Most people love the look of a cowboy hat but aren’t sure how to wear it correctly. Fit, angle, etiquette, and style can feel confusing at first.
This guide goes step by step so you can wear your cowboy hat with comfort, confidence, and respect for tradition.
A Short History of the Cowboy Hat
Cowboy hats didn’t appear out of nowhere. Wide-brimmed hats have been around for centuries. In the 13th century, Mongolian horsemen used them to block the wind and the sun. Spanish vaqueros, who were early North American cowboys, also wore wide-brimmed hats for outdoor work.
In 1865, John B. Stetson created the “Boss of the Plains“, the first modern cowboy hat. Its tall crown allowed airflow, and the wide brim protected the face, neck, and shoulders. Ranchers and pioneers quickly adopted it because it was durable and practical.
Over time, the cowboy hat became more than work gear. It turned into a symbol of the West, independence, and tradition. Today, wearing a cowboy hat adds style to your outfit and connects you to history.
How to Choose the Right Cowboy Hat for Your Head, Style, and Season
A cowboy hat looks best when it fits your face and lifestyle. The right material, size, and shape will make it feel natural rather than forced.
Finding the Right Fit
Fit is everything with a cowboy hat. It should sit snug but not tight, just above your eyebrows and ears. Too loose, and it will blow off in the wind. Too tight, and it will leave marks and feel uncomfortable.
To find your size, use a soft measuring tape and wrap it around your head, just above your eyebrows and ears. Record the circumference in inches or centimeters, then compare your measurement to a cowboy hat size chart.
If you fall between sizes, pick the larger one and adjust it with hat sizing foam. Foam strips can be tucked inside the sweatband to tighten the fit in small increments.
A quick test is to put the hat on and nod your head. If it stays in place, it fits. If it shifts, it is too loose.
Cowboy Hat Materials and When to Wear Them
Cowboy hats come in different materials, each designed for certain seasons, occasions, and purposes.
Felt Cowboy Hats
Felt cowboy hats are made from wool, rabbit fur, or premium beaver fur. They’re warm, durable, and naturally water-resistant, which makes them a solid choice for fall, winter, and rainy weather.
Felt hats are also more formal, often worn at weddings, rodeos, horse shows, and other Western events where a sharp appearance matters.
Straw Cowboy Hats
Straw cowboy hats are lightweight and breathable, designed for spring and summer. They’re crafted from materials like palm leaf, toquilla straw, raffia, Bangora, or even Shantung (a type of paper straw).
They keep your head cool and provide shade, making them ideal for ranch work, summer concerts, festivals, and casual everyday wear.
Leather Cowboy Hats
Leather cowboy hats are made from durable hides like cowhide, steerhide, buffalo hide, or goatskin.
They’re tough, long-lasting, and protective, built to handle rough weather, dust, and hard outdoor work. They can feel heavy in hot weather, but many people still like them because of their rugged Western style.
Palm Leaf Cowboy Hats
Palm leaf cowboy hats are made from tightly woven, dried palm leaves. They’re flexible, durable, and naturally water-resistant.
One unique feature is that you can reshape them by soaking them in water, which makes them highly versatile for outdoor work and activities.
Unlike regular straw, palm leaf hats hold up better in rain and rough use, so ranchers and outdoor workers often rely on them. They’re practical for both tough jobs and casual wear.
Seasonal Rule
Traditionally, felt hats are worn in cooler months and straw hats in warmer ones. But at the end of the day, comfort and weather matter more than strict rules.
Choosing the Right Cowboy Hat Shape for Your Face
Crown height, brim width, and crease style affect how the hat looks on you.
- Oval faces can pull off different hat styles, including felt, straw, palm leaf, and leather.
- Round faces look better with taller crowns and angled brims that add length.
- Long faces suit medium crowns and wider brims.
- Square faces pair well with rounded crowns and curved brims to soften strong angles.
- Heart-shaped faces look good with teardrop crowns and shorter brims that balance the chin and forehead.
- Diamond-shaped faces fit lower crowns and medium brims to tone down wide cheekbones.
- Triangle faces look best with taller crowns and wider brims to balance the jawline.
Try different crease styles like Cattleman, Pinch Front, Gus, or Open Crown to find the one that fits your personality.
How to Wear a Cowboy Hat Correctly: Step-by-Step
Putting on your hat the right way is simple once you know the details. Hair, front and back, position, angle, and fit all matter. Paying attention makes the hat look natural and shows respect for tradition.
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair Before Wearing the Hat
Before putting your hat on, make sure your hair is ready.
Short hair should be neat and smooth so the hat sits comfortably. There are also different ways to style short hair with hats, which can make a big difference in the overall look.
Long hair should be tied in a low ponytail or loose hair so it lays naturally under the crown. Avoid piling it on top of your head because that pushes the hat up and changes the fit.
You can also check out different approaches to wearing hats with long hair to see what works best in everyday situations.
Women often keep it simple with waves, braids, or sleek ponytails for a polished look.
