a chin cord or hatband with adjustable fit. Check individual product descriptions for specific features. The chin cord allows you to secure the hat in windy conditions or let it hang on your back when not wearing the hat.
Spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking the entire hat. For stubborn stains, use a soft-bristled natural brush. If the brim loses shape, use steam from a tea kettle to soften the straw, then reshape by hand as it cools. Store in a dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Conner Hats' straw outback collection features 3-3.5" brims, providing significantly more sun coverage than standard fashion hats (typically 2.5" brims). The wider brim protects face, neck, and ears during outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, gardening, and beach outings.
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 fails due to a manufacturing defect or faulty materials, Conner Hats will replace it.
