Cowboy Hats 201: Guide to Selecting, Styling & Shaping your Hat for the Show Ring
Did you know that although a cowboy hat is gender neutral, you still want to consider sizing, shape & proportion when choosing a hat?
Women’s Comprehensive Styling Guide for Western Show Felt Hats:
COWBOY HAT BLOG SERIES
Cowboy Hats 101 - The Ultimate Show Hat Starter Guide
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 explains:
Hat Style - considering everything before purchasing a felt hat
Hat Colors - on you, your horse, your outfit, Your overall look
Hat Size & Shape - Crown Heights, Brim Lengths, Hat shaping Considerations
Uniquely You - your needs, your proportions, Your Style
Hat Customization’s - Buckles, lacing, engraving, embellishments & more
Current Hat Trends - What’s hot & what’s not
Hat Style Tips & Suggestions - Need To Know Info For All Hat Owners!
Hello, Equestrian Fashionistas!
First impressions matter! Your hat is the first thing that most people will notice. In competition, a poorly maintained, fitted or shaped hat will be very noticeable to a judge. To the contrary, an extremely tidy, “crisp” hat shows the world that someone really takes pride in their appearance.
As every fashionista knows, we’re different from men and our hats are too. We have different proportions, styles & needs. To us, a cowboy hat isn't just a piece of attire; it's an extension of our personality and a crucial element of our show ring ensemble.
In the last article:
The last blog covered:
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!
Cowboy Hat Style
Who are you & what is your style? This is what makes it so difficult, we are all so unique!
With so many styles, materials, and trends to consider, selecting the perfect hat can seem overwhelming. But fret not! We're here to guide you through selecting the perfect hat, shaping your hat, and staying atop the latest trends in the show horse industry.
Special Cowgirl Hat Considerations
What are your hat needs
Felt Hats for a Western show - should have a cattleman’s crown
What division - different classes have different brim shapes & rules
What level of show - higher level shows demand higher quality hats
Who are you
Physical Stature - hat size, crown height, brim length
Face Shape - hat shapes, angles & proportions
Personal Style - preferences, hat colors & customization’s
Considering these things will help you find the perfect hat
Hat Color Considerations
Consider hair color,
complexion,
outfit,
horse
Tack
Consistency in color and style creates a visually appealing ensemble that can catch the judge’s eye.
Cattleman | Womens Felt Cowgirl Hat delivers classic western charm with a bold flair. Crafted from wool felt and accented with a silver buckle on the self band, this wide-brim hat offers durable sun protection and timeless cowgirl style.
Material: Midweight Felt Wool
Shape: Cattleman
Trim: Felt Band with 3-piece Silver Buckle
Brim Size: 4"
Crown Height: 4 1/2"
Sweatband: AHM Velcro
Imported
Color Options
Classic colors - versatile & never go out of style
Other colors - compliment & match your attire
Bold colors - are more fun & add variety!
The right color can make your ensemble pop in the show ring
Classic Colors
Black - the most popular & timeless classic go-to option
Your collection should start with a nice black hat and expand from there.
is the most versatile color hat that can coordinate with the most different looks.
Sand & Neutral - other classic colors that will never go out of style.
Other Color Options
White
Sliverbelly
Chocolate
Bold Colors
Red, Royal Blue, Hot Pink, etc.
these are very fun colors
great for expanding your collection
great for kids
can be difficult to match
limited use-ability
Hat Size & Shape
Crown Heights
3⅞” - Short Gambler
4” - Standard Gambler
4¼” - Short Brick, Tall Gambler
4½” - Short Cattleman, Standard Brick
4¾” - Standard Cattleman, Tall Brick
5” - Tall Cattleman
6” - FULL open crown
Cattleman Crown
〰️
4½-5" Crown Height
〰️
Cattleman Crown 〰️ 4½-5" Crown Height 〰️
Cattleman Crown Shaping
A “U” shaped crease down the center with “Dents” on each side
The crease can vary in depth, width and slopes
The dents can vary in size shape & depth
Their final shape and taper can vary & should be adjusted to compliment facial structure
The Crease
Depth
Width
Slope
Ridge Top - Like a cattleman but pinched steeper, narrower and tighter at the top
The Dents
Size
Shape (taller dents will prevent hat from dropping too low on the head)
Depth
Brim Lengths
BRIM Lengths - can range from 3⅞-5”
3⅞” - Short - Kids & Petite Women
4” - Standard - Kids, Women, Men
4¼” - Standard + Women, Men
4½” - Standard ++ Women, Men
4¾” - Long usually Men
5” - Long + usually Men
the bigger the brim, the more dramatic the look (they can always be trimmed)
“Cowboy Hats at Western Shows usually have a 4-4½” brim”
Brim Shaping
Careful thought and consideration about the hat’s PROPORTIONS (crown height, brim length) & SHAPE (crown shape, brim shape) is required for a winning look.
