Aussie Slouch Hat (Open Crown)

• British Khaki

• Pure fur felt -- Akubra's Superfine Quality
• Open Crown, 5½" to top
  Shape the crown to your desired shape.
  (instructions included)
• 3½" brim, bound edge
• Puggaree and chin strap included
• Brass clip to hold the brim
• Unlined
• Reeded roan leather sweatband
• Chin strap hooks
• 2 horizontal eyelets for ventilation on each side of crown, set rather high, a little above the turned up brim
• Color is British Khaki
• Sizes 54 (6¾) through 63 (7⅞)
• Authentic Australian military hat
• Made in Australia by Akubra

Large Hats with High Shipping Costs

All domestic shippers now charge dimensional weights for ground delivery. Any package over one cubic foot is subject to a greater charge than the actual weight. For these hats which require a box greater than one cubic foot, the cost has jumped to upwards of $25 via USPS. If you are interested in one of these styles, we do recommend you double check your hat size before purchasing, or consider buying from a bricks & mortar store where you can try on the hat, checking both size and style, before purchasing. We have been distributing Akubra hats in the US since 1965. A list of retailers, including our own store in Bothell, Washington, can be found at akubra-usa.com, or by calling us. If your local hat store does not yet carry Akubras, suggest they contact us!

Heads come in all sizes, and in a surprising variety of shapes. Although fur felt hats are adaptable, and will usually conform to differences in shape with a little wearing, it is essential that the size be correct for the head.

To determine your hat size, measure the circumference around your head, keeping the tape level and firm, across the temples and above the eyebrow ridges. Check the size chart given below. For in-between measurements use the next size up.

Circumference of head where hat brim sits:

Check the Fit
When your hat arrives, check the fit before wearing to make sure you have ordered the correct size:

1. The sweatband inside the hat should fit securely on the head without binding.

2. For some in-between sizes, and for some head shapes, greater comfort may be attained by placing felt pads inside the sweatband. Felt pads are enclosed with Akubra hats.

3. The top of the crown should not be so low that it touches the top of your head and prevents the hat from coming down far enough to seat properly. If it does, with a leather or cloth hat you may need a smaller size. With an Akubra fur felt hat the top can be adjusted. Check the information sheet supplied with the hat.

If you do find the size is not right, please give us a call before exchanging or returning. We have over 5o years' experience helping customers measure their heads and fit their hats. Heads come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes judicial use of felt hat pads (included with each Akubra purchase), altering to a long oval or raising the crown will solve a fit issue.

If the hat does not fit, recheck your hat size, and exchange your hat for the correct size. Hats in unused condition can be returned for exchange or full refund of the product price within 90 days of purchase. The cost to return the hat to us is the customer's responsibility. Our $9 handling charge covers your first exchange (if needed.) If you live in the greater Seattle area, exchanges and returns can be completed at our Bothell, Washington store. (See Customer Service, Returns and Exchanges and Repacking Your Akubra).

Hat Care
Akubra Hats are made to be worn by active outdoorspeople. They are made to give full satisfaction during years of service, through sun and rain. There is no need to baby your Akubra, but if you treat it with understanding, it will look better and last longer.

Do not pick up your hat by pinching the crown, either at the top or front. Pinching will flex the felt, and eventually cause a hole or crack to develop in the felt. It is best to pick up the hat either by the front and back of the brim, or by placing the thumbs inside the leather sweat band at the sides with the fingers just touching the outside edge of the brim.

Rain or sun do not harm a pure fur felt hat. There is no need for plastic rain covers -- these merely keep the felt from breathing properly and so make your head uncomfortable. Do not heat a wet hat. Heat will shrink the felt, as well as the leather. Stand the hat upside down on its crown, or hang on a hook in a cool place and let it dry naturally. Wet felt retains the shape in which it dries, so make sure the brim and crown are shaped as you want them before drying. Do not leave a hat standing flat on its brim, as this will distort the brim. Never put your hat on the back ledge of your car or truck in the sun, as the heat may shrink and damage the leather sweatband. If your hats must of necessity be dried or stored under warm conditions, storing the hat on a Hat Stretcher, set to your hat size, will be beneficial.

Dust and grime are bound to accumulate on a hat under any normal conditions. Dust can be removed by brushing with a soft brush. Always brush with the nap, in a counterclockwise direction. Dust can also be removed by wiping the hat with a damp (not wet) towel.

The Akubra hats with an open crown allow you to put your own personal bash or crease in the crown. A hat maker would use steam to make the shape permanent but steam may also shrink the felt. The better way for those who are not hat makers is to put in a preliminary shape, then when the hat is damp from the rain adjust it to the desired final shape and let it dry. This not only avoids shrinkage problems, but also lets you try out the preliminary shape and change it if needed.

For the Slouch, we prefer the traditional Australian Army choice of a center crease, a dent on the top from front to rear. Please refer to our online instructions: "Bashing your Open Crown Akubra" or download our Hat Manual for more help.