Aussie Slouch Hat Query...

[MAB1]

Are slouch hats inherently tapered?

I have this beautiful Akubra Riverina that I've revamped. I can get the sides straight but it's still tapered front to back.

I've already blocked and stretched it once, thinking I'd make it Indy style.

I only got about 1/4 inch height. Still tapered front to back.

It is what it is.

Am I doing something wrong?

 

[Mike K.]

The Riverina is not a slouch hat. If you look at an Aussie slouch hat (it's a military hat), you'll discover that the crown is quite cylindrical, much like a stove pipe. That's why the dozens of us who did the safari conversion on the Riverina never managed to get the pugarree from the slouch hats to fit. The Riverina is a different breed of hat. The crown has a taper. It is a great outdoor hat and very conducive to a safari hat conversion. But if you're looking for an Indy-style hat, I don't think the Riverina is the way to go.