Akubra

Overview

Akubra is an Australian hat manufacturer specializing in rabbit fur felt hats, particularly wide-brim bush hats and military slouch hats supplied to the Australian Defence Force. It produces a range of styles including fedoras, homburgs, bowlers, pork pies, and trilbys, with manufacturing centered in Kempsey, New South Wales. The brand is noted for its handcrafted process involving 162 steps over six weeks and Ethical Clothing Australia accreditation for fair labor practices.

History

Akubra was founded in 1876 in Tasmania by Benjamin Dunkerley as Kensington Hat Mills, with Stephen Keir I joining in 1904 and the Akubra trademark registered in 1912 by Arthur P. Stewart. The company supplied slouch hats to Australian forces from World War I onward, reaching 500 employees by 1943 and producing its 2 millionth slouch hat in 2015 while renewing its Defence Force contract. Operations moved to Kempsey, New South Wales in 1974, and it was acquired by Tattarang in November 2023 after family ownership by the Keirs.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Akubra hats are manufactured in Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia, using a 162-step handcrafted process that takes six weeks and involves 60 pairs of hands. Production is in-house at their facility, with the majority of products accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia for fair wages and conditions.

Notable Products

• Slouch Hat - Standard Australian military hat supplied since World War I, over 2 million produced.
• Riverina - Introduced in 2011, popular outback working hat with wide brim.
• Stylemaster - Launched in 1938, classic fedora for formal occasions.
• Traveller - Versatile western-style hat for daily rural use.
• Coober Pedy - Rugged stockman hat designed for harsh Australian conditions.

Reputation

Akubra is regarded by enthusiasts and professionals as a symbol of Australian heritage and durability, particularly for its military slouch hats and handcrafted quality using rabbit fur felt. It holds Ethical Clothing Australia accreditation, ensuring fair labor, which appeals to those valuing ethical production. Some note higher prices compared to imported alternatives, but its longevity and local manufacturing maintain strong loyalty among rural users and collectors.