Buying Guides Caring for your Akubra

Looking after your Akubra

First and foremost - never leave your hat 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.

Fitting your Akubra

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.

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.

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. The bent brim can be re-shaped with your fingertips and any crown marks should simply disappear.

Cleaning your Akubra

Your Akubra should be cleaned by a hat cleaning specialist only, please refer to our list of hat care cleaning specialists. However if the hat is slightly soiled with dust and/or grime, firstly brush the hat in an anticlockwise direction to remove any dust and then lightly rub the affected area with a paint thinner or dry cleaning fluid. Do not use too much.

Car upholstery cleaner can be used. Spray on and leave for 15 - 20 seconds then wipe off with a damp cloth.

Storing your Akubra

The best way to store your Akubra Hat is by resting it on its crown upside down on a table, shelf or in a cupboard. Do not rest it on the brim as this can sometimes pull the whole hat out of proportion. Best way of storing your hat is on a hat stand or hook

Style and Fit

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.

Hat Care

To keep your Akubra in shape, it's best to give it 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.

Akubra gets wet?

Your Akubra makes a great rain hat. However if it becomes wet it is important that it be cared for correctly. 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, generally, your head will remain dry.

Crown and Brim Distortions

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. The bent brim can be reshaped with your fingertips and any crown marks should simply disappear

Fixing Grosgrain Ribbon Band / Squashed Crown

If the grosgrain ribbon hat band becomes creased? Slightly wet the grosgrain band and use some steam to remove the creases. If your hat gets squashed out of shape use steam to reshape your hat.

Cleaning

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 paint thinner or dry cleaning fluid. Do not use too much. Car upholstery cleaner can be used. Spray on and leave for 15-20 seconds then wipe off with a damp cloth. Any serious marks should be cleaned by a hat cleaning specialist only, please refer to our list of hat refurbishers.

Should I wet my hat completely?

We do not recommend completely immersing your Akubra hat in water as this may distort the shape.