Akubra questions

Ok. I have been lurking for awhile, reading hundreds of posts and decided I had to get a few Akubra hats after reading all the rave reviews here! I got a Cattleman in fawn which I totally love and a Campdraft in silverbelly. These Akubra hats are SO So So much better than the cheaper hats I used to wear! And so much more comfortable then Stetson temple I own but never loved. I adore the campdraft! I had a heck of a time bashing it. I have a big head, lots of thick curly hair. I think I like to wear my hats oversized and kind of low which often leads to the problem of my head popping through the bash on low crown fedoras. I find that teardrop shapes seem to help with this problem. I formed my campdraft into a teardrop bash. I brought the crown down lower because I looked a bit like a forest ranger when it was higher. Thanks to youtube, I stumbled through bashing and steaming it, but it took about 6 tries! (Getting the middle to pop up in the center of the tear drop was quite difficult and the side dents are not as defined as I was trying to get) Anyhoo! I love this campdraft and it's my favorite hat ever! The brim is a perfect width and I love that I can wear it flat or pulled down. My question: is there a hat that is similar to the campdraft..same size brim, but slightly more tapered and maybe not as tall a crown? A hat slightly less majestic then the CD? Something similar but slightly more "fedora-esque"? The CD is kind of old time wild west look on me. I'm a 6ft tall, broad shouldered woman and can handle a lot of hat, but I would like something with a bit more subtle crown but not so low that my head hits the top. I checked out the stylemaster but I don't think I will like it because it's too tapered. I don't like the pinhead look on my hats..tapered fedoras just don't look right on me. Brims much smaller the CD also are quite unflattering. I also tend to like thinner ribbons, but those can always be changed. Any recommendations?

Eve said:

Ok. I have been lurking for awhile, reading hundreds of posts and decided I had to get a few Akubra hats after reading all the rave reviews here! I got a Cattleman in fawn which I totally love and a Campdraft in silverbelly. These Akubra hats are SO So So much better than the cheaper hats I used to wear! And so much more comfortable then Stetson temple I own but never loved. I adore the campdraft! I had a heck of a time bashing it. I have a big head, lots of thick curly hair. I think I like to wear my hats oversized and kind of low which often leads to the problem of my head popping through the bash on low crown fedoras. I find that teardrop shapes seem to help with this problem. I formed my campdraft into a teardrop bash. I brought the crown down lower because I looked a bit like a forest ranger when it was higher. Thanks to youtube, I stumbled through bashing and steaming it, but it took about 6 tries! (Getting the middle to pop up in the center of the tear drop was quite difficult and the side dents are not as defined as I was trying to get) Anyhoo! I love this campdraft and it's my favorite hat ever! The brim is a perfect width and I love that I can wear it flat or pulled down. My question: is there a hat that is similar to the campdraft..same size brim, but slightly more tapered and maybe not as tall a crown? A hat slightly less majestic then the CD? Something similar but slightly more "fedora-esque"? The CD is kind of old time wild west look on me. I'm a 6ft tall, broad shouldered woman and can handle a lot of hat, but I would like something with a bit more subtle crown but not so low that my head hits the top. I checked out the stylemaster but I don't think I will like it because it's too tapered. I don't like the pinhead look on my hats..tapered fedoras just don't look right on me. Brims much smaller the CD also are quite unflattering. I also tend to like thinner ribbons, but those can always be changed. Any recommendations?

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Maybe look into the Akubra squatter. Shorter crown then CD. Wider ribbon. I believe a bit more taper then the CD but less taper then the Stylemaster.

Eve said:

