Cowboy hats are an iconic piece of Western wear popularized in movies, TV shows, and country music. They are a fashion statement and a practical accessory for those working on ranches and farms. When purchasing a cowboy hat, it is crucial to choose a high-quality brand that offers durability, comfort, and style.
With so many brands available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which one to choose. This blog post will explore the top 8 best cowboy hat brands known for their exceptional quality and design.
We will provide an overview of each brand, from Resistol to Ariat, discuss their history, materials, and style options, and highlight their most popular hats.
Whether you are a seasoned cowboy or a city slicker looking to add Western flair to your wardrobe, this guide will help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cowboy Hat:
When choosing a cowboy hat, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you find the perfect fit. Firstly, it is essential to determine the size of your head to ensure that the cowboy hat fits comfortably.
To do this, measure the circumference of your head just above the eyebrows and ears. Once you have determined your head size, consider your face shape. Different hat styles suit different face shapes, so selecting a cowboy hat that complements your features is important.
Here are some additional details on how to choose a cowboy hat that suits your facial shape:
- Heart-shaped face: People with heart-shaped faces typically have a broader forehead and a narrow, pointed chin. Cowboy hats with a pinch crease and a flat brim can be an excellent choice to balance out the face shape. The pinch crease can add some height to the crown, while the flat brim can help to widen the face slightly.
- Long-shaped face: Those with longer-shaped faces can benefit from cowboy hats with a medium-sized crown, a wide or curved brim, and a cattleman crease. These elements can break up the length of the face and add some width to the forehead and jawline.
- Oval or round face: If you have an oval or round-shaped face, you’ll want to choose a hat with a medium to a tall crown height that has a curved brim. This can help to elongate the face slightly and add some dimension to the overall look.
- Square-shaped face: Square-shaped faces typically have strong jawlines and wide foreheads. To complement this facial shape, wide-brimmed hats with an open crease can be an excellent choice. The wide brim can help soften the face’s angles and create a more balanced look.
By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can choose a cowboy hat that suits your facial shape and complements your personal style. Additionally, consider the cowboy hat’s material, as this will affect its durability and comfort. Wool felt and straw is some of the most common materials used for cowboy hats.
Lastly, it is crucial to determine the purpose of the cowboy hat. Are you planning on wearing it for outdoor activities, such as working on a ranch, or for more casual wear?
If you are looking for a cowboy hat then I recommend this Bailey Stampede 2x cowboy hat. Made in USA, this is a classic cowboy hat from Bailey one of our Top 8 Cowboy Hat Brands.
Understanding the cowboy hat’s purpose will help you select the right style and design. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you find a cowboy hat that not only looks great but also fits perfectly and suits your needs.
Also read: Cowboy hat rules and etiquette
Top 8 Best Cowboy Hat Brands and their brief review:
We have compiled a list of 8 top-notch cowboy hat brands that offer optimum comfort, style, and durability. From rustic straw styles to fashionable felt creations, these bestselling brands can provide you with a perfect fit for any occasion.
Each brand has been carefully reviewed so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. So read on and find out which one will be your new favorite!
1. Resistol:
Resistol is a renowned cowboy hat brand that has been in business for over 100 years. The brand is particularly famous for its felt cowboy hats, which are made from premium-quality beaver fur, wool, or a blend of both. They are recognized for their high-quality craftsmanship, innovative designs, and exceptional durability, making them popular among cowboys and Western enthusiasts.
One of the main reasons people love Resistol cowboy hats is because of their timeless designs that never go out of style. From the classic felt hats to the more modern styles, Resistol has something for every taste and preference.
Additionally, their hats are made to withstand the harsh conditions of outdoor activities such as ranch work, rodeos, and horseback riding, ensuring they last for many years.
Resistol cowboy hats are suitable for anyone looking for a high-quality, durable, and stylish cowboy hat. Whether you’re a seasoned cowboy or a Western enthusiast, a Resistol cowboy hat adds authenticity and class to your outfit. Their hats come in a wide range of sizes so that you can find the perfect fit for your head size and shape.
Some of the most popular Resistol cowboy hats include the Resistol Pure collection, Resistol 40X Arena, and the Resistol 30X Grand Cowboy hats. These cowboy hats come in various styles, including cowboy, fedora, and outdoor hats. They are all made with the same high-quality materials and attention to detail, making Resistol a trusted name in the Western fashion industry.
It’s worth mentioning that several country music stars, including Jason Aldean and George Strait, are known to wear Resistol cowboy hats. George Strait has even collaborated with Resistol to create his signature hats. This speaks to the brand’s reputation for quality and style and its popularity within Western culture.
2. Stetson:
Stetson is another well-known American brand crafting high-quality cowboy hats since 1865, founded by John B. Stetson and has been listed in the second position in our top 8 cowboy hat brands list.
Their cowboy hats have become synonymous with the Western lifestyle and are beloved by cowboys and hat enthusiasts worldwide. The brand’s commitment to using only the finest materials, including 100% fur felt and premium leather, ensures that each hat is durable and built to last.
They offer a variety of styles, from traditional to modern, that can be dressed up or down to fit any occasion. Whether you’re a working cowboy or a fashion-forward individual, a Stetson cowboy hat is sure to make a statement.
