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    Waterproof & Water-Resistant Hats

    Two different things get sold as "waterproof", so here is how we separate them. Waterproof means the fabric itself blocks water: our oilskin and waxed cotton hats are cotton impregnated with oil, paraffin or wax, the method sailors and drovers have used since the 1800s. Rain beads up and runs off, and you can re-treat the finish when it wears thin. Water-resistant means the hat sheds rain well but is not sealed: felted wool, oiled leather and our recycled Repreve styles shrug off a shower and dry back into shape, and in a long downpour they will eventually wet through.

    Choose waterproof for fishing, boating, ranch work and sustained rain: the oilskin and waxed cotton hats, including the Northern Front Oilskin, Portland Waxed Cotton Rain Hat, Mountain Trail Waxed Cotton and Kentucky Oiled Cotton Cap.

    Choose water-resistant for everyday weather, travel and cold days: wool outback hats hold their shape wet or dry, leather hats only gain character, and the recycled Repreve styles dry fast and will not shrink or fade.

    Any hat can be topped up: Nikwax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing Spray adds water repellency to wool, leather, straw and cloth without closing off the weave. Never machine wash or use detergent on oilskin or waxed cotton — it strips the finish. Full instructions are in our hat care guide.

    Every hat is handmade, carries a limited lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects, and ships free in the US on orders over $79.

    Guides for choosing your hat

    Waterproof Hats

    for Rain, Fishing, and Outdoor Work

    Conner's waterproof hat collection uses three proven water-resistance methods: oilskin treatment (oil and paraffin-infused cotton originally developed for sailors in the 1800s), waxed cotton (heat-applied wax barrier), and waterproof wool (lanolin-rich or spray-treated). These hats are designed for extended outdoor use in wet conditions—fishing, hiking, sailing, ranch work, and travel through unpredictable weather.

    Cloth Hat Safari Hats Portland Waxed Cotton Rain Hat

    What Makes These Hats Water-Resistant

    • Oilskin hats use cotton fabric treated with oil and paraffins, creating a durable, breathable water-repellent barrier. The oil treatment repels water while maintaining airflow through brass mesh grommets. Oilskin has a distinctive texture and mild odor when new that fades with wear. With proper care, oilskin hats last 10+ years while developing a personalized patina.
    • Waxed cotton hats use paraffin or beeswax applied to cotton fabric via heat and pressure, forming a water-repellent surface with a smoother, glossy finish. Waxed cotton can be re-treated every 3-10 years depending on use frequency to restore water resistance indefinitely.
    • Waterproof wool hats feature non-mulesed wool treated with waterproofing spray or naturally water-resistant lanolin. Wool provides insulation even when damp and offers moderate protection ideal for light to moderate rain during hiking or outdoor work.

      All waterproof hats in this collection feature wide brims (3-4 inches) for rain runoff and ventilation grommets to prevent heat buildup during active use. Most styles offer UPF 50+ sun protection, blocking 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.

    Materials & Construction

    Material Type Examples Best For
    Oilskin Northern Front Oilskin Hat, Portland Waxed Cotton Rain Hat Heavy rain, fishing, boating
    Waxed Cotton Mountain Trail Waxed Cotton Hat, Bounty Hunter Water Resistant Cotton Hat Outdoor work, hiking, travel
    Waterproof Wool Jackeroo Crushable Wool Hat, Quincy Waterproof Wool Gambler Light-moderate rain, cold weather

    Care & Maintenance

    Oilskin and waxed cotton hats require cold water cleaning only—never use soap, detergents, or machine washing, which strip protective coatings. Re-treatment is recommended every 3-10 years depending on use. Wool hats can be spot-cleaned and re-treated with waterproofing spray (we recommend Nikwax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing Spray) as needed.

    Who These Hats Are For

    Anglers, sailors, hikers, ranchers, and outdoor workers who need reliable rain protection without sacrificing breathability. These hats are built for people who value traditional materials that improve with age, can be repaired and re-treated indefinitely, and deliver decades of use instead of disposable synthetic gear.

    • Free shipping: Orders over $79 
    • Warranty: Limited lifetime guarantee against material and workmanship defects

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Waterproof means the fabric itself blocks water. Our oilskin and waxed cotton hats are cotton impregnated with oil, paraffin or wax, so rain beads up and runs off, and the finish can be re-treated when it wears thin. Water-resistant means the hat sheds rain well but is not sealed: felted wool, oiled leather and recycled Repreve styles handle a shower and dry back into shape, but will eventually wet through in a sustained downpour. Pick oilskin or waxed cotton for fishing, boating and ranch work; pick wool or leather for everyday weather and travel.

    Oilskin uses cotton fabric treated with oil and paraffins, creating a slightly rougher texture with a distinctive smell that fades with wear. Waxed cotton uses heat-applied wax for a smoother, glossy finish with no odor. Both repel water effectively, but oilskin is generally more durable under heavy use, while waxed cotton has a more refined appearance. Performance is comparable—the choice comes down to personal preference for texture and look.

    Conner's rain-ready hats use oilskin, waxed cotton, or treated wool—all designed to repel rain during extended outdoor use. Oilskin and waxed cotton provide the highest water resistance, suitable for heavy rain and wet conditions like boating or fishing. Wool hats treated with waterproofing spray offer moderate protection, ideal for light to moderate rain during hiking or ranch work. These are water-resistant, not submersible—they're designed to shed water, not for underwater use.

    Many owners report wearing the same oilskin or waxed cotton hat for 10+ years. The fabric develops a worn, personalized appearance over time while maintaining protective qualities when properly maintained. Re-waxing every 3-10 years (depending on use frequency) restores water resistance and extends the hat's life indefinitely.

    For oilskin and waxed cotton hats: Hand wash in cold water only—never use hot water, soap, detergents, or machine washing, which remove the protective coating. Hang to air dry away from direct heat. Re-treat with wax or oil every 3-10 years depending on use. For wool hats: Spot clean with cold water and re-apply waterproofing spray (like Nikwax) as needed. Never tumble dry or dry clean any waterproof hat.

    Yes. Most hats in this collection offer UPF 50+ protection, blocking 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Wide brims (3-4 inches) provide coverage for your face, neck, ears, and upper back—areas most vulnerable to sun damage. Oilskin, waxed cotton, and wool materials all provide natural UV resistance in addition to rain protection.

    Yes. Conner sells Nikwax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing Spray that works on wool, leather, straw, and cloth hats. Spray evenly on a clean hat, let dry, and it adds water-repellent properties while maintaining breathability. For oilskin and waxed cotton, purchase wax designed for cotton fabric (paraffin-based or beeswax). Apply evenly, use a hairdryer to melt the wax into fibers, and let cool completely before wearing.

    Yes. Most hats in this collection include brass mesh ventilation grommets to prevent heat buildup during active use. Oilskin and waxed cotton are more breathable than synthetic waterproof materials like Gore-Tex because the natural cotton weave allows airflow while the wax/oil treatment repels water on the surface.

    All orders over $79 ship free, and every hat includes a limited lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship.