Apparel Review: Best Cowboy Hats

Last Updated on September 1, 2020

Are you looking for the best cowboy hats for men, women, kids, and toddlers?

A high quality cowboy hat looks great in the show ring, on the trail, or out on the town. Me and my family have owned dozens of cowboy hats over the years and understand what makes a great hat. I’ve reviewed the top brands on the market and after reading this article you will know my recommendations.

Check the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for my best cowboy hats picks, or read on for the full review:

1. Stetson Men’s Bozeman Wool Felt Crushable Cowboy Hat
2. Stetson Men’s Rancher Straw Cowboy Hat
3. Ariat Unisex Bangora Cowboy Hat
4. Stetson Men’s Skyline Hat
5. Stetson Marshsll 4-X Wool Cowboy Hat

How to Choose the Best Cowboy Hats

There are three primary elements that you will want to consider when shopping for a cowboy hat so that you can be sure that you choose the one that is the best fit for you. I recommend that you start by considering your face shape, as a hat will draw a lot of attention to your face.

If you have a thin face, then you will look best in a hat with a medium crown. People who have fuller faces can wear a hat with a low crown. The wrong crown will make a thin face look longer and a full face look wider, which can be unflattering.

You also must consider the size of the hat, since these hats aren’t adjustable the way that ball caps are. I find that buying a hat that fits snugly on the head is important, as you don’t want it to blow off in the wind. It’s a fine line, however, as a hat that is too tight will leave unsightly marks on your face.

The material of your new hat also really matters, as you want to buy one that will last for a long time. Straw hats aren’t terribly formal and are designed to wear on a daily basis or in the saddle, but you can easily find ones that are made from felt, leather, or wool, which is great for a special occasion or a standout look.

The Advantages of Great Cowboy Hats

There are a few reasons why you will love wearing your cowboy hat. I find that wearing them in the summer is popular because they do a wonderful job protecting your face from the glare of the sun and keeping it out of your eyes. They also help to deflect heat from the sun, if you opt for a cowboy hat that is a lighter color.

Wearing them in the winter is also a good idea, as this will allow your hat to help you conserve heat. A taller hat will provide you with an air pocket that helps to insulate the head. Wearing a darker color hat is a great way to get a little more heat from the sun.

Finally, a high-quality cowboy hat can help to keep you dry. They do a great job blocking snow, rain, and sleet and keeping it out of your face. Hats that are tightly woven will provide some level of waterproofing, which will keep the cool rain off of your head, helping you stay a bit warmer.

What to Look for in Your Cowboy Hat

There are a few attributes that you will want to consider when shopping for a cowboy hat so that you can be sure that you buy the right one for you. One thing to consider is the size of the brim. Larger brims will do a great job helping block the sun and rain from your face, but buying one that is too large will make you look off balance.

You also want to consider the color of your new hat. As I mentioned, the color can do a great job helping to deflect heat or make you feel warmer during the cold winter months. Because lighter and darker cowboy hats are designed to be worn at different times of the year, I strongly recommend people to buy more than one hat that they can switch out as the seasons change.

How to Best Wear Your New Cowboy Hat

As long as you choose a cowboy hat that is the correct size for your head, then you shouldn’t have a lot of problems with the way that it fits. Unfortunately, some people have difficulties finding the perfect fitting cowboy hat.

If you have bought a cowboy hat that doesn’t fit correctly, then you can add a bit of foam insulating tape on the inside of your brim. This helps the hat to stick to the head better and creates a better fit.

In terms of fashion, you can wear your cowboy hat however you want to. This is a great hat to wear when working outside, but is just as comfortable to wear out on the town. You do need to make sure to follow etiquette rules, however, so that you don’t look rude in your new hat just like a cowboy, and cowgirl, should.

I always make sure to take my hat off when entering a building, when sitting down at a table for a delicious meal, and when introduced to an elder or a woman. Make sure to follow when others around you remove their hats if you are unsure of how to act.

Best Cowboy Hats

Whether you spend your weekends in the show ring, on the trails, or out dancing having the right cowboy hat makes all the difference. Here are the recommendations for men, women, and kids.

