Akubra Overload

[Zombie_61]

Not sure what you mean. According to some figures, Akubra already outsells Stetson annually. Modern Akubras already have a reputation for greater durability than modern Stetsons. I personally own way more modern Akubras than I do modern Stetsons...

I suppose it's because I live in the Orange County area of southern California, but NOBODY recognizes the name "Akubra" here. Similarly, few recognize the name "Stetson" because few in this part of the world work on a ranch, and those who do know the name either do seasonal work on a farm/ranch somewhere in central California or they've seen a western or three. Me, I own one Stetson hat that I bought simply because I liked the hat, not because it was made by Stetson. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

Similarly, few recognize the name "Stetson" because few in this part of the world work on a ranch, and those who do know the name either do seasonal work on a farm/ranch somewhere in central California or they've seen a western or three.

Zombie, you've been on this site for ages. Why do you think a Stetson is a hat that only ranchers wear?

Beyond that, the difference between "NOBODY" and "few" was my point.

 

[Zombie_61]

Zombie, you've been on this site for ages. Why do you think a Stetson is a hat that only ranchers wear?

Because no one I've met in Southern California seems to care about Stetson; those who need a working hat with a wider brim usually buy a cheap straw hat at Home Depot, or whatever their local hardware store is, and if those among the physical labor class aren't wearing inexpensive straw hats they're usually wearing ball caps. That said, I'm not the type to stop someone just to ask who made their hat unless I really like it and would like to own one for myself; that doesn't happen often, and, so far, I've never encountered someone who was wearing a Stetson that I'd want to own.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

Because no one I've met in Southern California seems to care about Stetson; those who need a working hat with a wider brim usually buy a cheap straw hat at Home Depot, or whatever their local hardware store is, and if those among the physical labor class aren't wearing inexpensive straw hats they're usually wearing ball caps. That said, I'm not the type to stop someone just to ask who made their hat unless I really like it and would like to own one for myself; that doesn't happen often, and, so far, I've never encountered someone who was wearing a Stetson that I'd want to own.

My point was about brand recognition, not about current usage.

You say nobody knows Stetson because nobody wears them. But nobody wore them the entire time I was growing up yet most people knew the name Stetson. And some of them would refer to any felt hat (including cowboy hats) as "a Stetson".

(Of course, I grew up in a culture where a "coke" was any kind of soda whatsoever... so there is that.)

My argument was that the majority of folks (at least in North America) who know anything at all about felt hats don't know any other brand except Stetson and that Akubra is never going to eclipse that level of brand recognition outside of Australia.

 

[DamoLynch]

Owner (and constant wearer) of "Aussie" style Akubras. Never had any interest in a Western style hat - until now...

Akubra Hats - The Old West - Regency Fawn https://share.google/bOEV3W9I0wu8NPdsq

 

[Ent]

Owner (and constant wearer) of "Aussie" style Akubras. Never had any interest in a Western style hat - until now...

Akubra Hats - The Old West - Regency Fawn https://share.google/bOEV3W9I0wu8NPdsq

I’m not to certain on this approach. Akubra has since time immemorial been happy to borrow from other hat makers and put an Australian style twist on these designs. But duplicating another country’s distinct style is a little cheesy to me. No doubt they will be great hats probably well price tariffs aside.

 

[Zeuloa]

I’m not to certain on this approach. Akubra has since time immemorial been happy to borrow from other hat makers and put an Australian style twist on these designs. But duplicating another country’s distinct style is a little cheesy to me. No doubt they will be great hats probably well price tariffs aside.

It seems they’ve been making westerns for a long time… On a one of KTG’s recent video he shapes an Akubra Sombrero, and styles it based on an old Akubra catalog picture of how they used to come bashed.

 

[One Drop]

I’m not to certain on this approach. Akubra has since time immemorial been happy to borrow from other hat makers and put an Australian style twist on these designs. But duplicating another country’s distinct style is a little cheesy to me. No doubt they will be great hats probably well price tariffs aside.

They have a long history of this, with purely American Western style hats in various models and dress hats, and this since many years if not throughout their whole history.

 

[Stu K 323]

It seems they’ve been making westerns for a long time… On a one of KTG’s recent video he shapes an Akubra Sombrero, and styles it based on an old Akubra catalog picture of how they used to come bashed.

There is a YouTuber called David McMahon, an Outback tour guide for Venture North Australia, a naturalist and wildlife lover, who has interesting videos. One of his videos shows him bashing an Akubra Sombrero, I really like the style he ends up with by the end.

 

[One Drop]

There is a YouTuber called David McMahon, an Outback tour guide for Venture North Australia, a naturalist and wildlife lover, who has interesting videos. One of his videos shows him bashing an Akubra Sombrero, I really like the style he ends up with by the end.

I saw that years ago, looking around to get an idea how it looks before I got one. He ends up with some kind of a reverse Montana pinch, very original and looks great. It's especially interesting to see how the new one compares to his heavily worn one.

 

[DamoLynch]

Traveling with my Leisure Time Fern. Wasn't brave enough to stow it in the overhead lockers. And my feet occupy the space under the seat in front.

 

[GabGarde]

Got my Old West yesterday; wearing it to work today.

 

[StoryPNW]

Got my Old West yesterday; wearing it to work today.

Very nice, looks good! I wish they didn't get so dang expensive with tariffs and price increase.

 

[Ent]

Got my Old West yesterday; wearing it to work today.

I just love the concept and you have the guts to pull it off. Well done.

 

[One Drop]

Got my Old West yesterday; wearing it to work today.

Fabulous looking hat, looks great on you!

 

[Stu K 323]

Got my Old West yesterday; wearing it to work today.

Well that's a thing of beauty, and without wanting to sound too much like the fast show, "suit you sir" How is it to wear?

 

[Ent]

Trying encouraging spring to arrive with a
Montecristo.

 

[GabGarde]

Well that's a thing of beauty, and without wanting to sound too much like the fast show, "suit you sir" How is it to wear?

Thanks very much, everyone!

It was instantly comfortable on my head, despite the felt being relatively stiff and thick.

Living in Brisbane, I did get a bit sweaty walking around yesterday, but that happens when I wear any felt hat in this city.

Also noticed that it looks similar to Pierce Brosnan's hat in The Son, minus the brim binding.

I will say that the leather sweatband looks and feels suspiciously different (shiny) from my other Akubras though, making me wonder if there's a quality difference there, or even if they've switched to faux leather, which would be disappointing, especially considering the price.

I agree that the price increase is a shame; it seems they're trying to match Stetson's pricing. The Old West in particular is the exact same price as the Boss of the Plains.

Still, happy to support an Australian business and didn't want to miss out on a style I've always wanted since missing out on the Kentucky Rancher. Just hope they don't lose sight of their customer base.

 

[rogueclimber]

Somewhat disappointed with a $50 off offer Akubra texted me.

Ends up it is $50 AUD so only about $33 USD, and then $65 shipping (which they manage to charge in USD...)

My last hat from The Hattery was $20 USD to ship, before the current shipping freeze

 

[GLewis]

Somewhat disappointed with a $50 off offer Akubra texted me.

Ends up it is $50 AUD so only about $33 USD, and then $65 shipping (which they manage to charge in USD...)

My last hat from The Hattery was $20 USD to ship, before the current shipping freeze

The price has gone up since the new owner took over.