Cowboy hats have been a huge part of western lore since the era of early movies, spaghetti westerns and beyond. While the wide-brimmed hat is a big part of the North American history, it’s now mostly worn by ranch workers, rodeo circuit participants and some country musicians as a symbol of the west.
Despite being popularized in the cattle drive era back in the late 19th century, the cowboy hat still remains as an indispensable part of many women’s and men’s wardrobes and fashion statement.
If you are inspired by this unique headwear and want to adopt it as a part of your daily wardrobe, but have no idea about what to look for, you have come to the right place. Because in this guide we’ll not only share all you need to know about buying the right cowboy hat but will also share our list of top picks to buy.
Cowboy Hats Buying Guide
The Different Styles
You’d be surprised to know that there are more than 10 different styles of cowboy hats currently available in the market. However, only a few designs like the Cattleman, the Pinch Front, the Cutter, the original “Boss of the Plains”, and the Gambler remain popular in our modern times. Carefully look at all of the designs to see the differences in their crowns and brims to choose the right one for you.
The Life Span
Cowboy hats are also made of multiple different materials. Some of the more common materials include fur, blended fur, wool felt, and straw. While fur and fur blend can set you back a large sum of money, they can last for decades. Wool felt and straw hats are cheaper but they also only last you a couple of seasons. How long will your cowboy hats last depends upon how much care you give it and how big of an investment you are willing to make?
Fitting and Size
The size of a hat is another aspect that you need to carefully look into before making a purchase. It’s also something that can make or break how the hat looks on you. You can find the size chart on the website of the manufacturer. Keep in mind that how a certain size fits can vary from brand to brand and style of hat you choose. If you don’t know how to measure your head, place the tape around your head a quarter of an inch above the ear.
Colors
Depending on the material you choose to buy the hat in, you will be offered different color choices. Some common colors that contrast well with multiple kinds of shirt patterns like checks, stripes, and weaves include brown, black and a couple of shades of silver and white. If you don’t plan on buying more than one hat, go for a color that will best complement your existing wardrobe.
Shape and Brim Size
The last thing that you need to look at before finalizing your purchase is the brim size of the hat and its shape. Different style hats have varying brim sizes and shapes. Some people like the larger brims on their hats, like the one on Sombrero while others prefer the size of brims on Fedora hats. For those who are not used to wearing hats on a daily basis might feel agitated with larger brims until they subconsciously become a part of their regular vision.
Final Words
A cowboy hat as part of your daily attire will not only add to your personality but will also make you stand out of the crowd. It will also keep your head and your face protected from the harmful rays of the sun. If you haven’t owned a hat prior to reading this, we hope you enjoy the experience. If you have and are here only to check out our list of recommendations, we hope you find something that you like. And if you already own a cowboy hat, we urge you to complete your wild west look and get yourself a pair of cowboy boots as well.