Akubra

Akubra is an Australian hat manufacturer and heritage headwear brand closely associated with broad-brimmed bush hats made from rabbit fur felt. Its products are strongly identified with rural Australia, pastoral work, outdoor life and Australian national imagery, although the company has historically produced a much broader range of headwear, including fedoras, homburgs, bowlers, pork pies and trilbies. The word Akubra is sometimes used colloquially in Australia to describe a bush hat generally, but it is also a protected brand associated with the company’s own manufacturing and design tradition. The business originated in Tasmania in 1876, when English-born hatter Benjamin Dunkerley and David Gledhill established the Kensington Hat Mills near Hobart. Dunkerley brought technical expertise in hat-making machinery and later developed equipment that mechanised the removal of fur from rabbit skins, an important process in the production of fur-felt hat bodies. After early financial difficulties, he rebuilt the business, moved through Melbourne and Sydney, and continued developing a domestic Australian hat-making operation. The Akubra name was registered as a trademark in 1912 by distributor and company shareholder Arthur P. Stewart. The brand subsequently became associated with practical, durable hats suited to Australian conditions. During the First World War, the company manufactured fur-felt slouch hats for the Australian military. Rabbit-fur felt proved more durable than earlier wool-felt alternatives, and military production became an enduring part of the company’s history. Akubra later continued supplying slouch hats to Australian defence forces, producing more than two million by 2015 or 2016 according to public historical accounts. Akubra’s identity developed beyond military and workwear. In the 1920s the company was also known for fashionable hats, and it later expanded its range into multiple crown shapes, brim widths, colours and finishing treatments. The brand’s products are sold in both rural and urban settings, and its hats have appeared in Australian public life, popular culture and film. Its association with country clothing remains especially strong, but its range also serves customers seeking traditional or contemporary urban headwear. The business remained connected to the Keir family for several generations. Stephen Keir joined the company in 1904, married Benjamin Dunkerley’s daughter Ada in 1905 and later became managing director. Members of the Keir family continued to lead the company through much of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. In 1972, Mainline Corporation acquired Dunkerley Hat Mills, and the operation moved from Sydney to larger premises in Kempsey, New South Wales, in 1974. In 2023, Akubra was acquired by Tattarang, a private Australian investment group. Former managing director Stephen Keir cited the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as an important factor in the decision to sell. Akubra continues to be positioned around Australian manufacturing heritage, durability, practical outdoor use and distinctive national character. Public sources describe a range of more than 100 styles and annual sales in the broad range of approximately 140,000 to 180,000 hats during the 2010s, but the company’s current financial performance, production volumes and detailed ownership arrangements are not publicly established here. The brand remains active, with its strongest cultural and commercial base in Australia and additional international distribution.

Akubra traces its origins to Benjamin Dunkerley, an English hatter who moved to Australia after investigating local hat-making opportunities. In 1876, Dunkerley and David Gledhill established Kensington Hat Mills in Glenorchy near Hobart, Tasmania. The factory expanded quickly, employing approximately 30 people and producing hundreds of hats each week, but the enterprise entered bankruptcy in 1879. After restrictions associated with the bankruptcy were lifted, Dunkerley revived Kensington Hat Mills in 1885 with H. J. Hull. Dunkerley contributed technical innovations to the business. In 1892 he registered a machine intended to mechanise the difficult process of removing fur from rabbit skins for felt production. He pursued patent protection in Australia, Britain and the United States, receiving patents in the relevant jurisdictions after travelling to promote the invention. In 1893, working with James Dugdale, he also patented an improvement relating to cones used in forming hat bodies. Dunkerley ended his partnership with Hull after roughly a decade and moved to Melbourne in 1895. A business downturn led him to relocate again in 1900, this time to Sydney, where he established a factory in Surry Hills. Stephen Keir, a member of a Manchester hat-making family, joined Dunkerley’s operation in 1904. Keir married Dunkerley’s daughter Ada in 1905 and later became a central figure in the company’s management. Dunkerley Hat Mills Pty Ltd was registered in 1911. Stephen Keir served as managing director, while Arthur P. Stewart acted as chairman, shareholder, distributor and sales agent. Stewart registered the Akubra trademark on 7 August 1912. The name has been linked to an Aboriginal word for head covering, possibly from the Birpai language, although the precise etymology is not established with certainty. The company’s military role expanded during the First World War, when it produced slouch hats for Australian forces. Rabbit-fur felt was considered more durable for this purpose than earlier wool-felt materials. The military connection continued after the war and through later conflicts. In 1919, the company moved from its constrained Sydney premises to a larger Bourke Street factory. By the 1920s it employed hundreds of people and was producing both practical country hats and fashionable styles. The Great Depression sharply reduced demand for hats. Stephen Keir proposed a ten percent wage reduction, which employees approved, helping the business avoid large-scale job losses. Production again increased during the Second World War, when much of the factory’s output was directed to military slouch hats. Employees who enlisted were reportedly supported through continuation of their ordinary civilian wages as a supplement to military pay. In the 1950s, Akubra broadened its commercial range by obtaining an Australian licence to manufacture Stetson hats. Mainline Corporation acquired Dunkerley Hat Mills in 1972, and the manufacturing operation moved from Sydney to larger facilities in Kempsey, New South Wales, in 1974. The Keir family continued to provide senior leadership: Herbert Keir succeeded Stephen Keir in 1952, Stephen Keir II later became managing director, Stephen Keir III took the role in 1980, and Stephen Keir IV succeeded Stephen Keir III after his retirement in 2007. During the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, Akubra remained associated with Australian rural and outdoor dress while maintaining a broad catalogue of hat forms. Its hats became visible in public life, popular culture and film, strengthening the brand’s status as an Australian cultural symbol. The company renewed its Australian Defence Force contract in 2015 and was described as the sole manufacturer of the force’s slouch hats. Around the same period it produced its two-millionth military slouch hat. Tattarang acquired Akubra in November 2023. The transaction ended the long period of direct Keir-family control. Akubra remains an active Australian manufacturer and brand, with production centred in Kempsey and sales extending beyond Australia. Detailed current financial results, executive appointments after the acquisition and the precise legal ownership structure are not established by the sources used here.