Uniquely You
Women, Girls & Felt Hats
Cowboy hats are unisex & the same exact hat can be worn by both genders
That being said, there can be a lot of proportion differences between genders
The exact same hat might look much better on one person depending on it’s proportions relative to the person wearing it
assessing Stature & Face Shape
Height - short - medium - tall
Weight - thin - medium - thick
Face Shape - Smooth or angular lines
smooth lines - circle, oval, long oval
angular lines - rectangular, triangular, diamond
Compliment your stature
A smaller stature should have a smaller hat
shorter, more angular crown
shorter - medium brim
A larger stature should have a larger hat
taller, more rounded crown
medium - longer brim
Balance your features
Soften hard lines - angular faces
more rounded crowns for angular faces
curved front brim & rounded brim for angular faces
Shape soft lines - smoother faces
angular crowns for round faces & small stature
flat front brim & angular brims for round faces
previously we discussed head shape for hat opening shape
Face Shapes
Round face - add some height but not width
high crown height
curved front brim
avoid wide brims, rounded crowns
Oval face - almost anything can work
consider other things like your overall stature
your division
personal style
Long narrow face - moderate hat that sits lower
medium crown height
smaller dents - sit the hat a bit lower on the head
curved front brim
wider brim in front
Square face - should have softer lines
rounded crown
wide front brim
avoid harsh creases
Triangular face -
shorter brim
narrower in front (teardrop shaped)
Diamond face -
angled brim
curved front brim
Felt Hat Customization’s
Does your class allow hat customizations?
western pleasure - yes
Reining - no
Details, Embellishments, Customizations
Adding special binding
Adding borders to the hat
Whip-lace embellishments (have been trending for years).
Painted tattoo print on underside of brim (is allowed in some classes)
Crystals can be added in some classes (becoming less popular)
Many hat makers offer customizations, from unique hat bands to personalized creases. Custom features can set your hat apart and reflect your personal brand in the arena.
Current Hat Trends
what’s in and what’s not
Trends that are in
Trends that are in
While trends are exciting, there’s something to be said for timeless elegance. Classic shapes & colors never go out of style & ensure your look stays polished & professional
A Black hat will never go out of style
A quality, well-fitted, well-shaped hat will never go out of style
Personalized embellishments like custom hat bands and unique colors are trending
Things to AVOID
Brims no longer go as high & tight around the crown as in the past (no more “Taco” fold)
Be careful, some trends may not always compliment your facial and body structure.
Flat Brims
Extremely pulled down brims
5” brims
Chunky headbands
Stampede strings
Cowboy Hat Style Tips
The Look - Style, Shape & Proportion - this is what makes a hat unique!
Style - for this purpose its REAL Cowgirl Hats for Western Horse Shows
All-around events (Halter, Western Pleasure, Showmanship, Horsemanship)
Looking for an overall HIGH, tight & crisp hat appearance
Brims should be creased upward with no dip in the front. “The show crease”
Crown should be creased fairly narrow
Vents should be pulled out a little longer
Do your homework, learn as much as you can about hats before making the big purchase.
Ask a professional for help.
Try on multiple hats of different shapes before you decide
Pricier hats usually include lifetime free maintenance & re-shaping at horse shows
Next article - Finding a Hat: Guide to Cowboy Hat Brands & Retailers
Hat Tips by Discipline/Class
Western Pleasure
Architectural shapes with clean lines and sharp corners
Often has a slightly longer (4-1/4” brim)
Is open to more customizations (see below)
Halter
Horsemanship & Showmanship
Prefers a more classic, clean-look with no customizations.
Reining - shape hats to fall between the cutter and the show crease
Each Discipline Has it’s own look such as the “High Quarterhorse brim”
Selecting a Western show hat goes beyond aesthetics; it's about finding a piece that resonates with your style and enhances your performance. A good hat just looks right, matches your personal vibe and draws attention to your beautiful face.
The Hat Style
Shapes and Proportions…face shapes
Tall - tall
Corners of the brim should be the width of your face (the narrower the face, the narrower the brim)
IN THE NEXT ARTICLE>>>>
Shopping for a hat - online or at a horse show
Crown - overall height of the hat should be in proportion to your face & body structure
All hats begin with an open crown
Crown height is usually ~5¾”
Crown shape may be round or pointed
The Crown often contains a “crease” and “vents”
Crease or Dent - the pinch or depression at the top of the hat
Several types exist, but for western shows we want the “Cattleman’s Crease”
This is the most defined shape of the Western all-around hat
Brim - the ring around the outside of the crown
Brims may vary from 3¾” (for kids and small stature) - 5”
Brim length may vary from 3¾”-4¼” (4” on avg)
Brim should be flat in the front and creased at the same width as the face.
Back of the brim should have a nice, rounded shape.
Bend - the “Crisp” sharp corners are the most important part of the hats shape.
The creases should begin at the edges of the face.
The crease should be more squared or sharp in the front
The crease should relax as it moves toward the back creating a more rounded look from behind
The angle of the bend at the front of the brim can vary depending on your Class.
“The Western Pleasure Crease” “Quarter Horse Crease” “Show Crease”
The crease on a child’s hat should be a bit narrower in the front
Sweatband - the leather ring around the inside of the brim
The leather breathes, absorbs sweat & keeps you comfortable
This band determines the ultimate size of the hat
It often contains padding for improved comfort
You can custom pad the hat to match the shape of your head even better.
Hat Band - the decorative band around the outside of the crown
Shape of head opening - usually an oval
If you have a round head, most hats off the shelf won’t fit properly
In this case it’s best to size up and add extra padding in front and back.
Concluding Thoughts
Conclusion - suggestions, brands, where to find and links to hats!
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