Best Cowboy Hats for Men

Stetson Men’s Bozeman Wool Felt Crushable Cowboy Hat

Perfect for keeping heads warm during cold months, this thick wool felt cowboy hat is black and warm. It’s designed to be not only stylish, but also very comfortable, as it comes in multiple sizes so that users can easily find the hat that will best fit them. The hat runs true to size, making it easy to buy.

Pros

• Crushable design makes it great for taking on the go without damaging the hat
• Deep and rich black looks great, thanks to the brown leather accent
• Perfect for cold and winter weather
• Looks great on both men and women

Cons

• Can tend to shrink in the rain
• Gets very floppy and difficult to shape when wet

Stetson Men’s Rancher Straw Cowboy Hat

A great summer hat, this is a perfect option for men who want to stay cool when they’re exposed to really high temperatures. The classic shape of the hat fits easily on the head, and the brim is large enough to keep the sun and rain out of the face without making it difficult for people who are wearing this hat to easily see.

Pros

• Crisp light color is great for wearing in hot weather
• Holes along the hat allow for additional ventilation
• Black leather accent draws attention to the hat
• Tight weave is great for keeping the head cool

Cons

• Cold rain and wind can enter the hat through the ventilation
• Not a great option for keeping warm in the winter

Ariat Unisex Bangora Cowboy Hat

Perfect for spending long, hot afternoons outside, this hat is shaped to help keep the head from overheating and also allows plenty of airflow. Featuring an interior dry tech sweatband, this hat does a great job keeping sweat from dripping down the face and allows wearers to remain as comfortable as possible when outdoors. Additionally, it’s 100% straw, so it is light on the head.

Pros

• Designed to be a great option for men and for women
• Light color easily reflects the sun
• Attractive holes along the side allow for ventilation and add beauty
• Top is easy to grip when removing hat

Cons

• Larger brim is a bit oversized for some users
• Easily deforms when crushed

Stetson Men’s Skyline Hat

This is a great hat for any man who wants to stay warm in cooler weather and who wants to look great while doing so. It’s ideal for use in dryer conditions and will do a wonderful job protecting against the biting cold of the wind. Comes in multiple colors so you’re sure to find the right one for you.

Pros

• Made from 100% fur felt for a heavy and durable feel
• Attractive three-piece buckle set on the band
• Included sweatband is incredibly comfortable and helps the hat fit perfectly
• Easy to size and ideal for many face shapes

Cons

• Can easily get out of shape if left in a hot car, and will need professional shaping
• Not to be worn in the rain, as it can cause the hat to get out of shape

Stetson Marshsll 4-X Wool Cowboy Hat

This lighter color felt hat is the best of both worlds, as it provides heat and warmth without causing the user to get too hot when wearing the hat. The satin lining is smooth and comfortable and prevents the wearer from sweating and overheating when wearing the hat. Additionally, the 4” brim is flattering on most wearers.

Pros

• Lighter color reflects heat while wool felt blend retains warmth
• Interior leather sweatband prevents sweat from dripping down the face
• Comfortable fit makes this a great option to wear all day long
• Durable wool felt blend doesn’t easily mark or become damaged

Cons

• Tends to run a bit small
• Bright red color on the band makes the hat look a little lower quality

For more horse guides and tips read these articles:

• What are the most popular Cowboy Boots?
• Find the best value Saddle Bags for Horses
• Which Cowboy Boots are the Most Comfortable?
• No More Equine Back Pain: Saddle Pad Recommendations

Ideal for any man who wants to spend time out on the farm or look nice when going into town, the Stetson Marshll 4-X Wool Cowboy Hat is a great choice. It’s one of the nicest looking cowboy hats on the market today, which is why I recommend it to so many people. The durable design of the hat makes it comfortable to wear all day long without worrying about it falling out of shape. Additionally, this hat is a gorgeous creamy color, which helps it to stand out in a crowd and makes any man wearing it look amazing.

Here is the quick list for my best cowboy hats picks one more time. If you want to check price and customer reviews view the links below

1. Stetson Men’s Bozeman Wool Felt Crushable Cowboy Hat
2. Stetson Men’s Rancher Straw Cowboy Hat
3. Ariat Unisex Bangora Cowboy Hat
4. Stetson Men’s Skyline Hat
5. Stetson Marshsll 4-X Wool Cowboy Hat