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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
KAKADU ORIGINS
Richard and his wife Catherine Whillas first constructed their own oilskin cloth using a 'wringer mangler' and a combination of oils and waxes found on the local land. Known for its functionality and durability, this cloth was ideal to protect their family and wharf equipment against the harsh artic winds as they manned the Cappe Jaffa lighthouse.
Eventually parts of the family would go onto manufacture outerwear garments and hats for Australians and later, as word spread, worldwide. It was during this time that "Kakadu Traders Australia" would become a brand, synonymous with quality, comfort, and durability.
50 years on and still under the watchful eyes of the Whillas family, Kakadu Traders Australia supplies tough, reliable products worldwide. Strong canvas, refined oils & waxes and rugged cowhide are amongst the raw materials that give our products the guts to get the job done time & time again.
