What Are Akubra Hats Made From? Materials Behind the Iconic Aussie Hat
Key Takeaways:
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Iconic Aussie Style: Consider the Akubra Cattleman for a signature stockman look with maximum sun protection, or the Akubra Stylemaster for a timeless fur-felt fedora.
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Why Materials Matter: What Akubra hats are made from is the secret to their durability and comfort. Rabbit felt makes them a lifelong investment, perfect for the Aussie climate.
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Where to Buy Akubra Hats: For a curated collection and expert fitting service, explore the full range of authentic Akubra hats at City Hatters.
Every Aussie knows a classic Akubra hat when they see one. But have you ever wondered what makes these hats so tough and well-suited for our climate? This guide explains what Akubra hats are made from and the unique materials and craftsmanship that make the brand a true Aussie icon. We’ll also share a few of our favourite styles and where to find the best Akubra hats in Melbourne!
A Brief History of Akubra Hats
The Akubra story began in 1876 with Benjamin Dunkerley, whose innovative rabbit fur processing became the secret to the company's distinctive felt hats. The Akubra brand, born in 1912, gained a reputation as the trusted provider of slouch hats for the Australian Army during World War I, a tradition that saw over two million hats supplied by 2016. Today, they're a symbol of rural life and Aussie tradition, proudly worn by people from all walks of life.
The Main Material: Fur Felt
So why are Akubra hats so tough and long-lasting? It all comes down to one material: fur felt.
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Production: Akubra rabbit fur is meticulously pressed and matted into a dense yet flexible hat body, a process that’s been refined over a century.
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Qualities: This unique felt is incredibly durable, water-resistant, and surprisingly breathable—the perfect combination for the Aussie climate. It’s why an Akubra holds its shape and outlasts other hats.
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Sustainability: By creating a product designed to last for decades, Akubra hats are a true investment in quality and an inherently sustainable choice.
How Akubra Hats Are Made
It takes about six weeks for each Akubra hat to be completed, involving around 162 unique steps at their factory in Kempsey, NSW. Here’s a snapshot of the care and quality that goes into their creation.
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Felting the Fur: The process begins by expertly preparing and layering rabbit fur onto a cone, using heat and moisture to shrink and press it into a dense felt body.
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Blocking and Shaping: The hat is dipped in hot water and stretched over metal forms to create the iconic crown and brim, then dried overnight to set the shape.
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Finishing the Brim: A special shellac mixture is applied to the brim, giving it firmness and durability.
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Pouncing and Sanding: The hat's surface is meticulously sanded by hand to remove any fluff and achieve a smooth, perfect finish.
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The Final Touches: Finally, the leather sweatbands and decorative bands are hand-sewn, giving each hat its unique and distinctive character.
The average Akubra passes through 60 pairs of hands before completion. This kind of care, skill, and attention to detail is a rare thing these days, and one of the reasons this brand endures as a true Aussie icon.
Other Key Materials in Akubra Hats
While fur felt is the heart of an Akubra, other materials ensure its comfort, durability, and style. The brand's commitment to quality extends to every single detail.
Sweatbands
Often made from full-grain leather, Akubra sweatbands absorb moisture and provide a comfortable, snug fit that moulds to the shape of your head over time.
Hat Bands and Ribbons
Hat bands are where the Akubra style shines. Using materials like grosgrain, leather, or braided cords, like the distinctive band on the Akubra Riverina, they add both function and character.
Linings
Many Akubra hats feature a satin or breathable lining. This inner layer enhances comfort and helps protect the felt interior, ensuring your hat remains in pristine condition for years to come.
Benefits of Akubra Materials
Akubra hat materials and craftsmanship aren’t just about tradition. It’s all about creating a hat that's perfect for daily wear.
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Built for the Aussie Climate: The dense felt provides great UV protection and is naturally water-resistant, perfectly suited to Australian conditions.
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Superior Shape Retention: The resilient felt holds its shape exceptionally well, but can be re-shaped by an expert if needed.
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Unmatched Longevity: Built for a long lifespan, an Akubra hat is a true investment and a reliable companion for decades.
Popular Akubra Styles to Shop
Now you know what Akubra hats are made from, here are some of the most iconic styles available at City Hatters, each a perfect example of Akubra's craftsmanship.
Akubra Stylemaster
The Akubra Stylemaster is an iconic fur-felt fedora with a teardrop crown and grosgrain band. It’s the perfect blend of style and comfort.
Akubra Riverina
The Akubra Riverina is built for country styling, with eyelet ventilation and a distinctive six-strand braided leather band.
Akubra Cattleman
The Akubra Cattleman is the signature stockman hat, with a broad, dipping brim made from durable fur felt for maximum sun protection.
Akubra Territory
The Akubra Territory is a durable, wide-brimmed design built for the harsh sun and tough conditions of the Australian outback.
Final Thoughts on Akubra Craftsmanship
Time-honoured craftsmanship, resilience and quality have made the Akubra hat a symbol of Australian identity. More than just headwear, it's an investment in a piece of history and a companion built to last a lifetime. Ready to find your perfect style? Explore our full collection of Akubra hats at City Hatters today and visit us in-store for a professional fitting.