Handcrafted straw outback hats combining Australian outback styling with breathable organic raffia and toyo straw. Designed by Will Conner, who learned the craft in his father Bill's Byron Bay factory, where BC Hats created Australia's original leather hat with a shapeable brim.
Straw outback hats are usually the coolest option, though leather and wool outback styles breathe too, so the choice comes down to preference for warm-weather outdoor activities. Straw is usually the coolest option, though leather and wool breathe too, so it comes down to preference. Straw is usually the coolest choice, though leather and wool breathe too; it comes down to preference.
Conner Hats' straw outback collection offers shade through its natural materials and wide brims. 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 original leather hat with a shapeable brim. His son Will continues that legacy, incorporating sustainable materials like organic raffia harvested from Madagascar and toyo straw.
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 isn't hydrophobic; its natural resin gives it mild water resistance. The material is completely biodegradable, breaking down naturally at end of life without leaving harmful residues. Raffia is harvested from palm leaves without cutting down the tree.
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 shade, though select styles are UPF rated. The tighter the weave, the more shade it provides; Conner's straw outback hats use dense weaves that allow airflow while providing shade.
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.
Across our wider range, 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 | Tested material, rated per hat | Depends on thickness | Only approved styles carry a UPF rating |
| Sustainability | Biodegradable, renewable | Depends on sourcing | Non-Mulesed wool used |
A straw outback hat is an outback-style hat made from straw rather than leather or wool. Conner Hats' straw outback collection includes styles made with organic raffia and toyo straw.
Yes. Conner Hats' straw outback collection offers shade. Materials are tested with ARPANSA. The wide 3-3.5" brims provide shade for the face, neck, and ears compared with standard 2.5" fashion hat brims. The dense weave of organic raffia and toyo straw also helps provide shade. Only approved styles carry a UPF rating, so check each product page.
It depends on the style. Some hats are packable, but not all. Check the specific product page before packing a straw outback hat. If it is packable, stuff the crown with soft clothing to help maintain its shape during transit. Steam can help reshape it if needed.
Straw outback hats are generally lighter and more breathable than leather outback hats, making them a good choice for hot weather and extended wear. Their woven construction allows air circulation. Packability varies by style: some hats are packable, and some leather styles are crushable. Leather outback hats can be a durable choice for rugged conditions. Choose straw for breathability; check individual product details for packability and water resistance.
Raffia is a natural fiber harvested from raffia palm trees in Madagascar. It's hand-braided; the raffia is biodegradable, though the inner and outer bands are not, and its natural resin provides mild water resistance. 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. Many of our hats are UPF rated; check each product page. Hats with open mesh, vents or brims under 2.5 inches are not rated.
Some materials used in Conner Hats straw hats have sustainability benefits. Raffia is harvested from palm leaves without cutting down the tree and is rain-fed without irrigation. Raffia and straw hat bodies are biodegradable. Toyo straw is paper-based.
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, offering broad shade for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, gardening, and beach outings.
Yes. Conner Hats offers a Limited Lifetime Guarantee (50% off if lost or stolen) on hats purchased from connerhats.com. For a workmanship failure within the first 12 months, Conner Hats will provide a free replacement of the same style, size and colour, including shipping. After 12 months, a 40% off code is available toward a replacement; shipping is not included. Material degradation from use is eligible for a 30% off code.
