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Comprehensive Starter Guide to Owning a Cowboy Hat:

Introduction - learning the basics of cowboy hat ownership

What to Expect from this Article - useful hat information & etiquette tips to make you a better and more knowledgeable hat owner.

COWBOY HAT BLOG SERIES

• Cowboy Hats 101 - The Ultimate Show Hat Starter Guide <— You are HERE*

• Cowboy Hats 201 - A Guide to Selecting, Styling & Shaping your Cowboy Hat

• Cowboy Hats 301 - Where to find a good Cowboy Hat

• Cowboy Hats 401 - Why you need a COLORED Cowboy Hat

This Blog will explain:

• Hat Terminology - learning the anatomy of a cowboy hat

• General Hat Information - materials, types & quality of cowboy hats

• Hat Shapes - overview of hat crown & brim shapes

• Hat Sizing & Fit - measurements, proper fit & sizing chart

• Hat Care & Maintenance - proper handling, cleaning & more

• Hat Storage & Transport - storage ideas & transport options

• Hat Tips & Suggestions - need to know info for all hat owners!

Anatomy of a Cowboy Hat

• Crown - the domed portion of the hat, usually around ~4½”-5¾” tall

• Crease and Dents - the dimple and depressions at the top of the hat

• Brim - the ring around the outside of the crown usually ranges from 3¾”-4½” long

• Hat Band - the decorative band around the OUTSIDE of the crown

  • The hat band clip will be found on the left side of the hat

• Sweatband - the leather ring around the INSIDE of the brim

General Cowboy Hat Information

Types & Material -  Straw vs. Felt

Straw hats - best for keeping cool during summer

• Often worn between Memorial Day - Labor Day

• Usually cooler & more affordable than felt hats, but don’t last as long

• Not common in Western Shows - occasionally in Reining

Felt hats - these hats are often a combination of felt or wool + other furs 

• More often worn between Labor Day - Memorial Day

• These hats are generally warmer & more expensive but last longer than straw hats

• Most common Western show hat - year round

The Quality - Felt hats - X Rating

XX ~ Beaver is better ~ XX 

• The higher the number of X’s = the higher overall quality of the hat

• Indicates a higher % beaver fur - often the actual % beaver, but not always

• Beaver is lighter, shapes easier & holds its shape longer

• Beaver is softer & more velvety

• Beaver is more water resistant

• Beaver is stronger, more durable & will last longer (many years)

How many ~ XXX ~ do I need to Show Horses?

• Cowboy hats range from pure felt (0x) to pure beaver (100-1000x)

• A decent show hat could range from 10-20x

• Beginners may start with a lower X rating hat

• Advanced exhibitors may want a higher X rating hat

Checkout our other post on discovering Cowboy Hat Brands & Retailers

Cowboy Hat Shapes

Hat Crown Shapes

• “Open Crown” - all cowboy hats start with a smooth, round top - some stay this way

  • Most crowns are then creased & shaped to the owners preference

• “Gambler” aka Telescope - a large, flat circular depression that shortens & squares the crown

• “Gus” - old west original hat crown with 3 forward depressions

• “Teardrop” aka Pinch Front - teardrop shaped depression found in fedoras

• “Brick” - a brick-shaped depression atop the crown, worn by bull riders

• “Cattleman” - The classic cowboy hat found everywhere at Western Shows

  There are many others & countless variations of the above crown shapes

Hat Brim Shapes

• “Buckaroo” - completely flat brim all the way around

• “Rancher” - low roll, slightly curved brim shape

• “Bull Rider” - wide brim with low sides

• “Reiner Low Sides” aka Low Rodeo - wide, small slant

• “Cutter” - brim angle between reiner low sides & reiner high sides

• “Reiner High Sides” - Brim sides are high but not quite to 90

• “Western Pleasure” aka Showmanship show crease / “taco” shaped hat

Cowboy Hat Sizing & Fit

Proper Fit

• Snug enough so it won’t easily fall off

• Loose enough to not leave a mark

• It should be comfortable & match your head shape

Hat Opening Shapes

• Oval - this shape will fit many heads but not all

• Long Oval - it’s hard to fit this shape on a round head

• Round - it’s hard to fit this shape on a narrow head

• Padding - foam or tape can be added to the sweatband for final fit

Measuring your head

• Your hat should sit level on your head, ~½” above your ears

• Measure the circumference of your head at the level your hat will sit

• Compare your number to the size chart below to learn your hat size

Cowboy Hat Sizing Chart

cowboy hat sizes:

