Best Akubra Hats for Ladies & How to Protect Them
From the Outback to the Runway: Akubra’s Modern Revival
Akubra has long been synonymous with the Australian outback, worn proudly by stockmen, rural workers, and adventurers for generations. But today, the iconic wide-brim is no longer reserved for country life. It’s made a stylish leap from the bush to the runway, embraced by a new wave of hat lovers, particularly women, who are styling Akubra in fresh, fashion-forward ways.
Once considered rugged and practical, Akubra hats are now being reimagined as statement pieces, worn with everything from linen dresses at long lunches to denim at music festivals, even at the Australian Fashion Week. Their unmistakable silhouette and deep cultural roots have helped cement Akubra as both a style icon and a symbol of Australian identity.
Advancing the Iconic Status of Akubra Hats in Australia
Leading this charge is Akubra’s chief executive, Natalie Culina, who is steering the heritage brand toward a bold new future. As highlighted in a recent AFR article, Culina’s vision is clear: she wants every Australian to own and wear an Akubra, and she’s especially focused on attracting young, city-based women who are discovering the power of the brim.
The timing of Akubra’s resurgence couldn’t be better. Country-western fashion is having a global moment. With Beyoncé deep in her Cowboy Carter era, Lana Del Rey’s country-inspired album on repeat, and hit shows like Yellowstone, Ransom Canyon, and Lawmen: Bass Reeves dominating both screens and style feeds, cowboy-core is well and truly in full swing. The boots are back, the fringe is flying, and wide-brim hats are once again front and centre.
Blending Tradition and Trend, Winning Over a New Generation
Here in Australia, the revival is equally strong. Alongside Akubra, brands like R.M. Williams are experiencing renewed love from younger audiences, blending craftsmanship with contemporary cool. Their iconic elastic-sided boots, once strictly rural staples, are now spotted at inner-city pubs and fashion events alike.
Why Akubra Hats Are a Must-Have
There’s something undeniably iconic about an Akubra. It’s more than a hat, it’s a heritage piece, a sun-smart essential, and a wardrobe staple that feels both effortless and elevated.
Handcrafted in Kempsey, NSW, Akubra hats have been made in Australia for over 150 years. Each one is constructed from premium rabbit fur felt using a meticulous, 6-week process that ensures longevity, comfort, and structure. That craftsmanship is what gives Akubras their durability and their distinct silhouette.
Whether you’re heading to a festival, a country wedding, or simply running errands in the city, Akubra hats bring instant style, character, and practicality. They’re designed to last a lifetime and get better with age.
But for all their strength, structure, and charm, Akubra wearers face one persistent challenge: How do you travel with your hat without crushing it?
How to Travel with Your Akubra Without Damaging It
Akubras are known for their strength and structure, but that iconic shape can quickly become a burden when it’s time to travel. These hats aren’t made to fold or flatten, and they definitely don’t belong crushed when packed into a suitcase.
If you’ve ever tried balancing your hat on top of your carry-on, wedging it between your knees on a flight, or panicked as a fellow passenger shoved their duffel into the overhead locker next to your brim, you know the struggle is real. Even road trips can take a toll on your hat, especially if it’s tossed in the backseat or left to fade on the dashboard under the harsh Australian sun.
For many Akubra owners, the fear of damaging their hat means it gets left behind. But when you've invested in such an iconic piece, you shouldn't have to choose between protection and bringing it along.
And that’s exactly why we created Headcase Travel.
Designed by a fellow hat lover who was tired of compromising, the Headcase Backpack features a structured, crush-free compartment that stores up to three medium-sized hats, Akubras included! Whether you're heading interstate, overseas, or just into the office, Headcase lets you take your favourite hats along for the ride, no awkward juggling or risk of damage.
It’s the ultimate travel companion for those who love their Akubra and want to protect it in style.
