Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Australia "Digger" Hats

DA question. Why do digger hats have one side pinned/snapped up? The only thing I could figure out had to do with which side the sun was shining from.-Dumb Yank here- Muddy

While I don't know the answer to your question, I DO know that "digger hats" are probably the most absurd-looking article of apparel ever conceived.

Its to prevent a shoulder slung rifle from hitting it.

Originally it was to stop you from knocking your own hat off when performing "shoulder arms".



Prior to Federation, when each state had their own military forces, some had it turned up on the right, some on the left, but turning up on the left was standardised with the formation of the Commonwealth Military Forces. The turned-up side also makes a convenient spot for a corps or unit badge.

BTW it is usually called a slouch hat or, among soldiers, a "Hat KFF" (khaki, fur felt). When worn in the field the brim is normally not turned up.

Thank you! gentlemen. I will certainly remember this when shooting my NSW Cadet.-Muddy