Get to know your Mates
Leather Characteristics
Scarring and subtle variations naturally occur on genuine leathers which believe enhances the character and individuality of each hat. Below is a list of our most popular leathers, their characteristics, and how to care for them.
Suede
Our Suede derives from cow split leather that is finely snuffed to create a lush outer pile. The underside is coated leaving a sealed surface,with a dull lustre that is smooth to the touch.
To keep your hat clean we recommend you consider using a suede waterproofing spray (eg Scotchgard or Nikwax) when the hat is new and prior to wearing. The spray will seal the porous leather fibres allowing both water and surface dirt to be easily removed.
To revitalise your suede hat use a brass wire suede brush on the outer side only by brushing one way following the natural fall of the pile.
Jordani
Our Jordani, is produced in Italy using a formulation of fine waxes to create a rich, full bodied finish on fine cow split leather. Although many other countries have tried, we believe that only the Italians have actually perfected this technique.
The maintenance of this hat is very simple, when soiled, just take a damp cloth and wipe off any soil or dust and leave on a flat surface to dry
Pull-up
We start by taking a thick buffalo full grain leather, then, using a specially formulated recipe of waxes and dyes run the leather through hot rollers sealing the waxes into the leather. The end result is a smooth surface with a deep vintage effect that appears when the leather is slightly crushed and when released recovers back to its original form.
To maintain when soiled, just take a damp cloth and wipe off any soil or dust and leave on a flat surface to dry
Bulldog
This is a tough leather that can take a beating and still look great.We again start by taking a thick buffalo full grain leather, then, using a specially formulated recipe of waxes and dyes run the leather through hot rollers sealing the waxes into the leather. After cooling, the leather undergoes and extra process whereby we emboss our grain print.
Like all our waxed finished leathers to maintain is very simple, when soiled, just take a damp cloth and wipe off any soil or dust and leave on a flat surface to dry.
Spanish Leather
The name describes the type of print and not the leather finish. We again start by taking a thick buffalo full grain leather, then, using a specially formulated recipe of waxes and dyes, run the leather through hot rollers sealing the waxes into the leather. After cooling, the leather undergoes our printing process whereby we emboss the flower like shapes into the finished leather creating the highs and lows in the colour tones.
Like all our waxed finished leathers to maintain is very simple, when soiled, just take a damp cloth and wipe off any soil or dust and leave on a flat surface to dry
THE ORIGINS OF
KAKADU TRADERS
Kakadu didn't start in a boardroom. It grew from a family that knew a thing or two about rough weather and making do with what was at hand.
With roots stretching back to the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse on South Australia's rugged Limestone Coast, the Whillas family had long been accustomed to the Southern Ocean throwing everything it had at them. Cold winds, salt spray and hard weather came with the territory.
That practical, make-it-work attitude followed the Whillas family. Using an old wringer mangler and their own combination of oils and waxes, they began developing oilskin cloth tough enough to stand up to Australian conditions.
It wasn't made to win any fashion awards. It was made to work.
That same thinking became the foundation of Kakadu Traders Australia.
Before long, the Whillas family was turning tough fabrics, leather and oilskin into Australian-made hats, jackets and rugged outdoor gear. Word travelled beyond the coast, then beyond Australia. What started with a simple belief in making useful gear properly found its way onto farms, worksites, outback tracks and adventures around the world.
More than 50 years later, we're still a family-run Australian business, and the thinking hasn't changed much.
We believe good gear should earn its keep.
That's why we still work with materials that have some guts to them. Heavy-duty canvas. Refined oils and waxes. Rugged cowhide and kangaroo leather. Australian wool and fur felt. Materials chosen because they can take a knock, collect a few scars and come back tomorrow ready to do it again.
We're not too worried about keeping things spotless.
A scratched leather hat tells a better yarn than a clean one. An old oilskin jacket that's seen a few winters has earned its place by the door. Around here, worn-in beats worn-out.
From the Limestone Coast to the Australian Outback and beyond, Kakadu gear has found its way onto people who travel further, work harder and don't mind a bit of weather.
An Australian family company since 1972.