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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 resist light rain and should be left to dry naturally, leather hats develop character, and the recycled Repreve styles are water-resistant.

    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. The guarantee also includes a 50% off code to replace the same hat if yours is ever lost or stolen.

    Guides for choosing your hat

    Waterproof Hats

    for Rain, Fishing, and Outdoor Work

    Conner's hat collection uses three water-resistance methods: oilskin treatment, waxed cotton, and water-resistant wool. 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.
    • Water-resistant 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.

      Most hats in this collection have wide brims for rain runoff. Sun protection: wide brims shade face, ears and neck; hats with open mesh, vents or brims under 2.5 inches carry no UPF rating.

    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, Portland Waxed Cotton Rain Hat Outdoor work, hiking, travel
    Water-Resistant Wool Jackeroo Crushable Wool Hat, Quincy Water Resistant 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. The guarantee also includes a 50% off code to replace the same hat if yours is ever lost or stolen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Waterproof means the material blocks water. In our range, waterproof applies only to the Kentucky Waterproof Oiled Cotton Cap, Portland Waxed Cotton Rain Hat, Mountain Trail Waxed Cotton, and Northern Front Oilskin. Water-resistant means a hat sheds rain but may eventually wet through in a sustained downpour. Other hats are water-resistant at most.

    Oilskin is cotton treated with oil, while waxed cotton is treated with wax. The difference is the treatment, so you can choose based on which material you prefer. Water-protection claims vary by style, so check the individual product page for details.

    Only the Kentucky Waterproof Oiled Cotton Cap, Portland Waxed Cotton Rain Hat, Mountain Trail Waxed Cotton, Northern Front Oilskin, and Nikwax products are described as waterproof. Other hats are water-resistant at most and are designed to shed some water, not for submersion. Protection varies by style.

    Some customers wear the same oilskin hat for 10+ years. The fabric develops a worn, personalized appearance over time, and proper care can help maintain its protective qualities and extend its useful life.

    For oilskin and waxed cotton hats, do not fully soak them. Avoid hot water, soap, detergents, and machine washing, which can remove the protective coating. Let them dry naturally, away from direct heat. Use Nikwax to re-proof cotton and canvas as needed.

    Some hats in this collection have a UPF rating. Check each product page for its rating. Hats without a listed UPF rating provide shade from their brims, but do not have a stated UPF rating. Browse our summer hats for men.

    Yes. Conner sells Nikwax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing Spray. Use it to re-proof cotton and canvas hats, following the product instructions. 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 the fibers, and let it cool completely before wearing.

    Breathability varies by hat and construction. Some safari hats have extra vents, but not every style does.

    Prices vary by hat style. Please check the individual product pages for current prices.