Step 2: Identify the Front and Back of the Hat
Most cowboy hats have a small bow or tag inside the sweatband that marks the back. If your hat doesn’t have a bow, you can still tell the front because it is usually a little narrower and curves downward.
Wearing a hat backwards looks careless and shows you don’t know basic cowboy hat etiquette. Always check for the bow before putting it on and make sure the front and back are correct.
Step 3: Position the Hat Properly on Your Head
Hold the hat by the crown, not the brim. Holding the brim can bend or damage the hat over time. Gently place the hat on your head about an inch above your eyebrows. It should rest comfortably around your ears and feel balanced.
The hat should not be too tight or too loose. A properly positioned hat sits naturally and looks right without needing constant adjustment.
Step 4: Adjust the Angle of Your Hat for the Right Look
Once it’s on, tilt the brim to match the style you want. Tipping it slightly up gives a friendly, casual look. Pulling it down toward your eyebrows makes you look tougher or more serious. A slight tilt to one side adds confidence and personality.
The key is balance. Too much tilt forward, backward, or sideways looks awkward and takes away from the classic cowboy hat shape. Keep it natural and comfortable.
Step 5: Check the Fit
The hat should feel secure without being tight. The best way to check is by nodding your head or moving around a little. If the hat stays in place and feels comfortable, it fits well.
If it shifts or feels loose, it’s too big. Many hats have adjustable bands inside the sweatband, and you can also use sizing tape or foam inserts to tighten the fit. These small fixes make sure your hat looks right, stays put, and can be worn all day without trouble.
Cowboy Hat Etiquette: The Rules of Respect
One of the most important parts of wearing a cowboy hat properly is etiquette. These are simple rules that show respect for tradition and the people around you.
When to Remove Your Hat
Take your hat off when you’re indoors. This includes homes, churches, restaurants, and courthouses. The one exception is Cowboy Church, where hats are usually allowed but should always be removed during the Lord’s Prayer.
At the dinner table, especially in someone’s home or at a formal meal, it’s polite to remove your hat.
When you meet someone for the first time, especially elders or women, it’s respectful to briefly lift or tip your hat.
A simple rule to follow: if you’re not sure, take your hat off. It’s always better to be safe and show respect.
Tipping the Hat
Tipping your hat is a small gesture, but it carries meaning. Traditionally, men tip their hats to women as a polite greeting or to elders as a sign of respect. Tipping your hat to another man can sometimes be taken as an insult, so keep that in mind.
To do it, lift the hat slightly by the crown or give a small forward nod while touching the brim. Keep it simple—there’s no need to make it fancy.
What’s the Cowboy Hat Rule for Funerals?
Funerals are serious occasions, and etiquette is strict here. Remove your hat during the service and anytime you’re inside a church or funeral home.
If you’re outdoors and the casket is present or being lowered, hold your hat over your heart. Leaving it on during these moments is seen as disrespectful.
Can You Wear a Cowboy Hat Indoors at a Bar?
A lot of people wonder if it’s okay to wear a cowboy hat in bars. Traditionally, hats come off indoors, but country bars are usually more relaxed.
If you’re in a casual setting where people are dancing or enjoying music, keeping your hat on is fine. At sit-down tables or restaurants inside the bar, it’s still polite to remove it. Just pay attention to the vibe and follow what others are doing.
Seasonal Etiquette: Straw vs. Felt Hats
The general rule is simple: straw hats are for spring and summer, felt hats for fall and winter. Many people still follow this, but comfort and weather matter more than tradition.
Straw hats are cooler, which makes them the best choice for hot days and outdoor work. Felt hats are warmer and more durable, so they work better in cold or rainy weather.
Can you wear straw in winter? In warmer climates, yes, it can work. But in a formal setting, a straw hat may look out of place. Felt in summer is usually too hot, unless you’re indoors with good air conditioning.
Leather hats are another option. They’re versatile year-round but less common for formal settings.
Respecting Other People’s Hats
In cowboy culture, a hat is personal property. Never grab or touch someone else’s hat without permission. Even playful handling can come across as rude or even start a conflict. If you’re curious about another person’s hat, just ask—it’s the respectful way to do it.
How to Style a Cowboy Hat: Casual, Formal, and Everywhere in Between
A cowboy hat should feel like part of your outfit, not a costume. The style depends on the occasion.
Casual Everyday Wear
For everyday wear, keep it simple. A light-colored straw cowboy hat with jeans, boots, and a basic t-shirt or flannel over a tee works fine. Straw hats are great in summer because they keep you cool and give a relaxed look.
Men usually wear a simple tee or checked flannel with jeans and sturdy cowboy boots, while women can pair a straw cowboy hat with a tucked-in white tee and high-waist denim shorts, skirts, or a casual dress, along with stylish cowboy boots.
Can You Wear a Cowboy Hat with Shorts?
Yes, you can wear a cowboy hat with shorts. It works best in warm weather with simple tops like a t-shirt or tank. Pair it with boots for a country look, or casual shoes if you want it laid-back.
Country Concerts and Festivals
This is the place to have fun with your hat. Brighter or decorated hats boost the festival vibe and make your outfit pop. In the daytime, straw cowboy hats work best because they keep you cooler in the heat. At night, felt cowboy hats look cleaner and suit the evening atmosphere.
