Why Kangaroo hats have become a hot with young people

Kangaroo hats, once considered to be a preserve of the elderly men in Uganda, have now become a staple in the wardrobes of many youth.

Elderly men in Uganda normally wear the hats to functions like weddings and funerals.

Yet the trend has changed. It is not uncommon to see young people donning these hats on the streets of Kampala and in the suburbs. They are usually worn with casual clothes like jeans and t-shirts.

Why have they become a popular hit with young people especially the males?

Youth Blitz talked to a few of them to find out.

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Ambrose works for one of the political organizations in town and lately, he cannot let go of his Kangaroo hats. He has a number of them in different colours and designs.

“They make you stand out from your peers,” Ambrose, who is in his early 30s said. “They are unique.”

Isaac Kasirye, 23, a social media influencer, says he loves following trends since he was in high school and he found the Kangaroo hat trend very addictive.

“I first saw the hat on a music video from an Australian artist,” he recalls, adjusting his olive-green kangaroo hat.

“It had this unique look that I hadn’t seen before. I knew I had to have one. When I started posting pictures with it, my followers wanted to know where I got it, and soon, some was wearing them.”

Jacob Shakib, a 27-year-old musician who goes by the stage name “JaSha” says he found his love for kangaroo hats through his passion for hip-hop. He says his music is a mix of Ugandan rhythms and Western influences.

“In hip-hop culture, hats are more than just accessories; they’re part of your identity. The kangaroo hat, with its shape and style, sets me apart. When I’m on stage, it gives me confidence and a unique look that fans remember,” Shakib says.

Peter Kyeyune 30, an entrepreneur says the kangaroo hat trend presented him business opportunity. He runs a small boutique in downtown Kampala, specializing in trendy clothing and accessories.

“When I noticed the growing demand for kangaroo hats, I decided to stock them in my shop,” he says. Kyeyune imports the hats from China and they range from Shs 5000 to Shs 20,000 depending on the quality of the fabric.

For David Maato a 23-year-old student he says he appreciates the kangaroo hat for its practicality as much as its style. He juggles his studies with a part-time job.

“I like how the hat is functional and fashionable. It protects me from the sun when I’m walking around campus and looks good at the same time. Plus, it’s comfortable and easy to wear,” Maato says.

Brian Otim, 29, is a photographer. He uses fashion as a form of artistic expression. His photography often captures the vibrant street style of Kampala, where kangaroo hats have become a common sight.

“I love how the hat adds character to a photo. It stands out in pictures. When people wear them, it adds a certain flair that makes my shots more dynamic,” Otim says.

He says the youth fashion scene is becoming more diverse and experimental.

“The kangaroo hat is just one example of how young people here are embracing new trends and making them their own,” he says.

Charles Tumusiime, 34 says this passion for fashion has “kept him young.”

He believes the hat’s popularity is due to its adaptability.

“It can be dressed up or down, and it suits different personalities and tastes. That’s why it’s become so popular. It allows young people to express themselves in a way that’s both fashionable and personal,” Tumusiime says.

For now, it appears that the trend has caught on among young people. Whether it is one of those trends that become popular only to fade later, we can’t tell.