Wallaroo Hat Company was founded by Stephanie Carter and Lenya Shore in April 1999 after they discovered the Aussie secret to sun protection with style: colorful UPF 50+ crushable fabric hats. They began wearing them around Boulder, a city known for its outdoor lifestyle and more than 300 sunny days each year.

It wasn't long before friends and family wanted to know where they got their colorful sun-protection. The team discovered that nothing was available in the U.S. that compared to these UPF-rated fashion "finds" from Australia. Carter and Shore began importing small quantities, quickly realized their potential and launched Wallaroo Hat Company.

Wallaroo Hat Company has continued to expand its selection by bringing back favorites and designing new styles and collections each year. With more than three years under their belt, Shore and Carter now sell their hats to more than 400 resorts, boutiques, outdoor retailers, gardening stores, and catalogers.

The complete collection includes 15 distinct styles in solid, brightly colored fabrics, as well as tropical prints and neutrals. Canvas, loose weave, microfiber, half sox, catcha, cotton twill and the new polystraw make the Wallaroo Hat Collection washable, crushable and versatile for everyday work or play. Each Wallaroo hat has been designed with an internal or external drawstring to make it one-size fits most.

Wallaroo Hat Company is based in Boulder, Colorado. The company was recently awarded the "Best of Denver" from Westword magazine and was listed as a Top Women-Owned Business in the Daily Camera. Email to a Friend