• 2023

  Acquired by Tattarang

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  Tattarang acquired Akubra in November 2023, following the sale of the business by the Keir family’s long-standing ownership and management interests.

• 2015

  Defence contract renewed and two-millionth slouch hat produced

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  Akubra renewed its Australian Defence Force contract and reached production of its two-millionth military slouch hat.

• 1980

  Stephen Keir III becomes managing director

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  Stephen Keir III succeeded his predecessor as managing director, continuing the Keir family’s leadership of the business.

• 1974

  Manufacturing moves to Kempsey

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  The business relocated from Sydney to larger premises in Kempsey, New South Wales.

• 1972

  Mainline Corporation acquisition

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  Mainline Corporation acquired Dunkerley Hat Mills, the maker of Akubra hats.

• 1950

  Australian Stetson licence obtained

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  Akubra expanded its range in the 1950s after winning a licence to manufacture Stetson hats in Australia.

• 1919

  Move to larger Bourke Street premises

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  The company moved from its cramped Sydney factory to larger premises on Bourke Street.

• 1914

  Military slouch-hat production begins

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  During the First World War, the company began producing rabbit-fur-felt slouch hats for Australian military forces.

• 1912

  Akubra trademark registered

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  Arthur P. Stewart registered the Akubra name as a trademark on 7 August 1912.

• 1911

  Dunkerley Hat Mills registered

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  Dunkerley Hat Mills Pty Ltd was formally registered, with Stephen Keir as managing director and Arthur P. Stewart as chairman.

• 1900

  Factory relocated to Sydney

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  Following a business downturn in Melbourne, Dunkerley moved the operation to Sydney and established a factory in Surry Hills.

• 1892

  Fur-cutting machine registered

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  Dunkerley registered a machine that mechanised fur removal from rabbit skins, improving an important stage of fur-felt production.

• 1885

  Kensington Hat Mills re-established

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  After bankruptcy restrictions were lifted, Dunkerley re-established the business in partnership with H. J. Hull.

• 1879

  First business enters bankruptcy

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  The original Kensington Hat Mills operation was declared bankrupt after its initial expansion.

• 1876

  Kensington Hat Mills established

  [1]Akubraen.wikipedia.org

  Benjamin Dunkerley and David Gledhill founded Kensington Hat Mills at Glenorchy near Hobart in Tasmania, establishing the business that ultimately developed into Akubra.

• 1876
  [3]Akubra official websiteakubra.com.au

Traditional Australian headwear combining practical outdoor performance, rural and pastoral identity, military heritage and broader classic hat styling.

• Headwear

  Rabbit-fur-felt bush hats

  Akubra’s signature product family consists of rabbit-fur-felt hats with broad brims and structured crowns. These hats are designed for sun protection and outdoor durability and are closely associated with Australian rural, pastoral and bush culture. Depending on the model, they may include leather or fabric hatbands, ventilation features, shaped brims and water-resistant finishing. The category includes both traditional country styles and variants intended for urban wear.

• Military headwear · 1914

  Military slouch hats

  Fur-felt slouch hats produced for Australian military use form one of Akubra’s most important historical product lines. Their broad, asymmetrical brim and durable felt construction became part of Australian military dress. The company began supplying slouch hats during the First World War and continued the relationship with Australian defence forces over subsequent decades. Public histories attribute more than two million military slouch hats to Akubra by 2015 or 2016.

