Cowboy Hats and More

Ever since I was a young boy I have wanted to be like one of those Australian Outback heros I used to see in the movies. Those guys were so cool. They really made me want to wrestle kangaroos and round up wombats. As I grew older I realized it wasn’t likely I would ever be one of these heros. Instead, I was destined to live out my existence here in good old Indiana.

Don’t get me wrong, America is a great place and I love to live here, but even as an adult I desire the wide-open spaces of Australia. You may not believe this, but I have figured out a way to play make believe that I am in Australia without leaving my stark Indianpolis apartment. All I had to do was buy a couple outback hats. Whenever I put on these hats I am instantly trasported to the glorious Australian desert. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my fantasy that I don’t even hear the wail of the sirens outside and the baby upstairs ceases to cry.

Both the American West and Australian Outback were among the final frontiers of exploration and colonial conquests in the last half of the 19th century. While separated by many miles both territories were characterized by hot desert conditions, wild/untamed land, frontier justice and conflict with native peoples. It took hard work to tame both lands. Necessity being the mother of invention it is no wonder that similar conditions gave rise to similar hats in both locations.

Working hard in tough outdoor conditions heightens the need for protection from the elements. Like the cowboy hats of the American Wild West, the hats worn by the men and women of the Australian Outback were meant to protect the wearer from sun, heat, rain, and sometimes, even snow. Like the cowboy hat they could carry water or spur on a reluctant horse. Head gear in both environments had to be comfortable, durable and light weight. The outback hat is usually smaller than the cowboy hat overall with brims that are 3″- 4″ wide and tapered up on the sides. Crown shapes can vary, but the classic outback hat has a teardrop shape that is generally much shorter than typical with cowboy hats.

There is an unmistakable bond between the environments that generated the cowboy hat and the outback hat. Both generated stylish functional hats that symbolize the spirit of their wild, rugged and independent territories. The outback style is popular around the world and, thanks to numerous movies and popular characters, easily recognizable by just about anyone. Anyone looking for something a bit different than the American Wild West, and the cowboy hat, may find something rugged, durable, comfortable and fashionable in today’s world of outback hats.

Since its release in 1986, people around the world have been captivated by Mick “Crocodile” Dundee.  Characterized by his outback hat, crocodile skin vest, big knife, and unique outlook on life, the Crocodile Dundee was a big hit at the box office and became a cultural icon for the decade.  In recent years, a follow up film to the original Crocodile Dundee was released, placing the same characters in the urban environment of Los Angeles, though it was met with only moderate success.  Though the crocodile man from down under didn’t fare so well this time, the original films excite and entertain modern audiences as well

Paraphernalia from the show is still popular as it has become a standard stereotype for Australian people.  Though real Australians don’t wear crocodile skin garments and tote large skinning knives, it’s fun to think about people who do. 

Building your own cowboy or Western, fedora, or Outback (Aussie) hat is a special treat for someone who wears a hat often.  Cowboy Hats and More allows you to choose your style and color, give your head measurements, and choose the brim style, crown height, or fabric finish of the hat if applicable.  The inner hat band can also be personalized free of charge if you prefer.

A custom cowboy hat is the perfect way to get a hat that really fits you and suits your style and your needs.  Whether it is a dress hat you need or an everyday hat, Cowboy Hats and More can provide the perfect accent to your ensemble.

You might be wondering what exactly an Aussie hat might be.  Your first instinct is probably to think of the Indiana Jones movies, and the hat Harrison Ford is rarely seen without.  Aussies are cowboy-type hats that are modeled after a hat that was worn in the Australian military.

An Aussie hat has a wide brim, and may have the capacity to fold on either or both sides.  Sometimes the Aussie hat is not completely flat.  Indy is not the only one who sports this style–many men have adopted this stylish look.