• Small: 6 ¾ - 6 ⅞ inches

• Medium: 7 - 7 ⅛ inches

• Large: 7¼ - 7 ⅜ inches

• XL: 7 ½ - 7 ⅝ inches

Cowboy Hat Care & Maintenance

The art of caring for your Western show hat transforms not just your appearance in the arena but also your hat's lifespan & performance.

Handle Your Show Hat With Care

• Handle with care - although quality hats are tough, they are susceptible to scuffs & stains

• Wash your hands - skin oils can get onto your hat and attract grime & residues which can be very difficult to remove

• Handle your hat by the crown, not the brim to retain shape & avoid stains

• If you must set it down, set it on the crown, not the brim

Inspect your hat regularly - preventative maintenance

• Regularly inspect your hat for signs of wear or damage

• Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent them from becoming major concerns

• Spot clean your hat with baby wipes ASAP after noticing a stain

Moisture & Felt Hats

• Avoid getting lower quality hats wet (rain, sweat, humidity)

• ALWAYS Dry your hat after use - set on it’s crown until completely dry

• Do not store felt hats in plastic bags

Cleaning your hat

Clean your hat after each use & again before storing

• Hat Sponge - use only on lower quality hats (6x and under)

• Hat Brush - use a good horse-hair hat brush on all quality hats

How to Brush Your Hat

• Always brush the brim TOP & crown COUNTER-clockwise

• Always brush the UNDERSIDE of the brim CLOCKWISE

• Keep your sponges & brushes from your light & dark hats SEPARATE!

Hat Deep Clean

• Use TAPE or a lint roller to lift dust & debris off your hat

• Use a hat brush with bristle color that matches the hat

• Felt hat foam cleaner can be carefully used (on dark hats)

  • spray evenly, let dry for 5 seconds, brush off immediately

Odor Management

• Always let your hat dry completely

• Lightly sprinkle the interior with baking soda, let it sit overnight & gently vacuum it out

• This natural solution can absorb odors without damaging the felt

Routine Hat Maintenance

• Should be professionally creased & cleaned 2x/year

• Re-shaping - get this done regularly at horse shows

• Fine grit sandpaper (220#) to smooth out scuffs and rough spots

Cowboy Hat Storage & Transport

Storage - in it’s original cardboard box, a plastic hat box, or on a hat rack  

• Make sure your hat is completely dry before storage (or it could mold)

• Use a hat rack for short term storage

• cardboard box or plastic hat box for long-term storage

Hat Storage Conditions

• Keep your hat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

• Store in a climate controlled area if possible - hats don’t like environmental swings

• DO NOT leave in the hot horse trailer - or a hot vehicle - It will SHRINK!

Transporting Your Hat:

• When using a hard-sided case, consider a custom hat form insert that matches your hat's specific shape and size

• This personalized support system offers unparalleled protection against deformation, ensuring your hat maintains its shape

• Transport - in it’s original cardboard box or a plastic hat box  

Cowboy Hat Tips & Suggestions

• Keep baby wipes handy to quickly clean makeup, stains, etc.

• Have a backup hat &/or practice hat ready just in case

• Rotate hats to minimize wear

• Seasonal Rotation: straw & felt hats can benefit from a seasonal rotation

More Hat Tips…

• Know when to take it off

• Never touch someone else’s hat…just don’t do it

• Never stack your cowboy hats

• Many say it’s bad luck to set your hat on a bed

Conclusion - In The next Article:

You Will learn More about:

• Hat Style - considering everything color, size & shape, your structure, customization’s & trends

• Hat Color Choices - complimenting your complexion & your horse while matching your outfit

• Hat Size and Shape - details about Crown height & shape along with Brim length & shape

• Uniquely You - dialing in your final hat shape to compliment your structure and facial features

• Hat Customization’s - Hat bands, ……etching, embellishments and more

• Current Hat Trends - What’s Hot & What’s Not in today’s top breed shows