Types of Cowboy Hats

Cowboy hats come in many styles, including the Cattleman, Gus, Pinch Front, Gambler, Brick, and Open Crown.

The main differences are in the crown and crease shapes, while brim shape and material can also vary. Common cowboy hat materials include straw, felt, and leather.

Cowboy Hat Types Chart

Here are the main cowboy hat styles.

Most Popular Types of Cowboy Hats

Here are the most popular cowboy hat styles, each with its own crown shape, crease, and overall look. 

Cattleman Cowboy Hat

The Cattleman is a classic cowboy hat style with a tall crown and three creases on top, one in the middle and one on each side. The brim is usually medium to wide, so it also gives you good shade from the sun.

The crown stays fairly straight instead of sloping down. That simple shape is one of the main things that gives the Cattleman its traditional Western look.

It is a practical style for ranch work, riding, everyday wear, and Western events. You can find Cattleman hats in both felt and straw. Felt is a common choice for cooler weather, while straw works better in hot weather.

If you are new to cowboy hats, the Cattleman is an easy style to start with. It has a classic look and goes well with most Western clothes.

Gus Cowboy Hat

The Gus has a tall crown that is higher at the back and drops down toward the front. The front is pinched, which gives the crown its sloping shape. From the side, that forward slope is the first thing you notice.

The Gus has a strong old Western look. It does not have the straight, upright shape you see on a Cattleman. The crown leans forward, giving the hat a more rugged and worn-in appearance.

The style became especially well known after Robert Duvall wore a Gus as Gus McCrae in Lonesome Dove. That is also where the name became closely associated with the style.

You will find Gus hats in both felt and straw. The exact crown height and brim shape can vary from one hat to another. For example, current Stetson Gus hats use a sloped crown with a slightly curved brim, while its straw version has a similar sloped crown with a slightly narrower brim.

If you like the old-school cowboy look, the Gus is one of the styles worth looking at. It works with Western clothes, riding gear, and everyday cowboy outfits without needing much else to make the look work.

Pinch Front Cowboy Hat

A Pinch Front cowboy hat has a crown that is pinched in at the front. This makes a point in the middle.

Some hats have a deep pinch, while others have a small one. The crown can be tall or short, and the brim can be narrow or wide.

You can find Pinch Front hats in felt and straw. People wear them for everyday wear, rodeos, and other Western events.

If you like this kind of front shape, you can wear one with jeans, boots, or other Western clothes. 

Brick Cowboy Hat

A Brick cowboy hat has a tall crown with a flat, square top. The name comes from the way the crown looks, almost like a brick.

The top gives the hat a straight and strong look. You will usually see a medium or wide brim with this style. The main difference from a Cattleman is the top of the crown. A Cattleman has a center crease with dents on both sides, while a Brick has a flatter, more square top. 

You can get Brick hats in felt or straw. Felt suits cooler weather, while straw is a common choice for hot weather. 

People wear Brick hats for ranch work, riding, everyday wear, and Western events. If you like a tall hat with a square top, the Brick is a simple style to try.

Gambler Cowboy Hat

The Gambler has a low, wide crown and a wide brim. The crown is usually flat or slightly rounded on top, giving the hat its low, broad look.

The crown has an open shape and usually no deep crease. Some Gambler hats have a small crease, so the top can vary a little.

The wide brim gives you plenty of shade outdoors. People wear this style for ranch work, outdoor activities, rodeos, and Western events.

Straw is common in hot weather, while felt Gambler hats are also worn when it is cooler.

If you like a cowboy hat that is low and wide rather than tall, the Gambler is worth a look.

Tom Mix Cowboy Hat

The Tom Mix, also called the Montana Peak, has a tall crown with a high peak in the middle. This gives the hat its sharp, bold Western look.

The crown has a deep shape that rises toward the middle. The brim is usually medium to wide and often turns up at the sides. 

The name Tom Mix comes from the old Western movie star Tom Mix. He often wore tall, high-peaked cowboy hats in his movies. 

Felt and straw are both used for these hats. Felt is more common in cooler weather, while straw is a common choice for hot weather. 

People wear Tom Mix hats with Western outfits, at rodeos, and for other Western events. If you like a tall cowboy hat with a pointed top, this one is easy to spot.