• Fashion headwear · 1920

  Fedoras

  Akubra has long produced fedora-style hats, demonstrating that its business is not limited to bush hats. Fedoras formed part of the company’s fashion-oriented range during the 1920s and remain an important classic hat shape in its broader catalogue. Models vary in crown height, brim width, felt weight, colour and trim, allowing the style to serve both traditional and urban customers.

• Classic hat styles

  Homburg, bowler, pork pie and trilby hats

  The company manufactures several established Western and European hat forms in addition to its bush-hat styles. Homburgs, bowlers, pork pies and trilbies broaden Akubra’s appeal to customers seeking formal, heritage or fashion headwear. These styles are produced in varying materials, colours and proportions within the brand’s wider catalogue of more than 100 styles.

• Outdoor headwear

  Leather hats

  Akubra’s leather hats provide an alternative to fur felt for customers seeking a rugged outdoor material. They are positioned around durability, weather resistance and practical use, while retaining the brand’s characteristic emphasis on structured crowns and protective brims. Leather styles complement the company’s country and outdoor assortment.

• Warm-weather headwear

  Straw hats

  Straw hats extend Akubra’s range into lightweight warm-weather headwear. They are suited to summer conditions, outdoor activities and casual country or urban use. As with the company’s felt hats, straw models commonly use brimmed silhouettes intended to provide shade while maintaining a recognisable traditional hat profile.

• Cattleman

  One of Akubra’s classic country-style hat shapes, defined by a traditional broad-brim silhouette and associated with outdoor, pastoral and everyday country wear.

• Snowy River

  Snowy River is an outdoor-oriented Akubra style that continues the brand’s broad-brimmed, practical design approach for sun protection and an Australian country look.

• Territory

  Territory is a traditional outdoor hat style in Akubra’s range, emphasizing a broad brim, durability and a country-inspired appearance.

• Adventurer

  Adventurer is an outdoor and casual Akubra style combining a broad brim with the brand’s classic felt-hat construction and practical orientation.

• 2023

  Sell the company to TattarangM&A

  Background

  After a long period of Keir-family involvement, the business faced changing market conditions and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  Action taken

  Akubra was sold to private investment group Tattarang in November 2023.

  Aftermath

  Tattarang became the company’s owner, while Akubra continued as an active Australian hat manufacturer. Public sources do not establish detailed post-acquisition management or financial results.

  Source

• 2015

  Renew Australian Defence Force supply contractStrategy

  Background

  Akubra had supplied military slouch hats for many decades and remained connected with Australian defence headwear.

  Action taken

  The company renewed its contract with the Australian Defence Force and became the sole manufacturer of its slouch hats.

  Aftermath

  The decision reinforced Akubra’s military heritage and was associated with production of the company’s two-millionth slouch hat during the same year.

  Source

• 1972

  Mainline Corporation acquires the manufacturing businessM&A

  Background

  The long-established Dunkerley Hat Mills business required a new corporate owner as the Australian hat industry changed.

  Action taken

  Mainline Corporation acquired Dunkerley Hat Mills, the maker of Akubra hats.

  Aftermath

  The business relocated to larger Kempsey premises in 1974 and continued operating under the Akubra identity.

  Source

• 1950

  Expand through the Australian Stetson licenceStrategy

  Background

  Akubra sought to broaden its commercial range beyond its established Australian-made hat lines.

  Action taken

  The company obtained a licence to manufacture Stetson hats in Australia during the 1950s.

  Aftermath

  The arrangement expanded the company’s product portfolio and connected it with an internationally recognised hat name.

  Source

• 1914

  Enter military slouch-hat productionProduct launch

  Background

  The First World War created demand for durable military headwear, and rabbit-fur felt was considered more hard-wearing than earlier wool-felt alternatives.

  Action taken

  Akubra began manufacturing slouch hats for Australian military forces.

  Aftermath

  Military supply became a long-term part of the company’s identity and contributed to production of more than two million slouch hats by the mid-2010s.

  Source

• 1912

  Adopt the Akubra trademarkStrategy

  Background

  The company’s products had been made and distributed through a developing Australian hat business with several earlier corporate names.

  Action taken

  Distributor and shareholder Arthur P. Stewart registered Akubra as a trademark on 7 August 1912, creating the enduring consumer-facing brand name.

  Aftermath

  Akubra became the central identity of the company and later became strongly associated with Australian bush and country hats.

  Source

1. 1Akubraen.wikipedia.org
2. 2Akubra: Handcrafted Historybooks.google.com
3. 3Akubra official websiteakubra.com.au