To wear a cowboy hat the right way, first make sure you have the right size. Then look inside the hat for a bow, ribbon, or tag on the sweatband, that side is the back.
Put the hat on with the front facing forward. The brim should be just above your eyebrows, and the crown should be level.
Give your head a little shake. The hat should stay in place and not slide around. If you want, tilt it a little for a more relaxed look.
How to Wear a Cowboy Hat Correctly (Step-by-Step)
Follow these five simple steps to wear your cowboy hat properly.
Step 1: Fix Your Hair First
Before you put the hat on, take a look at your hair.
If you have long hair: You can leave it down, or put it in a low ponytail or braid. Keep it low at the back of your neck so it doesn’t get in the way of the hat.
If you leave your hair down, just pull it back behind your shoulders before putting on the hat. Don’t stuff a lot of hair under the hat because it can make the hat feel tight.
A high ponytail or bun usually doesn’t work well with a cowboy hat. They can push the hat up and make it sit higher than you want.
For more tips, see our guide on how to wear a hat with long hair.
If you have short hair: Just put the hat on. If your hair is sticking up, push it down first.
If you’ve got your hair styled up, take it down or flatten it before putting on the hat. Otherwise, your hair can push the hat up and make it feel tight.
You can also read our guide on how to wear a hat with short hair for more tips.
Step 2: Find the Front and Back (Bow, Ribbon, or Tag)
Before you put your cowboy hat on, make sure you know which side is the front. Most cowboy hats have a small bow, ribbon, or tag inside the sweatband that marks the back.
If your hat doesn’t have one, look at the brim. The front usually has a lower dip, while the back sits a little higher. Don’t wear the hat backward. It won’t sit properly on your head and may feel uncomfortable.
If some of these hat parts are new to you, our guide to the parts of a cowboy hat explains what each part is called.
Step 3: Position the Hat on Your Head
Once you know which side is the back, put the hat on. Hold it by the brim and put it on gently. The brim should sit just above your eyebrows, and the crown should be level.
It should feel snug but not tight. It shouldn’t feel loose or move around when you wear it.
Step 4: Adjust the Hat’s Angle
You can tilt your cowboy hat a little if you like the look. A small tilt to the front, back, or side is fine.
Don’t tilt it too much. The hat should still sit properly on your head and stay in place.
Step 5: Check the Fit
Once the hat is on, do these three quick checks:
- Shake your head gently. The hat should stay in place without sliding around.
- Check the sweatband. It should feel comfortable against your head. It shouldn’t dig into your skin or leave a deep mark.
- Wear it for a few minutes. It should still feel comfortable and not give you a headache.
If the hat feels a little loose, use an adjustable band, sizing tape, or foam inserts to make it tighter.
How to Measure Your Head for a Cowboy Hat
To find your cowboy hat size, measure around your head where the hat will sit.
Wrap a soft measuring tape around your head, just above your ears and across your forehead. Keep the tape level all the way around your head. Don’t pull it too tight.
Note the measurement, then enter it into our Hat Size Calculator to find your hat size in US, UK, or EU sizes.
If you’re between sizes, check the hat maker’s size chart before choosing a size. For more tips on measuring your head, see our guide on how to measure your head for a hat size.
How Should a Cowboy Hat Fit?
A cowboy hat should fit close to your head, but it shouldn’t feel tight. It should stay on your head when you move your head.
If the hat moves around a lot, it’s too loose. If it feels tight or starts to hurt, try the next size up.
How High Should a Cowboy Hat Sit?
The front of the brim should sit just above your eyebrows. It shouldn’t be so low that it covers your eyes or so high that it sits on top of your head.
Put the hat on and look straight ahead. If you have a clear view and the hat feels comfortable, the height is fine.
Should a Cowboy Hat Touch Your Ears?
The brim can lightly touch the top of your ears, but it shouldn’t press against them. Put the hat on and check your ears.
You should still be able to move your head without the hat rubbing or pushing on your ears.
How to Set Down a Cowboy Hat
When you take off your cowboy hat, don’t put it down on the brim. Turn it upside down and put it on the crown instead. This keeps the brim from getting bent.
If you need to place your cowboy hat on a table, put it on the crown with the inside facing up.