Men typically choose denim or printed short-sleeve shirts paired with jeans and cowboy boots. Women often wear denim rompers or dresses, fringe jackets, skirts, layered jewelry, and colorful or knee-high cowboy boots.
Weddings and Formal Events
At weddings and other formal gatherings, your hat should look neat and polished. Felt cowboy hats in darker shades like black, gray, or brown are the best choice for these occasions.
Men often pair them with a tailored suit and clean cowboy boots for a sharp look. Women can wear long dresses, sometimes featuring lace or delicate details, and pair them with boots and tasteful accessories, such as turquoise or silver jewelry.
The goal is to keep the outfit elegant and avoid wearing old or flashy hats. Weddings and formal events can be tricky when it comes to hats, so if you’re unsure how to pull it off, this guide on wearing a hat for weddings can help.
Ranch or Outdoor Work
Comfort is key. Straw and palm-leaf cowboy hats are light and heat-friendly. They can take rough use, so don’t worry about wear.
Men wear them with jeans, button-up shirts, and brown work boots for a simple but functional ranch look.
Women go for practical ranch wear like plaid shirts, utility vests, jeans, and outdoor boots, often adding small touches like gloves or simple accessories for functionality.
Nighttime and Social Events
Dark felt cowboy hats look sharp at night.
Men often pair them with jeans, button-ups, and sometimes a jacket for a sharper look. Women usually go with jeans styled with a nice top or sweater, along with simple accessories and boots. Clean felt hats keep the outfit polished and ready for social settings.
Handling and Caring for Your Cowboy Hat
A cowboy hat lasts longer and looks better when it is handled and stored properly. Small habits extend the life of a hat.
Handling
Always lift your cowboy hat by the crown, not the brim. The brim can bend if you grab it there.
When you set it down, place it upside down on the crown or use a hat rack. If you leave it resting on the brim, it can flatten and lose its shape.
Storing
People often ask, “What is the best way to store a cowboy hat when not wearing it?”
The best way to store a cowboy hat is in a hat box or on a hat stand, especially if you won’t be wearing it for a while.
If those aren’t available, you can use a sturdy shelf, peg, or storage bag—but make sure the brim and crown are supported.
Avoid leaving your hat on soft surfaces like a bed or couch. These can crush the crown or bend the brim. Proper storage keeps the hat clean and in shape.
Cleaning
Different materials need different care:
- Felt hats: Brush gently with a soft hat brush, moving in one direction (usually counterclockwise). This removes dust and keeps the fibers smooth.
- Straw hats: Wipe gently with a damp cloth. Don’t soak them, since water can weaken the straw.
- Palm leaf hats: They’re more durable and can be reshaped with a little water, but still need gentle handling.
Tips for Longevity
- Handle your hat with care and avoid rough use.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from strong heat sources, which can warp the material.
- Rotate your hats if you own more than one—wearing the same hat every day wears it down faster.
A cowboy hat that’s cared for properly lasts longer, keeps its shape, and always looks good with your outfit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Beginners often make a few simple mistakes that can take away from the look of a cowboy hat. One of the most noticeable is wearing the hat backwards. It rarely looks right unless you are going for a very specific style.
Brims that are too curled or shapes that are exaggerated make the hat look unnatural. Keep it simple. A cowboy hat doesn’t go well with sneakers or very modern streetwear unless styled carefully.
A hat that’s too big or too small looks awkward and feels uncomfortable. Make sure it fits right. When removing your hat, don’t show the inside of your hat to others. The sweatband and lining are considered personal.
Conclusion
A cowboy hat is more than just a fashion accessory. It carries tradition, style, and respect. Wearing it right shows that you understand cowboy culture and gives you confidence.
Do you follow the traditional rules, or do you have your own style? Share your thoughts in the comments!
FAQs
Do I wear the high or low point of the cowboy hat at the front?
The low point goes in front. Most cowboy hats have a bow or tag inside the sweatband that marks the back.
On what side should the buckle on the hat band be worn?
The buckle should always be on the left side. This is just part of cowboy tradition.
Do women have to remove their hats at the dinner table in a restaurant?
Women don’t need to remove their hats at the dinner table in a restaurant. Just wear it properly so it looks neat and suits the occasion.
How do you keep your ears warm with a cowboy hat in cold weather?
Many people wear a thin beanie or ear warmers under the hat. Some felt hats also come with ear flaps for winter use.
Why is it bad luck to put a cowboy hat on a bed?
It’s an old cowboy superstition. Many believe it brings bad luck, and practically, soft surfaces like beds or couches can crush the hat’s crown or bend the brim. Always place your hat on a rack, shelf, peg, or upside down on the crown.
Is it rude to touch someone else’s cowboy hat?
Yes. A cowboy hat is personal property, and touching it without permission is seen as disrespectful.
Is it uncool to wear a chin strap or neck string on a cowboy hat?
It’s actually practical, especially if you’re riding or working in windy weather. In cowboy culture, function always comes before fashion.
