Cowboy Hats 101: The Ultimate Western Show Hat Starter Guide
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 Starter Guide
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Cowboy Hat Starter Guide 〰️
Did you know that although a cowboy hat is gender neutral, you still want to consider sizing, shape & proportion when choosing a hat?
Table of Contents
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
image by “The Components of a Cowboy Topper”
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
Straw hats are lighter & well-vented
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
Felt hats can include beaver, hare, buffalo & mink
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
We Use Felt Hats for Western Shows
〰️
We Use Felt Hats for Western Shows 〰️
The Quality - Felt hats - X Rating
Bailey’s 100x “Legacy” hat - 100% pure beaver
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
““A better quality hat is actually much lower maintenance””
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
“The “Cattleman Crown” is the most defining shape of the Western all-around Show Hat”
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
“Brim shapes should be carefully shaped & maintained to compliment your features”
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
“It’s absolutely paramount that your show hat stays extremely clean & tidy”
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
Find at Teskey’s Saddle Shop 2/$3
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
“For felt hats, use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove dust & dirt”
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!
Last seen priced at $19 at NRSworld.com
Light Brush for Light Hats
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Dark Brush for Dark Hats
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Light Brush for Light Hats 〰️ Dark Brush for Dark Hats 〰️
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
Helpful Cowboy Hat Tips
〰️
Helpful Cowboy Hat Tips 〰️
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
““If nothing else, your hat MUST be CRISPLY shaped & CLEAN on show day””
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
“Buy the best hat you can afford & shape it well!”
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