Family run and proudly independent since 1979
In the early 1970s, John Mitchell — Mitch to his friends — arrived in southern Spain with a few dollars in his pocket and no return ticket. Borrowing some leather tools and buying his first cowhide, he set about making sandals, belts, and a broad-brimmed Australian style leather hat to protect himself from the sun. His work was much admired, and within a year he had a thriving leather business selling a variety of goods to locals and tourists alike.
In 1979, Mitch returned to live in Australia where he continued to craft a variety of quality leather products. The rise in popularity of Australia as a tourist destination, coupled with growing awareness of the sun's harmful rays, resulted in increased demand for Aussie Bush hats. Like the rabbit-fur felt hats of Akubra, Aussie Bush leather hats have become an icon of the land downunder.
In 2002, ownership of Aussie Bush was passed to Zach Maniotas, a long-time employee of the company. Aussie Bush continues to produce a range of the finest quality, affordable leather hats. These distinctive hats are sold at airports and stores throughout Australia and are exported around the world.
We don't outsource production. We don't chase volume. Every hat is shaped, stitched and finished in-house — slower by design, built to endure.