Open Crown Cowboy Hat

An Open Crown cowboy hat has a tall, rounded crown with no crease in the top. It comes without a set shape, so you can shape the crown the way you like.

You can leave the crown open, or shape it later with a crease. Unlike a pre-creased hat, it does not come with a crease already set in the crown.

Felt and straw are both used for Open Crown hats. You will often see felt versions in cooler weather and straw versions in warmer weather.

People wear them for ranch work, riding, Western events, and everyday wear. They are also a good choice if you want to shape your own hat.

Boss of the Plains Cowboy Hat

The Boss of the Plains is a simple Western hat with a wide brim and a rounded crown. It has a plain look, without the deep creases you see on many cowboy hats today.

John B. Stetson introduced the Boss of the Plains in 1865. It became popular in the American West, especially among people who spent a lot of time outdoors. 

The original Boss of the Plains was made from felt. Its wide brim gave the wearer shade from the sun. Today, you may also see hats inspired by this style in other materials.

The Boss of the Plains was one of the early Western hats that influenced the cowboy hat styles that came later. Today, it is mostly known for its place in cowboy hat history.

Cowboy Hat Crown and Crease Types

The crown is the top part of a cowboy hat, and the crease is the shape or dent made in it. Both can change the way a cowboy hat looks. 

What Is a Cowboy Hat Crown?

A cowboy hat crown is the part of the hat that covers the top of your head. It gives the hat its height and shape.

The crown can have different shapes, which can change how the hat looks.

Common Cowboy Hat Crown Shapes

The most common cowboy hat crown shapes are tall, low, rounded, square, and sloped.

• Tall crown: The top of the hat stands high.
• Low crown: The top of the hat sits lower and looks closer to your head.
• Rounded crown: The top curves smoothly, like a rounded dome.
• Square crown: The top looks flat, with straighter sides and clear corners.
• Sloped crown: The crown is higher at the back and gradually gets lower toward the front.

These shapes can give cowboy hats very different looks, even when the brim is similar.

What Is a Cowboy Hat Crease?

A cowboy hat crease is a dent or fold in the top of the crown. It helps give the crown its shape.

The crown is the top part of the hat, and the crease is made into it.

A crease can be in the middle, on the sides, or at the front. It changes the shape of the hat and gives it a different look.

 Common Cowboy Hat Creases

The most common cowboy hat creases are the center crease, side dents, front pinch, and diamond crease.

• Center crease: A dent runs down the middle of the crown from front to back.
• Side dents: Dents are made on both sides of the crown, leaving the middle raised. 
• Front pinch: The front of the crown is pinched in, giving it a pointed shape.
• Diamond crease: The crease forms a diamond shape on top of the crown.

These crease styles change the shape of the crown and give the hat its look. 

Cowboy Hat Brim Types

Cowboy hat brims come in different shapes and widths. Common types include flat, curved, rolled, upturned, downturned, wide, and narrow brims.

Flat Brim Cowboy Hats

A flat brim cowboy hat has a brim that stays mostly flat all the way around.

The brim does not curve up or down much. It extends straight out from the crown, giving the hat a clean and simple look. Flat brims are also good for keeping the sun off your face and neck.

Curved and Rolled Brims

A curved brim bends up or down in a smooth curve. A rolled brim has a tighter curl, making the edge look more rounded.

The main difference is how much the brim bends. A curved brim has a simple bend, while a rolled brim has more curl.

Upturned and Downturned Brims

An upturned brim curves up, while a downturned brim curves down.

With an upturned brim, the sides go up and away from your face. With a downturned brim, the sides go down and sit closer to your face.

The difference is simple: upturned goes up, and downturned goes down.

Wide vs. Narrow Brims

A wide brim sticks out farther from the crown, while a narrow brim does not extend as far.

A wide brim gives you more shade and covers more of your face. A narrow brim leaves more of your face open and gives the hat a smaller look.

If you want more shade, a wide brim makes sense. If you prefer a smaller brim, a narrow brim may be more your style.

Cowboy Hat Materials

Cowboy hats are made from felt, straw, leather, or palm leaf. Each material has a different look and feel. 

Felt Cowboy Hats

Felt cowboy hats are best for cooler weather. Felt is thicker and warmer than straw, so it works well in fall and winter. It also holds its shape well.

