Cowboy hats are a great fashion accessory and they are a way of creating your personal style as well. There are many shapes of cowboy hats for men and women. When you are choosing your first cowboy hat, there are a few things to consider that will help you make a better purchase.
If you are competing in an event, this will determine the shape of the hat. So when it comes to halter, showmanship classes etc. the judges of the panel will look for a crisp cowboy hat. This will require the front of the hat to be straight without a dip. There should be a narrow crown with longer vents on the side. When it comes to reining and cutting, there is more flexibility to hat shapes. The brim of the hat will be flatter with a low crown for cutters. You also have to consider the shape of your face when it comes to Ringers western hats. For those with round faces, the front of the hat should be lower and the sides should be a moderate height. But if you have a narrow face, the crown should be quite narrow as well and the edges can curl up more than a normal hat.
There are different maintenance and storage instructions based on the material of the hat. If you have a felt cowboy hat, you need to let the hat dry when you use it in the hot months so that any moisture is removed quickly. If the hat holds onto moisture for some time, it can lose its shape. When you are keeping the hat in the stall, there can be a lot of dust that can get on it so you can use a hat can to prevent most of it. But for regular storage, you need to make sure that the hat sits out in the open so that it can dry out. It shouldn’t be left in direct sunlight. Hat maintenance includes brushing but you need to make sure that the hat is completely dry before you start it. If you brush a hat that still has some moisture, the dirt and dust can actually get rubbed into the hat, making its condition worse.
You can purchase a cleaning sponge for felt hats or a soft brush for cleaning. If you are using the cowboy hat frequently, it is best to get the hat creased professionally every six months so that it retains its shape. Straw hats are less durable than felt hats but you will be able to prolong its life with good maintenance. You can use a cloth with a gentle cleaner to get the dust off the hat. You can line the inside of the band with cling wrap to prevent sweat from staining the hat. Sweat stains are notoriously hard to get out. Some of the popular brims available for cowboy hats are the George Straight crease and the Cutter. You can also choose a hat with side vents depending on your requirement. But the selection of the hat mainly depends on your preference and lifestyle.
What to consider when buying a cowboy hat
If you’re in the market for a cowboy hat, there are a few things you should consider before making your purchase. In this blog post, we will explore what to look for in a cowboy hat, from the material to the fit. We’ll also touch on how to care for your new hat so that it lasts you for years to come. So, whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’re simply looking for an upgrade, read on for everything you need to know about buying a cowboy hat.
The different types of cowboy hats
There are many different types of cowboy hats, each with its own unique style and purpose. Here are some of the most popular types of cowboy hats:
-The Stetson: This is the most iconic and well-known type of cowboy hat. It is characterized by its wide brim and tall crown. It is typically made from fur-felt or wool-felt, and is often decorated with a bandana or other colorful accessories.
-The Resistol: This type of cowboy hat is also characterized by its wide brim and tall crown. However, it has a slightly different shape than the Stetson, and is typically made from straw or felt.
-The Tony Lama: This type of cowboy hat is distinguished by its lower crown and wider brim. It is usually made from straw or leather, and often features a decorative hatband.
-The Charlie 1 Horse: This type of cowboy hat has a very distinctive look, with its extremely wide brim and low crown. It is usually made from straw or leather, and often features a decorative hatband.
What to look for when purchasing a cowboy hat
When purchasing a cowboy hat, it is important to consider the following:
-The shape and style of the hat. There are many different shapes and styles of cowboy hats, so it is important to choose one that suits your personal taste and style.
-The material the hat is made from. Cowboy hats are typically made from straw or felt, so it is important to choose a material that will be comfortable to wear in all weather conditions.
-The size of the hat. Cowboy hats come in many different sizes, so it is important to measure your head before purchasing a hat to ensure you get a perfect fit.
How to care for a cowboy hat
When you buy a cowboy hat, you are not just buying a fashion accessory. You are also investing in a piece of equipment that will need to be properly cared for if you want it to last. Here are some tips on how to care for your cowboy hat:
1. When you’re not wearing your cowboy hat, store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or near any kind of heat source, as this can damage the materials used to make the hat.
2. If your cowboy hat gets wet, allow it to air dry naturally. Do not try to speed up the drying process by using a hair dryer or placing the hat near a heat source, as this can again damage the materials used in the hat.
3. If your cowboy hat starts to develop creases or wrinkles, you can use a steamer or iron on a low setting to lightly steam the hats shape back into place. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much heat can once again damage the materials used in the hat.
4. To clean your cowboy hat, use a soft, damp cloth and gently wipe away any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the surface of the hat. If necessary, you can use a mild soap solution (free of any harsh chemicals) to remove stubborn stains. Always rinse away any soap residue with clean water before allowing the hat to air dry completely.
Cowboy hat etiquette
When it comes to Cowboy hats, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Here is a quick guide on Cowboy hat etiquette:
-Take your time when choosing a cowboy hat. This is an important decision since the cowboy hat will become a part of your personal style.
-Choose a cowboy hat that compliments your face shape. Not all hats look good on everyone so find one that looks best on you.
-Try on different cowboy hats until you find the perfect fit. Once you find the right size, make sure the hat is comfortable to wear.
-Make sure the brim of your cowboy hat is not too wide or too narrow for your liking. The brim should also be able to protect your eyes from the sun.
-When wearing a cowboy hat, keep it tilted forward slightly so that it shades your eyes.