Keep it away from wet or dirty places. Also, don’t leave it in a hot car, as too much heat can change the shape of the hat. If you’re not going to wear it for a while, keep it in a hat box or on a hat stand.
When to Wear Straw and Felt Cowboy Hats
Straw is better for hot weather, while felt is better for cooler weather. Let’s look at when to wear each one.
When to Wear a Straw Cowboy Hat
Wear a straw cowboy hat in warm weather, especially in spring and summer. It’s a good choice when you’re going to be outside for a while because straw hats are generally lighter and more breathable than felt hats.
They’re common at rodeos, country concerts, while riding, or just spending a day outside in the sun. If it’s hot outside, straw is usually the way to go.
When to Wear a Felt Cowboy Hat
You can wear a felt cowboy hat in fall and winter, or anytime the weather is cool. Felt is thicker than straw and holds heat better, so it keeps your head warm when the weather gets cold.
You can also wear a felt hat for rodeos, riding, country events, or a night out. It goes well with jeans and boots, and you can add a button-down shirt or jacket when you’re dressing up.
What to Wear With a Black Cowboy Hat
Wear a black cowboy hat with blue jeans, a plain shirt, and cowboy boots. You don’t need to wear an all-black outfit.
If you’re dressing up, wear black jeans, a button-down shirt, a jacket, and a black cowboy hat. This gives you a clean western look.
You can also keep the rest of the outfit simple and let the black hat be the main piece.
Cowboy Hat Etiquette: The Basics You Should Know
A few simple rules can help you know when to keep your hat on, when to take it off, and when to leave someone else’s hat alone.
When Should You Take Off a Cowboy Hat?
Take your cowboy hat off at the dinner table, during prayer, in church, and during the National Anthem.
In someone’s home, it’s also polite to take it off when you go inside. At a casual bar or a quick meal at a counter, you can usually leave it on. When in doubt, look around and follow the room.
How to Tip a Cowboy Hat
To tip your hat, lift it slightly off your head for a second, then put it back. Or just touch the brim with your fingers and nod.
Either way is a quick way to say hello, thank you, or show respect when you meet someone.
In the past, men often tipped their hats to women. Some people still do this today, but it’s less common now.
What About Cowboy Hats in Bars and Restaurants?
If you’re standing at a bar or grabbing a quick meal at a counter, you can usually keep your hat on. If you sit down for a full meal at a table, take it off.
Don’t Touch Someone Else’s Hat
Don’t grab, touch, or try on someone else’s cowboy hat without asking first.
If you like someone’s hat, just ask. They may be happy to let you take a closer look or try it on.
Cowboy Hat Mistakes You Should Avoid
A few common mistakes are easy to avoid.
Wearing the hat backwards. Before you put it on, check the inside of the hat. The bow, ribbon, or tag on the sweatband usually marks the back.
Wearing Your Hair Up Too High. Don’t put a high ponytail or bun under your cowboy hat. It can push the hat up and make it sit too high. Keep your hair down or tie it low.
Storing the Hat on Its Brim. Don’t leave your cowboy hat sitting on the brim. It can change the shape of the brim over time. Turn the hat upside down and let it rest on the crown instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Side Does the Buckle Go on a Cowboy Hat?
The buckle usually goes on the left side of the cowboy hat when you’re wearing it. That’s the traditional way to wear a cowboy hat with a buckle.
Can You Wear a Cowboy Hat If You’re Not a Cowboy?
Yes, you can wear a cowboy hat even if you’re not a cowboy. People wear cowboy hats for everyday outfits, country events, concerts, rodeos, and outdoor activities. Just choose a hat that fits well and feels comfortable.
Can You Wear a Cowboy Hat While Driving?
Yes, you can wear a cowboy hat while driving as long as it doesn’t block your view. Make sure the brim doesn’t get in the way of your vision or your mirrors. If the hat is too loose or keeps moving around, take it off before you drive.
Wear Your Cowboy Hat with Confidence
The next time you put on your cowboy hat, don’t overthink it.
Get the size right, keep it level, and make sure it stays put when you move. That’s really all it takes.
If you think your size might be off, use our hat size calculator to find the right fit.
