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Monday, April 6, 2009

The Spirit of the Land Down Under Lives On In Australian Outback Hats

By Malcom Sloan

The Australian Outback Hat, sometimes referred to as Australia's take on the "American Cowboy hat", has similar beginnings to its American counterpart. Australians used to wear these hats just to protect themselves from the elements of heat and rain. Only in this practical sense, however, are these two hats similar.

The Aussie Outback or Australian hat is designed to be smaller and the front and back of the hat are folded down. Also, the sides of the hat are not turned up starkly as they are in the American cowboy hat. Fur felt, straw, canvas, leather, wool felt, kangaroo and mesh have all been used to make Aussie hats. Aussie Outback hats are like American Cowboy hats in that they illustrate the true life of the Australian through form and function.

Almost everyone who lives in the Australian Outback has more than one hat. Each hat has a different use besides the usual use of covering the head in harsh climates. Throughout the world, this headgear is perceived as both a practical and a design choice.

Many people mistakenly think that Australians will hang trinkets from the brims of these Australian Outback hats such as crocodile teeth and other items. Tourists are the only ones who would wear these. Fedora hats are only worn when one needs a safari hat. Traditionally it's a fedora with the brim completely pushed down.

Many variations of the basic Australian Outback hat means you will have a lot of options to select from when you choose the Aussie hat that is just right for you. Ths Australian Outback hat is similar to a small American Cowboy hat. The authentic outback hat is the Akubra Hat. These hats were first made by the Keir family in 1874. They are still made by this family today. The higher quality hats are made out of rabbit fur. The "Snowy River" style is the most popular of the Akubra hats. It got it's name from the movie called "The Man From Snowy River".

In Australia, it is important to be able to fold your hat up very small for storage and then have it spring right back into shape when you are ready to wear it. The Aussies coined the term "squashable" to describe this important quality. These hats are truly "squashable". One reason for this is that the manufacturers only use the highest quality of leather. In this way, they can create a consistent product. Jacaru was one of the first to create the leather style Australian hat. A canvas style is also available. Both styles have a brawny, outdoor appearance and gain even more character as they age.

Bill Conner's steer hide hat prompted him to create the first leather hat business, BC Hats. This company also produces a unique kind of hat with wire mesh built into the brim. This hat is easy to shape and holds its shape well. Many people recognize the "Aussie hat" as a Stockman. The most cliched Australian hat is the Cork. There are corks strung onto its brim so flying insects will be repelled. The constant movement of the corks is said to protect the wearer from tiresome, flying pests.

Go to www.hats-forsale.com to see a wide variety of Australian Outback hats. You will soon see that there are lots of different types to choose from. You really need to see all the pictures to get the full effect and decide which one is right for you. You'll have to choose carefully if you are to become the next Crocodile Dundee! - 18424

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