Where “Slouch Hat” Comes From
The slouch hat is a felt hat with a wide brim, with one side turned up. It’s associated with Australian soldiers, particularly the Anzacs of the First World War, and with the Light Horse, whose members wore emu feathers on their hats.
Today it’s still part of the Australian Army’s uniform, and veterans and descendants wear it on Anzac Day.
“He wore his grandfather’s slouch hat on Anzac Day.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
You’ll hear it on Anzac Day, in museums and in military history.
In Real Life
The turned-up side of the slouch hat is often explained as keeping the brim from interfering with a rifle, though historians debate the practical reason. Whatever the origin, it became a symbol of the Australian soldier, and it appears on medals, memorials and coins. People wear it on Anzac Day to honour those who served. It’s a hat with a story, rather than a fashion item.
Quick Questions
Why is one side turned up?
The common explanation is that it kept the brim out of the way of a rifle, but the exact reason is debated.
What are the feathers on the Light Horse hat?
Emu plumes, worn by the Light Horse regiments.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: SLOWCH HAT.
In conversation:
- He wore a slouch hat to the parade.
- The Light Horse wore emu plumes in their slouch hats.
- A slouch hat is part of the Anzac image.
Good to know: The slouch hat is a symbol of respect for those who served. It’s worn at Anzac Day services, and it’s a rule to treat it with care.
See also: Anzac Biscuit, Digger, Walkabout
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