Ok. I have been lurking for awhile, reading hundreds of posts and decided I had to get a few Akubra hats after reading all the rave reviews here! I got a Cattleman in fawn which I totally love and a Campdraft in silverbelly. These Akubra hats are SO So So much better than the cheaper hats I used to wear! And so much more comfortable then Stetson temple I own but never loved. I adore [emoji173]️[emoji173]️ the campdraft! I had a heck of a time bashing it. I have a big head, lots of thick curly hair. I think I like to wear my hats oversized and kind of low which often leads to the problem of my head popping through the bash on low crown fedoras. I find that teardrop shapes seem to help with this problem. I formed my campdraft into a teardrop bash. I brought the crown down lower because I looked a bit like a forest ranger when it was higher. Thanks to youtube, I stumbled through bashing and steaming it, but it took about 6 tries! (Getting the middle to pop up in the center of the tear drop was quite difficult and the side dents are not as defined as I was trying to get) Anyhoo! I love this campdraft and it's my favorite hat ever! The brim is a perfect width and I love that I can wear it flat or pulled down. My question: is there a hat that is similar to the campdraft..same size brim, but slightly more tapered and maybe not as tall a crown? A hat slightly less majestic then the CD? Something similar but slightly more "fedora-esque"? The CD is kind of old time wild west look on me. I'm a 6ft tall, broad shouldered woman and can handle a lot of hat, but I would like something with a bit more subtle crown but not so low that my head hits the top. I checked out the stylemaster but I don't think I will like it because it's too tapered. I don't like the pinhead look on my hats..tapered fedoras just don't look right on me. Brims much smaller the CD also are quite unflattering. I also tend to like thinner ribbons, but those can always be changed. Any recommendations?

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If you like open crown and a fedora look, you may look at the Akubra Fedora (also known as the Sydney). I also think the Squatter is worth a look. If you like the outback look (since you like the Cattleman) and want that with a smaller crown and some taper, try the Banjo Paterson or Lawson.


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Eve - you might want to give it a little time. I've noticed that a lot of folks feel the CD's are a bit much when they first get one, but after awhile they get used to it and start to love it. That's what happened to me. Also, I'll second the comment on the Deluxe sweatbands: they always feel smooth and cool. Some of the best I've encountered.

I believe the OP is looking for another hat. Something possibly by Akubra with a tiny bit of a shorter crown with a tad more taper as well as something a little more "fedora-esque."

Yes I really do like this CD and plan on wearing it a lot..but when I do, it seems to make quite a statement because it's pretty tall and masculine. People look at it pretty hard. lol I'd also like something a bit more demure like a fedora which is somewhat similar to the CD. I prefer a flatter brim, not one that curves in a more country style.

I appreciate the recommendations. I am taking a look at the Sydney and Squatter. Squatter brim is larger than the CD, correct? I was hoping to keep the brim around the same size as the CD.

Eve said:

Yes I really do like this CD and plan on wearing it a lot..but when I do, it seems to make quite a statement because it's pretty tall and masculine. People look at it pretty hard. lol I'd also like something a bit more demure like a fedora which is somewhat similar to the CD. I prefer a flatter brim, not one that curves in a more country style.

I appreciate the recommendations. I am taking a look at the Sydney and Squatter. Squatter brim is larger than the CD, correct? I was hoping to keep the brim around the same size as the CD.

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73mm brim on Camp Draft. Dimensional brim 76mm (front/back) and 73mm (sides) on the Squatter.

Eve said:

Yes I really do like this CD and plan on wearing it a lot..but when I do, it seems to make quite a statement because it's pretty tall and masculine. People look at it pretty hard. lol I'd also like something a bit more demure like a fedora which is somewhat similar to the CD. I prefer a flatter brim, not one that curves in a more country style.

I appreciate the recommendations. I am taking a look at the Sydney and Squatter. Squatter brim is larger than the CD, correct? I was hoping to keep the brim around the same size as the CD.

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Akubra makes a ladies hat called the Bianca that might be what you are looking for. It's basically an Akubra Adventurer with a different ribbon and it comes in more feminine colors as well as some neutral ones.


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Eve said:

Yes I really do like this CD and plan on wearing it a lot..but when I do, it seems to make quite a statement because it's pretty tall and masculine. People look at it pretty hard. lol I'd also like something a bit more demure like a fedora which is somewhat similar to the CD. I prefer a flatter brim, not one that curves in a more country style.

I appreciate the recommendations. I am taking a look at the Sydney and Squatter. Squatter brim is larger than the CD, correct? I was hoping to keep the brim around the same size as the CD.

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Also In the movie Australia , it was an Akubra Squatter that Nicole Kidman wore in many scenes ...



Its a nice looking Hat Eve , and it comes Open Crowned , as you know . The Fedora AKA Sydney Fedora with a 2 1/2" Brim is super soft and nice , too .

CurlyW said:

I'm 65 and don't hardly look at youtube, are you saying google how to shape hat for long oval.

