Cowboy Hats and More

Banish the thought that real cowboys only wear one hat. For real cowboys, their hat is part of who they are … their image. It reflects their rugged, independent spirit and adds that something extra that makes them, in my opinion, well .. irresistible.A real cowboy has a cowboy hat for every occasion and weather condition.

As you know, cowboy hats are distinguished by wide brims and high, distinctly-shaped crowns. Straw, fur, and wool felt cowboy hats are the most common. Straw, aside from being cheaper, is the best hat for during hot weather. However, age and long wear might cause it to become brittle. For durability, fur felt hats of either beaver or rabbit are best.

Straw and hats of light color are fashionable, but must be worn only in the summer or dry seasons. This is because they are airy, breathable, and  their light colors absorb less heat. The season for dark colored and felt hat is during the colder months. Aside from protecting the head against the bitter weather, these hats also absorb more heat, thereby keeping the cowboy warm. Though no clear reason is given why, white hats are no-no after the celebration of Labor day. You might just be branded as a fashion flop if you do so.

Real cowboys have hats to fit every need … rougher more durable hats for outdoor work, more high quality hats for church Sundays, fancy trim for Saturday night and classic black hats for Monday morning.

If you think that you can put on any cowboy hat and it will do, you might be surprised at the many styles and variety of brims and crowns available. You need to match the hat to your face as well as your style … More on that subject later.