Why do we think Avenel Hats are the best Hats in Australia?

Avenel Hats, also known as Avenel of Melbourne, has been part of the Aussie headwear scene since 1966. Based in Melbourne, the brand designs and distributes hats and accessories across the country, with hundreds of local stockists. You’ll find the label everywhere from rural outfitters to city stores, offering gear for everything from working outdoors to dressing up for an event.

Avenel has built a solid reputation for quality materials and timeless shapes. The focus is on practical, stylish headwear that fits Australian conditions - hot summers, windy days, and chilly winters.

There is a style of Avenel Hat for everyone

Avenel hats come in a mix of classic and modern styles that suit just about anyone.

Outback and Western Hats are what most people picture when they think of Australian hats - wide brims for sun protection, high crowns for airflow, and a solid structure that holds up to the elements. Wool and fur felt is common here, and some models are crushable so you can pack them for travel without worrying about ruining the shape.

Fedoras are a bit more urban. They’re great for weekends, events, or adding polish to casual gear. Avenel makes both structured and crushable versions, often using wool felt or lighter paper braid or raffia weaves depending on the season.

Safari and Adventure Hats are built for sun protection and comfort. Think lighter materials - paper braid, straw, cotton, or canvas - with brims that keep the sun off your face and neck. They’re popular for travel, gardening, or general outdoor wear.

Straw, Raffia Paper Hats dominate the summer range. They’re breathable, lightweight, and available in all the styles mentioned above.

Avenel groups its products into seasonal collections - Summer and Winter - each one highlighting styles that work best for the weather. The designs stay consistent year to year, but materials and colours change with seasons and trends.

What is an Avenel Hat made from?

Avenel uses a wide range of materials to balance comfort, protection, and style - as we mentioned above..

Wool and Fur felt

Felt is a mainstay. It’s sturdy, warm, and shapes well. Avenel uses several fibres for their felt, the most common ones being wool and rabbit fur. Some felt hats are crushable, meaning they can be packed for travel and will pop back into shape. Many Avenel hats are also treated to increase their water repellence during the manufacturing process.
 

Paper Braid and Straw

These natural, light fibres are perfect for hot, sunny weather. They breathe well and keep the sun off without weighing you down. They’re not as tough as felt, but more than make up for it with their comfort and ventilation.
 

Raffia

It’s natural, lightweight, and ideal for summer fedoras or safari hats. More often than not, it is crocheted. It's a great material to add a bit of texture and flexibility.
 

Cotton and Canvas

Soft, tough, and easy to clean - cotton canvas is great for everyday use. Used for outdoor, adveture and travel hats, they're super easy care.

Faux Leather, Leather, Trims and Bands

No hat is complete without a hat band - and most have some kind of feature that may include metal pins or decorative stitching for a bit of character.
 

Each material has its perks. Felt holds structure and keeps you warm. Straw and paper braid breathe better and suit the heat. Cotton and canvas balance comfort and durability. Knitted wool is built for warmth but doesn’t offer much sun protection.

Style Tips for your new Avenel Hat

Choosing a hat is as much about practicality as looks.

Match the hat to the job.

A wide-brimmed outback hat will give you the best protection outdoors, while a fedora works better for town or travel.
 

Watch the brim width.

Wider brims add shade and presence; shorter ones look sharper and more urban.
 

Stick with colours that suit your wardrobe.

Tan, brown, charcoal and natural tones work with almost anything. Lighter shades feel cooler in summer, darker tones are a bit more dramatic for winter.
 

Consider your face shape.

Round faces benefit from taller crowns and straighter brims. Longer or oval faces suit wider brims. Square faces look good with softer shapes.
 

Check for crushable options.

Some felt and braid hats are designed to be packable - handy if you’re on the move.
 

Rotate for the season.

Felt or wool in winter, straw or cotton in summer. It’s simple and makes each hat last longer.
 

FAQs - Everything you need to know about owning an Avenel Hat

Are Avenel Hats made in Australia?

Avenel designs everything locally in Melbourne, though production happens both in Australia and overseas. The focus is always on quality and materials suited to Australian conditions.

Can Avenel hats be crushed or packed without damaging them?

Yes - many wool felt and some paper braid hats are labelled 'crushable.' They’ll spring back into shape after being packed away, which makes them great for travel. If they are not labelled as crushable or packable, they are better transported in a box.

How do you clean and care for an Avenel hat?

Wool felt: use a soft brush to lift dust. For any heavier cleaning, pick up a Felt Hat Care Kit. This also contains a Rain & Stain protector spray which will help to keep your hat clean and dry.

Straw or paper braid: wipe with a damp cloth and keep it dry.

Cotton and canvas: spot-clean with mild detergent.
 

How do you size an Avenel hat?
Measure the circumference around your head - approximately 12mm (1/2") above your ears. Keep the dressmaker tape level and firm, and keep it across your temple and above your eyebrow ridges. For in-between measurements, select the next size up. Check the Avenel size chart here.

Do Avenel hats have UV protection?
Most styles offer natural sun protection through wide brims and dense materials. Selected Avenel hats do carry a UPF rating, and those that do have UPF50+ rating. If you need guaranteed protection, look for UPF50+ (SPF50+) in the list of key features on the individual product page.

Avenel Hats has built a strong following by keeping things simple - practical materials, classic Aussie designs, and consistent quality. Whether it’s a wool felt outback hat, a raffia summer fedora, or a soft-knit beanie, the range covers every season and situation.