Cowboy Hats

The cowboy hat was not designed by a stylist. It was designed by the American West — and specifically by John B. Stetson, who in 1865 produced a hat explicitly engineered for the demands of the frontier: a wide brim (typically 7–12 cm) to shield the face and neck from sun and rain, a high crown (10–15 cm) for airflow in summer heat, and durable felt or straw construction to withstand years of hard outdoor use. Every design decision was functional. That utilitarian honesty is precisely why the silhouette has endured for over 150 years across every continent.

The cowboy hat became the defining symbol of the American West through dime novels, Wild West shows, and eventually through Hollywood — where John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Gary Cooper wore it not as costume but as character. Today it is worn by rodeo competitors in Texas, by festival-goers in London and by fashion houses in Paris, each interpreting the same silhouette through a different cultural lens.

Hatloom cowboy hats are crafted in wool felt, straw and genuine leather — from classic Stetson-inspired silhouettes to modern western interpretations. For men and women who understand that the cowboy hat is not a costume. It is a position statement.

Cowboy Hat Styles: Crease and Crown Shapes

Cowboy Hat Materials Compared

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cowboy hat?

A cowboy hat is a wide-brim hat with a high structured crown, originally designed for the demands of outdoor ranch and frontier work in 19th-century America. The wide brim provides sun and rain protection; the high crown allows airflow in heat. Available in wool felt, straw and leather in a range of crown shapes for men and women. The Stetson is the most famous original cowboy hat brand.

What is the difference between a cowboy hat and a fedora?

A cowboy hat has a wider brim (7–12 cm), a higher crown (10–15 cm) and a more pronounced crease pattern than a fedora. The fedora has a narrower brim (5–8 cm), a lower, more tapered crown and a less dramatic silhouette. Both share a lengthwise crown crease, which is why they are sometimes confused. The cowboy hat reads as distinctly Western; the fedora as urban and heritage.

How do you choose a cowboy hat size?

Measure around your head approximately 1 cm above your ears and eyebrows. This measurement in centimetres is your hat size. Cowboy hats are typically sized from 6 3/8 (50 cm) to 7 5/8 (61 cm) in US hat sizing. When between sizes, choose the smaller size for felt hats — wool felt stretches slightly over time. For straw hats, choose the larger size as straw does not stretch.

How do you care for a felt cowboy hat?

Brush a felt cowboy hat with a soft-bristle hat brush after each wear, moving in the direction of the nap to remove dust and maintain the surface. Store on a hat stand or in a hat box — never resting on the brim. If the hat gets wet, shake off excess water and allow to air dry away from direct heat. For reshaping, lightly steam the felt and work it into shape while warm. For deep cleaning, take a quality felt cowboy hat to a specialist hat cleaner.

Can women wear cowboy hats?

Yes. Women's cowboy hats follow the same construction and sizing as men's but are often available in narrower brims, softer crown shapes and a wider range of colours and trims. Wide-brim cowboy hats are particularly popular in women's festival and summer wardrobes. When choosing, consider brim width relative to shoulder width — a brim roughly equal to or slightly narrower than the shoulders tends to be the most flattering proportion.

Browse Cowboy Hats by Type

• Summer Cowboy Hats — straw and lightweight cowboy hats for warm-weather outdoor wearing
• Winter Cowboy Hats — wool felt cowboy hats for autumn and winter
• Leather Cowboy Hats — genuine leather cowboy hats for year-round durability