How India’s ‘Pagari’ became part of Australia’s iconic Slouch Hat

The long-standing connection between Indian and Australian soldiers has left a unique mark on Australia’s military identity through the “puggaree”, the khaki cloth wrapped around the iconic Australian slouch hat.

According to SBS Punjabi, widely recognised as a symbol of Australian military pride, the slouch hat features a band known as the puggaree around its brim. The term itself originates from the Indian word “pagari,” referring to a traditional headwrap or turban.

Historians believe the feature became part of Australian military tradition through interactions between Australian and Indian soldiers during colonial campaigns and World War I. The shared experiences of troops from both nations are thought to have influenced the adoption of the distinctive khaki cloth, creating a lasting cultural link between the two militaries, according to SBS Punjabi.

“The iconic Australian slouch hat, a symbol of Australian military pride, features a khaki puggaree wrapped around its brim. The word 'Puggaree' is derived from the Indian word 'Pagari'. Many historians believe this khaki element of the slouch hat was influenced by contact between Australian and Indian soldiers during colonial campaigns and World War I,” as quoted by SBS Punjabi.