More than just shade

A wide-brim country hat has become the symbol of regional Australia, and many of our Ray White Rural and regional members don’t leave the house without their favourite headwear.

Not only does it keep the harsh Aussie sun at bay, but it has also become a part of their uniform - a source of pride for those in the rural industry. It's a badge of honour, a statement, and a trusted companion.

If you ever find yourself in regional Australia, you'll quickly learn there's more to the wide-brimmed hat than meets the eye.

Tim Bayliss, director of Ray White Rural Dorrigo | Bellingen, knows a thing or two about these iconic lids. His number one rule? Never leave it lying around.

“If you're not wearing it, hang it up. And if you must set it down, always place it with the brim facing up,” Tim advised.

A seasoned hat-wearer like Tim always has a spare hat on hand, just in case - “it’s just common sense.”

And when it comes to colour, Tim swears by Silver Belly which is a classic fawn hue.

Spotting city folk is easy, according to Tim.

“Their hats are always clean and unshaped. A good hat always carries a bit of dirt, even your best one. A professional knows how to shape their hat just right,” he said.

The shape of a hat also varies by region. Tim said Queenslanders prefer hats with a wider brim to deal with the harsh sunshine, while in New South Wales, the style is a bit different, it’s flatter, with the sides typically turned up.

Tim also ensures his hat is shaped appropriately, depending on whether he’s selling sheep or cattle. To those in the know, the shape of a hat speaks volumes.

When it comes to materials, pelt beats wool hands down in Tim’s opinion.

“Pelt is lighter, holds its shape better, and isn’t as heavy, which are important qualities when you need a hat that can withstand the odd trampling,” Tim said.

A hat that goes out of shape easily is his pet hate. Whether it's a gust of wind or a knock in the cattle yard, you never know when your hat might end up underfoot. It should stand the test of time and the elements.

But whatever you do, don’t try to clean it!

If you’re heading into a client’s home, the hat comes off, along with your boots. But in the car or around the office, it’s perfectly fine to keep it on.

George and Simon Southwell, the father-son duo behind Ray White Rural Canberra | Yass | Murrumbateman are also firm believers in the power of a good hat.

“Rule number one is non-negotiable, you never touch another person’s hat,” George said.

A hat, much like a good pair of boots, is an investment. And when it comes to shaping a hat, he prefers using kettle steam.

“You buy quality shoes, so why wouldn’t you buy a high quality hat?” George asked.

To the Southwells, their hat is a symbol of the rural industry and part of their uniform. It’s not just about function or fashion, it’s about pride.

“A hat opens doors, and I always find I get more respect when I’m wearing mine,” Simon said.

Indeed, when Simon and George attended an agricultural event in Canberra, they both wore their hats. During her speech, powerhouse Australian business woman Gina Rinehart even complimented the pair, remarking on how happy she was to see two people taking such pride in their rural roots.

And while hat preferences and etiquette are deeply personal, one thing both Tim and the Southwells agree on is that you can never trust a person with a black hat.

So, whether you're a seasoned farmer or a city slicker, wear your hat well, wear it with pride, and most importantly, wear it the right way.

Principal of Ray White Esk | Toogoolawah Jade Jaenke has been with the group for 14 years. In fact, she first started at head office working for Paul White when she was 17 years old.

Her hat is very special. She bought it from a local boutique in Esk called 'Little Country Lane'.

“I think it's important to support local small businesses. I purchased the hat for my maternity shoot when I was pregnant with my son Hunter. My mum took the photos on their property in Esk,” she said.

Hats are also vitally important in Australia. According to SunSmart, more than two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, while about 2,200 Australians die from skin cancer every year. Unlike a trucker cap, a wide brim hat protects your neck and ears, along with your face, from damaging sun exposure.

Recently, Ray White Rural and Livestock CEO Stephen Nell had a significant skin cancer removed from his ear which resulted in 26 stitches and an ear “that now looks like Mr Spock”.