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For example.

Akubra on their (New and Improved) Official site (which has been redone/updated) has instructions and instructional videos (new ones from what was on there) , here's the link to the Hat Care page ... http://www.akubra.com.au/hat-care.html
FYI - anti-clockwise is counter clockwise . The vids are short , but good to know about several topics . They're not on youtube , I guess just on the site .
That David Morgan vid on putting in a Long Oval and another on Hat Care are good , too , plus David Morgan has a few on Bashing .

CurlyW said:

I'm 65 and don't hardly look at youtube, are you saying google how to shape hat for long oval.
the hat isn't uncomfortable at this point, but it is new and hasn't shrunk any

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I might have to try the Squatter and possibly the Sydney too. Can anyone tell me which version of the Akubra form the most defined dents and is easiest to shape..the deluxe or the regular version? Is one version better for warmer weather than the other? The more I wear this Campdraft, the more I want another one in a darker color. I wish I found this forum earlier and discovered Akubra years ago!

Eve said:

I might have to try the Squatter and possibly the Sydney too. Can anyone tell me which version of the Akubra form the most defined dents and is easiest to shape..the deluxe or the regular version? Is one version better for warmer weather than the other? The more I wear this Campdraft, the more I want another one in a darker color. I wish I found this forum earlier and discovered Akubra years ago!

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I believe the concensus is that the deluxe fur and sweatband are of SLIGHTLY higher quality;I don't remember feeling that one bashed better/easier than the other.Some models have ventilation though most here agree its not terribly effective.

Eve said:

I might have to try the Squatter and possibly the Sydney too. Can anyone tell me which version of the Akubra form the most defined dents and is easiest to shape..the deluxe or the regular version? Is one version better for warmer weather than the other? The more I wear this Campdraft, the more I want another one in a darker color. I wish I found this forum earlier and discovered Akubra years ago!

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The Heritage is a denser feeling felt & I wear an older Imperial without the liner in warmer weather. Besides the Fedora Lounge special in Bluegrass Green, the Moonstone is my favorite color but it is only available in Heritage from Hats Direct.

Eve , here's moon showing his experience with the Campdraft felts , Imperial vs Deluxe ...

Eve said:

I might have to try the Squatter and possibly the Sydney too. Can anyone tell me which version of the Akubra form the most defined dents and is easiest to shape..the deluxe or the regular version? Is one version better for warmer weather than the other? The more I wear this Campdraft, the more I want another one in a darker color. I wish I found this forum earlier and discovered Akubra years ago!

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I think if you can afford to spend a bit xtra for the Delux or Heritage felt you should do so. Some here have recieved some very soft and easily shaped Imperial quality Akubras, while others havent. Some have complained abt stiffer Deluxe/Heritage felts. Some have gotten softer more easily shaped Deluxe grade felts... So it could be the luck of the draw. I personally believe the Deluxe is softer and more easily shaped. According to Akubra the Deluxe/Heritage grade is pounced to a finer degree than the Imperial grade. There's gonna b some variables from run to run and amount of stiffener applied to the felt no matter what grade you get.

Hello Gentlemen,

I am fairly new to the world of hats (quality hats, that is. I do have an old, beaten up cowboy hat of bad quality from almost ten years ago, badly shrunken now, and a Christy's foldaway, also shrunken, stretched, shrunken again, stretched etc.) and I have just purchased my first one, an Akubra Snowy River in Rodeo Brown. It arrived yesterday. I wore it in the rain straightaway and I am very impressed with most of it. I do, however, have some questions for the more experienced Akubrists out there. And I apologize in advance if those questions have been answered elsewhere.

1. I am between sizes. My head measures 58,5 cm and I tried on the Snowy River in both 58 and 59. I chose the 59, since the 58 was already a rather tight fit and I have read about some shrinkage. The 59 has already broken in since yesterday (been wearing it almost all day), and although I still have some napkin filling behind the sweat band, I am very pleased with the fit. I also plan on growing my hair out, so the extra space might be a good idea. Overall, I was impressed how quickly it conformed ot my head shape and how comfortably it now fits. At first I was concerned, since both sizes felt rather loose or floppy in the beginning, which I guess has to do with stiff felt and a not yet broken in shape.
To my question: How much shrinkage will there be? I feel it has already shrunken and I would like to maintain it the way it is now. Of course I wouldn't put it on a heater or leave it in the hot car, but I am planning to wear it in the rain and snow and hot sun in the summer – to wear it always. Will there be more shrinkage? How to avoid major shrinkage? After I decided I was going to keep it I treated the sweat band with some leather conditioner btw.

