Which western hat can take you everywhere from your daily work to a formal event?

The Bangtail! Built for long days and clean lines, it gives you broad shade and a sharp profile without weighing you down.

The Bangtail Hat is western-inspired and made for practical wear.

Rabbit fur felt starts as cleaned, blended rabbit fur fibres that are turned into a loose hood, which is then tightened through heat, moisture and pressure to form a dense felt. This 'hood' is steamed and blocked to set the 11.5 cm crown and wide 11 cm brim. Lastly, the edges are trimmed, the surface is lightly sanded for that smooth hand-feel that rabbit fur felt is renowned for, and the sweatband and hatband are fitted. The felt’s natural density coupled with Avenel's water repellent finish helps it to handle light rain - or even a sudden downpour - and hold it's shape.

Key Features

✔ Fabric: Rabbit Fur

✔ Crown Height: 11.5cm

✔ Brim Width: 11cm

✔ Water repellent finish

✔ See all the colours here

How can I complete my outfit?

Pair with a work shirt, denim and western boots for station work or town runs.

Add a casual jacket or a classic western shirt for a smart-casual look.

For a dressier take, match with a tailored jacket and western dress boots or R.M. Williams boots.

When and where can I wear my Bangtail Hat?

Sunny days: The 11 cm brim gives serious shade.

Farms, field days and weekend trips: Suits stock work, markets and country shows.

Informal events and outdoor gigs: Handy at festivals, rodeos and the local footy.

FAQs

How do I work out what size I need for my Avenel Bangtail Hat?

The Avenel Bangtail Hat has a synthetic sweat band that looks and feels like leather, but is not subject to the shrinking feature that traditional leather sweat bands have, which are found in most fur felt hats. To establish your size as per your head measurement, 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. For example, if your head measurement is 58.2cm, you would choose a size 59 hat. You want a close fit, but not so firm that the band leaves a mark on your forehead when you have worn your hat for a period of time. If you're trying your hat on instore, and you have a choice of a size that is a bit too firm, but the next size is a bit too loose, we recommend selecting the larger size, and popping some hat fillers behind the inner band to create the perfect fit.
If you order your hat online and you find it is too firm fitting, do not expect it to 'loosen up'. It will not. Contact our friendly mailroom staff for assistance.

Can I wear it in the rain?

Yes - the rabbit fur felt is naturally water repellent. If it gets wet, the important thing is to let it air dry naturally to avoid shrinkage. So, avoid heaters or direct sun for drying.

How do I care for my Bangtail hat?

Use a soft bristle brush to keep it clean. Renew the water repellent quality of your hat with a rain and stain protector spray. To protect its shape, store it on a hat stand, on a shelf upside down (on it's crown), or in a hat box.
When it comes to travelling in your car, treat your hat like your loyal old dog. Strap it in - with a Hat Saver, not a harness - and don't leave it shut up in the car. Your hat won't like being left in the heat any more than your dog. The heat can cause the inner leather band to shrink way more than it would otherwise, and then you'll need to buy a hat stretcher!