Hemp Balmoral Hat

Akubra's legendary quality is available in Manila hemp straw hats. Manila hemp is not a true hemp but a species of banana endemic to the Philippines. The fiber harvested from the plant’s leaves is both exceptionally strong and salt-resistant. Stronger than true hemp, the fiber has been used in the maritime industry for ropes. Several traditional cloths from the Philippines are also woven from Manila hemp. The inner fibers are used for woven hats.

Hats woven from Manila hemp are extremely durable, generally lasting longer than toquilla straw hats such as our Panamas. The strong fibers used in these hats results in a fairly stiff brim and crown, stiffer than any of our Panamas.

With reasonable care, hemp hats will last well. Pick the hat up by the brim, not by the crown or the peak.

Hemp hats are designed for protection from the sun. Do not wear them in the rain, and do not store them near the rear window of a car or truck, where they would bake in the sun.

When you put your hat down temporarily place it on its crown, so as not to distort the brim. Store the hat on a hat rack or supported at the sweat band in a hat box. Use a soft brush to remove dust.

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.

For further information, please refer to our Hat Manual

Akubra Hats have been Australia's quality fur felt hats since the early 1900's. Still handcrafted in Australia, Akubra hats are hard wearing hats with wider brims than the usual European brims, to protect you from the sun and rain. Akubra's reputation is built on the long lasting quality of their fur felt and the comfort of their roan leather sweatbands. We have been selling Akubra hats in the United States since 1965. We import our Akubras by sea, minimizing the environmental impact. After a quality and size check, we ship to our customers from our Bothell, Washington warehouse. Most customers receive their Akubras within 3 to 6 business days of placing an order.