Most felt cowboy hats are made from wool felt or fur felt. Wool felt is usually less expensive, while fur felt is softer and often used for more expensive hats. 

You can wear one for ranch work, riding, Western events, or just everyday wear when the weather is cool. 

Straw Cowboy Hats

Straw cowboy hats are a popular choice for hot weather. They are light and let air through, so they feel cooler than felt hats. 

Some straw hats have bigger gaps between the strands, which lets more air through. Others are made more tightly, so less air can pass through.

Straw is a good choice for summer, outdoor work, ranching, rodeos, and other Western events. It gives you a classic cowboy look without feeling as heavy as a felt hat.

Leather Cowboy Hats

Leather cowboy hats are tough and can handle a lot of wear. They have a rough, rugged look that you don't get with felt or straw hats.

They are handy for ranch work, riding, and other outdoor activities. You can also wear one with jeans and boots for an easy Western look.

Palm Leaf Cowboy Hats

Palm leaf cowboy hats are made from natural palm leaves. They have a simple, natural look and a slightly rough feel.

They are light and let some air through, which makes them a good choice for hot weather. You can wear them for ranch work, riding, or just spending time outside.

Compared with straw hats, palm leaf hats usually feel stronger and have a more natural look. They are a good option if you want a light summer hat that can handle regular outdoor use.

Which Cowboy Hat Material Is Best?

It mostly depends on the weather, how you plan to use the hat, and how much you want to spend.

How to Choose the Right Cowboy Hat Style

Now that you know the different crowns, brims, and materials, here's how to choose a style that works for you.

Choose a Style That Suits Your Face Shape

Your face shape can help you choose a cowboy hat crown and brim that balance your features.

Round face: Try a taller crown with a medium brim. This can make your face look a little longer and more balanced. You can also try other shapes to see what feels and looks best on you.

Square face: A rounded crown can soften a strong jawline. A sharp crown may make your face look more angular. A medium brim also works well.

Oval face: Almost any style can work well for you. You can try different crown and brim shapes without much worry.

Long face: A low, flat crown can help balance your face. A tall crown may make it look longer, while a wider brim can add balance.

Heart-shaped face: A medium crown with a slightly wider brim can help balance a wider forehead and narrower chin.

Not sure about your face shape? Use our face shape calculator to find out.

Choose the Right Crown and Crease

If you're buying a cowboy hat for everyday wear, a medium-height crown is a good place to start. A tall crown makes the hat look taller and bigger, while a short crown gives it a lower look.

The crease changes the look of the hat too. A Cattleman crease is a good choice if you want a simple, classic look. A Pinch Front makes the crown look sharper and more pointed. Gambler and Telescope styles have their own crown and crease shapes.

If this is your first cowboy hat, a medium-height crown with a Cattleman crease can be a good choice. It works well for everyday wear and gives you a classic look. Once you know what you like, you can try other crown and crease styles too.

Choose the Right Brim

A wider brim is a good choice if you spend a lot of time outside or ride horses. It gives you more shade from the sun. For everyday wear, a medium brim is usually enough.

The brim shape also changes the look. A flat brim gives a straight Western look, an upturned brim keeps the sides away from your face, and a downturned brim gives more coverage from the sun.

Choose the brim based on where you will wear the hat and what look you prefer.

Choose the Right Material

Choose felt for fall, winter, and dressier outfits. It is warm, holds its shape well, and works for weddings, dinners, and Western events.

Choose straw for spring, summer, and hot outdoor activities. It is light, lets air through, and works well for ranch work, rodeos, and everyday wear.

Choose leather for riding, ranch work, and rough outdoor use. It is tough and rugged, but heavier than felt or straw.

Cowboy Hat vs. Western Hat

A cowboy hat is a type of Western hat. Western hats are a broader category that includes cowboy hats, gambler hats, and other styles.

Cowboy hats usually have a taller crown and a brim that curves up at the sides. Other Western hats can have different crown and brim shapes.

The main difference is simple: a cowboy hat is one style of Western hat, while Western hats include many different styles.

Wear Your Cowboy Hat the Right Way

Now that you know the different types of cowboy hats, learn how to wear a cowboy hat the right way. You can also learn about the parts of a cowboy hat to understand the different parts of your hat.