Meet Headcase: The Travel Backpack That Protects Your Hat
Say goodbye to crushed brims, awkward airport juggling, and sacrificing style for practicality. The Headcase Backpack was designed specifically for people who love their hats, but also love to travel light, stay organised, and look sharp while doing it.
Created by an Australian hat lover who was tired of making trade-offs, Headcase blends luxury design with smart functionality and includes one game-changing feature: a built-in, crush-free cavity that stores 2-3 medium sized hats, keeping your Akubras protected and perfectly shaped wherever your journey takes you.
Whether you're heading to the country races, catching your next flight, or escaping to wine country for the weekend, Headcase ensures your hats arrive in flawless form, no matter how far you travel.
But this isn’t just a hat case, it’s a full-function backpack that’s become a go-to for professionals, digital nomads, and stylish travellers alike. Thoughtfully designed and beautifully made, the Headcase Backpack transitions seamlessly from workday to weekend.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Hat Protection Built-In - Hat compartment fits 2-3 medium-to-wide brim hats (including popular Akubra styles like the Traveller, Cattleman, and Tablelands), so you can travel crush-free and worry-free.
- Padded Laptop Sleeve - Securely stores laptops up to 16", perfect for remote work, business trips, or everyday use.
- Carry-On Approved - Sized to fit under most airline seats and overhead lockers, with a trolley sleeve to slip over your suitcase handle for smooth airport navigation.
- Sustainable & Stylish - Crafted from premium, water-resistant vegan leather with eco-friendly packing cubes for smarter organisation on the go.
- Quick-Access External Pockets - Ideal for your phone, passport, keys or AirPods, no more scrambling at the gate.
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All-Day Comfort - Adjustable padded straps and quilted back padding make it easy to carry, even when it’s fully loaded.
Best Akubra Hats for Women
Not sure which Akubra is right for you? Here are five standout styles that work beautifully with the Headcase Backpack:
- The Cattleman – For Rugged Outdoor Style
- My First Rodeo – For Sweet, Stylish Beginnings
- The Tablelands – For Modern Rustic Charm
- Coober Pedy – For Natural Elegance
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The Traveller – For On-the-Go Flexibility
Best Akubra Hat for Rugged Outdoor Style: The Cattleman
Australia’s bestselling Akubra, the Cattleman is a country classic with a wide brim, open crown, and tough personality. Perfect for women who embrace outback energy or want to channel serious rodeo style.
Best Akubra Hat for Sweet, Stylish Beginnings: My First Rodeo
This charming, smaller-brimmed hat is perfect for women looking to make a subtle yet confident style statement. It’s an excellent choice for casual days when you want to add a touch of classic Akubra flair without going full outback.
Best Akubra Hat for Modern Rustic Charm: The Tablelands
This elegant style features a rounder crown and slightly wider brim, offering a softer, more feminine profile. A great choice for brunch dates, festivals, and everyday wear.
Best Akubra Hat for Natural Elegance: Coober Pedy
This hat blends traditional craftsmanship with a nature-inspired palette. Its versatile shape and understated color make it an ideal companion for both country adventures and urban escapes.
Best Akubra Hat for On-the-Go Flexibility: The Traveller
As the name suggests, this style was made for travel. With a softer felt construction, it handles wear and movement better, ideal for tossing in your Headcase and hitting the road.
What Real Akubra Owners Say About Headcase
“I was delighted to receive my Headcase today! The hat compartment fits my Akubra perfectly, with space for my other travel essentials in the two packing cubes. I love the sensible design and inclusion of the laptop storage sleeve. These two design elements are perfectly suited to my travel needs. Headcase will definitely be my go-to travel-in-style companion.” – Sandra
A Travel Solution That Matches the Hat
When you wear an Akubra, you’re wearing a piece of history, and it deserves more than being stuffed into a bag. Whether you're travelling through the outback or navigating the city, the Headcase Backpack lets you take your Akubra anywhere without compromise.
Grab your own Headcase Backpack and make crushed brims a thing of the past.