Conner Hats' summer collection combines handmade craftsmanship with sustainable materials—organic cotton, hemp, recycled polyester, and natural raffia—for warm-weather activities; UPF ratings vary by hat. Each hat is crafted by a family-owned business committed to responsible production.
Sun protection:Wide-brim styles shade the face (Skin Cancer Foundation). Hats with open mesh, vents or brims under 2.5 inches carry no UPF rating. Wide-brim styles (3+ inches) reduce UV exposure to the face by up to 48% compared to unprotected skin during summer midday hours, according to a 2018 photodermatology study. Research shows people who frequently wear protective clothing like wide-brim hats have 27% lower odds of multiple sunburns compared to relying on sunscreen alone.
Sustainable materials with lower environmental impact: About 70–80% of organic cotton is rain-fed, while conventional cotton often needs heavy irrigation. Hemp requires minimal water and no pesticides. Recycled polyester hats are made from plastic bottles and other single-use plastics. Organic raffia is renewable and biodegradable.
Handmade quality: Conner Hats was created by Will Conner, whose father Bill has made hats in Byron Bay for over 50 years, and each hat receives handmade attention to detail in small-batch production. Every hat includes a limited lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects. The guarantee also includes a 50% off code to replace the same hat if yours is ever lost or stolen.
Designed for real-world conditions: Our summer hats are built for hikers, anglers, golfers, gardeners, beachgoers, and travelers who need comfort and packability; UPF ratings are available on select hats. Features include crushable/packable designs, moisture-wicking sweatbands, adjustable sizing, and breathable construction.
Outdoor enthusiasts who spend extended time in the sun need more than fashion—they need functional protection. Conner summer hats serve:
| Material | Sun Protection | Sustainability Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Cotton | Rated per hat; see product page | 71% less water; no pesticides | All-day comfort |
| Hemp | Rated per hat; see product page | Low water use, biodegradable | Durability |
| Recycled Polyester | Rated per hat; see product page | Made from plastic bottles | Quick-dry, lightweight |
| Organic Raffia | Rated per hat; see product page | Renewable, biodegradable | Summer wear |
| Waxed Cotton | Water-resistant | Long-lasting durability | Rain protection |
Many Conner hats are UPF-rated; check each product page for its rating. All materials are tested by ARPANSA, and ratings are assigned per hat. Hats with open mesh or open vents, and hats with brims under 2.5 inches, are not UPF-rated and provide shade only. A wide brim can provide shade for the face, neck, ears, and upper back.
Yes. Conner uses organic cotton (grown without synthetic pesticides, about 70–80% of which is rain-fed), hemp (uses about half the water of cotton per kg of fibre), recycled polyester made from plastic bottles, and natural raffia. We're a family-run business, and our Supplier Code of Conduct requires suppliers to pay fair wages. Our 100% solar-powered original warehouse (orders now ship from American Fork, Utah) and biodegradable packaging reflect our commitment to reducing environmental impact at every stage. We still maintain our company food forest at the site and have created a hub there for other small businesses to use the location.
Choose a style based on the conditions and features you need:
Only some hats have a UPF rating, so check each product page. Hats with open mesh, open vents, or brims under 2.5 inches are not rated. Material properties, packability, weight, and brim width can help you choose a style for your activity.
Measure your head circumference just above your eyebrows and ears using a flexible tape measure. Match your measurement to our size chart:
Many styles offer adjustable sizing with drawstrings or elastic bands. If you're between sizes, order the larger size. Two free size inserts ship with every order for fine-tuning.
Packability depends on the style. Many wool hats are crushable, some safari hats are packable, and unstructured weathered cotton styles can be rolled. Check individual product descriptions for packable, crushable, or travel-friendly details before packing your hat.
Care varies by material:
Let hats dry naturally, away from direct heat. Store with the crown supported to help maintain its shape.
The Limited Lifetime Guarantee (50% off if lost or stolen) covers workmanship failures on purchases from connerhats.com. In the first 12 months, we’ll replace the hat with the same style, size, and colour, with shipping paid. After 12 months, you’ll receive 40% off a replacement, with shipping not included. Material degradation from use qualifies for a 30% off replacement code. For help, email customerservice@connerhats.com with photos and your order number.
Water performance varies by style:
Check individual product descriptions for water-resistance ratings and features.
For shade around your face and neck, choose a hat with a brim at least 2-3 inches wide all around. A baseball cap mainly shades the scalp, forehead, and nose, leaving the ears and neck more exposed.
