ALL ABOUT AKUBRA...
Well, it's so rare there's only one of them - AKUBRA - still proudly made in Kempsey, NSW.
At first glance, the Akubra factories are just a couple of big, low-slung tin shed, reminiscent of those utilitarian shearing sheds the dot the Australian landscape.
It's inside where the magic happens.
It's not the old machinery that immediately stands out; it's just how hands-on the process is.
Making an Akubra is an old-school, hand-craftsmanship that is still practised today.
People are key in the process, but there are old machines that help along the way.
Pressure, heat and water are used throughout the process.
Akubra continues to use Huon Pine hat moulds that have been used for generations, now shiny from years of use.
We are so proud to stock an ever growing range of Akubra Hats & belts at our Sunshine Coast Hinterland store in Cooroy.
HAT CARE - CARING FOR YOUR NEW AKUBRA
With proper care your Akubra will give you many years of service.
Follow these tips & guidelines on how best to care for your new hat:
- Never leave your Akubra in the car or in direct sunlight when not being worn
- Do not force dry the hat if it has become wet. The inside leather band will shrink and once this happens it is hard to stretch back to its original size.
- Akubra hats are shower-proof and include a waterproofing solution. As the hat ages, the waterproofing during manufacture may break down and the felt will absorb water. However, usually, your head will remain dry.
- Do not squeeze the front of your hat when putting it on your head as this in time will cause a sharp point which will be the first place the hat will wear. Tugging the brim to ensure the fit can spoil the brim if this is done continually.
- When not being worn rest the hat upside down on the crown or hang it on a hat peg.
- If the hat brim is out of shape simply place the area over steam (a kettle will do nicely) until the area is moist.
- Remember not to get the inside band wet.
- You can give your Akubra a brush from time to time in an anti-clockwise direction with a soft bristled brush over a shot of steam (a kettle will do nicely). This will assist in returning the fur back to its original direction.
- If your Akubra is slightly soiled with dust and/or grime, firstly brush the hat in an anti-clockwise direction to remove any dust and then lightly rub the affected area with a damp cloth. Wet the hat only with water to clean. Any serious marks should be cleaned by a hat cleaning specialist only, please refer to Akubra's list of hat refurbishers.
- We do not recommend completely immersing your Akubra hat in water as this may distort the shape.
STORING YOUR AKUBRA
Always remember to store your hat on is crown upside down.
Do not rest your hat on its brim otherwise this will pull your hat and brim downwards and out of proportion.
The most ideal way to store your Akubra hat is on a hat stand or a hook.
STYLE AND FITTING YOUR AKUBRA HAT
Care should be taken when selecting the right size of your new Akubra; as with the right care, it is a product that is going to last you many years.
Heads come in all sizes, and in a surprising variety of shapes.
Although Akubra hats are adaptable, and will usually conform to differences in shape with a little wearing, it is essential that the size be correct for your head.
To determine your hat size follow these simple steps, this will give you your head size:
- Measure the circumference around your head in CMs- approximately 12mm (1/2") above the ears
- Keep the dressmaker tape level and firm, across the temple and above the eyebrow ridges.
NOTE: If you have an inbetween measurement, opt for the next size up.
For an enduring fit with your new Akubra the following points should be considered:
- The Sheepskin inner band of the hat may shrink slightly with use. Do not expect a tight-fitting hat to 'loosen up'
- In time, the hat will conform to your head shape. Initially, a slightly loose-fitting hat can be adjusted using folded tissue placed behind the inner band, then removed as the hat conforms to your head shape.
To properly fit a hat, clear all hair away from the forehead and place the front of the hat (ribbon bow and size to the back) on the head: then by placing the palm of your hand on the back of the crown push the hat down. The hat should fit firmly on the head so that a good push down will make the hat stay in place on a windy day.
When trying a hat on you will occasionally find one size too small and the next too big. It is suggested that you purchase the larger one and insert a liner inside the leather sweatband to help the hat fit more snugly. A hat that feels too tight will never be comfortable.
When the hat is new it may feel a little stiff. However, with wear the leather hatband will begin to mould to your head shape.
