The Akubra hat is an Australian icon and these tips will help you choose the right one to make your look iconic too.
WHERE WILL YOU BE WEARING YOUR AKUBRA?
There’s an Akubra for every occasion, whether you’re mustering sheep under the hot Australian sun, or stepping out for a picnic under the shade of a coolabah tree. “Akubra do fur-felt and straw,” says Tess Bartsch – manager of Adelaide Hatters. “Quite often someone who wants an Akubra but may not need it for heavy duty wear will go with the straw, while the fur felt is very durable because it is long-lasting and can take all weather conditions.” Remember, too, that the taller your hat is the more ventilation it offers – so hard work is better done in an Akubra with a higher crown.
HOW MUCH PROTECTION DO YOU NEED?
Akubras come in all shapes and many brim sizes. If you’re going to the races and will spend the day under a marquee, maybe a short-brim bowler hat is for you. But, for full sun protection the broad brim is definitely the smarter choice. Of course, if you’re likely to be in crowds, a mid-range brim could be a better choice, which is why the staff on The Ghan wear the mid-brim Cattle-man hat.
WHAT WILL FIT MY HEAD BEST?
There are two main types of crown design in range. The round indent on the top of the crown suits a rounder head, while the elongated top indent is better suited to people whose head is longer than it is wide. “Choosing the right shape allows the hat to sit in the perfect spot on the head,” says Tess. “It should be just above the ears and in the middle of the forehead.”
WHAT WILL SUIT MY FACE SHAPE?
All these design elements of an Akubra should also be considered in relation to your face shape. “Usually you want to balance what’s happening in the face with what’s happening in the hat,” says Tess. “A little face and a big hat won’t work.”
WHAT DO I LIKE?
But, even with all of the above, the best advice is that it’s all about what you’re confident and comfortable in. While some might like the practicality of the Traveller, others might be drawn to the more showy hats, like the Crocodile Dundee-inspired The Croc, or the Western stylings of the Golden Spur. “The hat will pick you as much you pick the hat,” says Tess. “You just put one on, and for whatever reason it is just right.”