2. I know Akubras are said to be very weather resistant, and that is the reason why I bought it. It would nice if someone could share there experience with Akubras and harsh weather conditions. I figured if I buy a hat, I want one that can take a lot. How much can Akubras in general and Snowy Rivers in specific take in your opinion? Any tips for caring for them after being exposed to the elements?

3. In terms of changing the brim shape. I know you can change shapes with help of steam. I did that to my old Christy's and it helped, although I have kind of fallen out of love with that one. If I change the shape of the Akubra, is there anything I should consider? Or be careful about? And if I change the brim shape and don't like it, can I just as easily go back to the old shape?

4. In terms of the hat band. I do like the look of the Snowy River hat band, but I thought I might change it to a simpler one in the future. I was actually surprised by the bad quality of the band, not proper leather and easily broken (I already damaged it while inspecting the hat band). I find it strange that a brand that makes such quality hats doesn't invest in proper leather bands, which don't cost a lot. I was even more surprised that they GLUED it onto the felt rather than stitch. This may make it more difficult to change the hat band, I think. Any suggestions regarding changing the hat band and removing that glue? Does anyone have experience with glue on Akubra hat bands? Any reply is appreciated.

That was it for now. I hope some of you fine gentlemen can answer some of my questions. I wish you all a good weekend. I will certainly have one, enjoying my new hat.

Cheers,
Bonedaddy

A $20 Hat Jack is a good investment. Don't use it to stretch the hat but set it at your hat size and insert in the hat after use. It will help maintain the hat to your size. Or if you have wordworking skills you could cut yourself a band block in the correct size and insert that into the hat each night.

Congrats on the hat.
1. I wear both 58 and 59 sometimes. None of the newer Akubras have shrunk signifcantly. One really old one in 59, either sold under another name, Statesman, or maybe a predecessor to Akubra has shrunk a couple of sizes. 59 is the safer bet. I either put trips of felt from a hobby store (very cheap option) that I cut or hat foam behind sweat for hats that are slightly too big. Occasionally I will wind up removing some of the spacers as a hat gets older or I grow a little hair.
2. Akubras are tough and can handle weather well. Do not apply heat to dry. Just hang on a peg or set on a table or towel somewhere upside down on crown, and let it dry out on its own. Plenty of threads about wet hats if you search.
3. Steam has not worked for me very well on Akubras. Probably need a lot of steam like at a hat shop. Distilled water spritzed on Akubras have made them pretty easy to shape. You should be able to return to original shape but it may look a little more broken in, which is not a bad thing to most of us.
4. Might be some threads on this if you search. You may have to go with a wider band to cover any glue spots. Sometimes glue will actually come off on some hats but will not on others. I have not changed a hatband on my Akubras.

Scooterz said:

Congrats on the hat.
1. I wear both 58 and 59 sometimes. None of the newer Akubras have shrunk signifcantly. One really old one in 59, either sold under another name, Statesman, or maybe a predecessor to Akubra has shrunk a couple of sizes. 59 is the safer bet. I either put trips of felt from a hobby store (very cheap option) that I cut or hat foam behind sweat for hats that are slightly too big. Occasionally I will wind up removing some of the spacers as a hat gets older or I grow a little hair.
2. Akubras are tough and can handle weather well. Do not apply heat to dry. Just hang on a peg or set on a table or towel somewhere upside down on crown, and let it dry out on its own. Plenty of threads about wet hats if you search.
3. Steam has not worked for me very well on Akubras. Probably need a lot of steam like at a hat shop. Distilled water spritzed on Akubras have made them pretty easy to shape. You should be able to return to original shape but it may look a little more broken in, which is not a bad thing to most of us.
4. Might be some threads on this if you search. You may have to go with a wider band to cover any glue spots. Sometimes glue will actually come off on some hats but will not on others. I have not changed a hatband on my Akubras.

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Thank you for your reply! Adding and removing spacers depending on the hair length and other factors was what I was planning to do as well.