1. The
Brand
Rogue hats are made in Africa and were
originally intended in 1974 to be worn on Safari. They regularly retail at
around £40-£50. Barmah and Wombat, however, are the go-to brands for Australian
Leather shrub hats. All styles by both brands are made from the finest quality
Australian leather and can be folded up and stored in their supplementary
canvas bag. The difference between Barmah and Wombat is the price; Barmah hats usually
retail at around £45, whereas Wombat hats retail at £30-£35. It is worth
bearing in mind that this variation in price is due to the relative prestige of
the companies, rather than the quality of the leather or the workmanship.
Barmah has a long-established standing as the manufacturer of Australia's
original bush hats, whereas Wombat, the challenger-brand was only founded moderately
recently.
2. The leather
At the tannery leather is often divide into
layers and then treated with oils. Split leather comes from those layers which
are closest to the flesh and thus has a more uniform colour and texture as well
as a soft and flexible finish. As it is thinner it is less tough than
full-grain hide. Suede is from shaped from split leather by abrading the
surface of the leather with an emery wheel. Due to its texture it is much more vulnerable
to stains from water damage than either full grain or split leather.
3. The style
Apart from the Wombat Cowboy which has a formed
brim, all bush hats are a standard classic shape. The Barmah Cooler and the
Rogue Breezy, however, have mesh sides which allow air, but not water, to pass
through, keeping your head cool in heater climes.