Stetson cowboy hats are also known for their excellent fit and comfort. The brand offers a wide range of sizes to find the perfect fit for your head. They also have a variety of styles, including hats with ventilated crowns to keep you cool on hot days and waterproof hats for wet weather conditions.
If you’re looking to buy a Stetson cowboy hat, they are perfect for anyone who loves Western-style fashion or enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether going to a rodeo, spending time on the ranch, or running errands around town, a Stetson cowboy hat can add a classic Western style to any outfit.
Some popular Stetson cowboy hats include the iconic Stetson Open Road, the Stetson Skyline, and the Stetson 4X Broken Bow Cowboy Hat. Each hat is made with the highest quality materials and features unique design details that set them apart from other cowboy hats on the market. Overall, Stetson cowboy hats are a great investment for a stylish and durable cowboy hat that will last for years.
3. American Hat Makers:
American Hat Makers is a brand with a reputation for designing and crafting some of the finest cowboy hats in the United States. Founded in 1972 by a master leather craftsman named Gary Watrous, the brand has been dedicated to producing handmade hats using only the best materials available. With a strong focus on traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail, American Hat Makers cowboy hats are not just functional accessories but also works of art.
Each cowboy hat of American Hat Makers is made from high-quality materials, such as genuine leather and felt, carefully selected for durability and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, American Hat Makers offer a range of styles and designs, allowing customers to choose from classic western styles or more modern designs.
People love American Hat Makers’ cowboy hats because of their commitment to sustainability. The brand uses eco-friendly materials, such as hemp fabric, in its hat production process, making them a great option for environmentally conscious buyers.
American Hat Makers cowboy hats are ideal for those who want a stylish and durable accessory to complete their western or casual look. The brand’s cowboy hats are also great for those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and are looking for a long-lasting product that will stand the test of time.
Some of American Hat Makers’ most popular cowboy hats include the Hollywood, a classic western-style leather cowboy hat; the Cyclone, and the George cowboy hat. Each of these cowboy hats is made with the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, making American Hat Makers a trusted name in the cowboy hat industry.
4. Charlie 1 Horse:
Charlie 1 Horse is another well-known American brand specializing in making premium cowboy hats. Established in the 1970s, the brand has gained a reputation for producing some of the best-looking and well-made cowboy hats in the market. People love Charlie 1 Horse cowboy hats for several reasons.
Firstly, they are made from high-quality materials that are both durable and comfortable. Their hats are available in a wide range of styles, shapes, and colors, which means there is a Charlie 1 Horse hat for everyone.
Charlie 1 Horse crafted each of their cowboy hat carefully to stand out from the rest, with intricate details and beautiful embellishments that make them one-of-a-kind. Their cowboy hats also provide excellent sun protection and can help keep the head cool on hot days.
Charlie 1 Horse cowboy hats are perfect for anyone who wants to make a bold fashion statement. They are great for cowboys and cowgirls and anyone who loves the western look. Their cowboy hats are also popular with musicians, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts.
Some popular Charlie 1 Horse cowboy hats include the Big Iron, the Bucksnort, and the Cosmic cowgirl.
5. Bailey:
The fifth brand in our list is Bailey. It is a renowned brand producing high-quality cowboy hats for over 90 years. Their commitment to creating authentic and classic western headwear has made them a favorite among cowboy hat enthusiasts.
Bailey’s cowboy hats are crafted using traditional hat-making techniques and they also use premium materials for their cowboy hats.
Bailey’s cowboy hats are know for their versatility. They offer a range of styles, from traditional western cowboy hats to more modern designs, which can be worn for formal and casual occasions.
Moreover, the cowboy hats are designed to provide maximum comfort and durability, making them ideal for everyday wear. Bailey’s cowboy hats are also popular among cowboys, ranchers, and rodeo enthusiasts, who appreciate the brand’s commitment to quality and authenticity.
Anyone looking for a high-quality cowboy hat that is both stylish and functional should consider buying a Bailey cowboy hat. Their cowboy hats are suitable for both men and women and come in various sizes, colors, and styles. Additionally, Bailey’s cowboy hats are perfect for anyone who loves western culture and wants to make a statement with their headwear.
6. Justin:
Justin is a brand that has been around since 1879 and is primarily known for its cowboy boots. However, the brand also offers a line of high-quality cowboy hats that have become increasingly popular in recent years. Justin hats are also made with premium wool, felt, and straw materials and offer a wide range of style options, from classic to contemporary designs.
One of the unique features of Justin hats is their use of proprietary finishing techniques, such as the burnishing process, which gives their cowboy hats a unique, vintage look. Some of the most popular hats from Justin include the the Gallop wool cowboy hat, Natural Kermit wool cowboy hat, and the Ivory 50X Renner straw cowboy hat.
Customers have given Justin cowboy hats high ratings and praised the brand for its quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and excellent fit of their hats.
7. JW Brooks:
JW Brooks is a cowboy hat brand founded in the early 1900s that has produced high-quality cowboy hats for over a century. The brand is known for its attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship, reflected in the premium materials used in its hats, including wool, fur, and straw.
JW Brooks offers a range of style options, from classic to modern designs. One of the unique features of JW Brooks cowboy hats is their customized fit, as the brand offers a custom fitting service to ensure that each customer receives a cowboy hat that fits perfectly.
8. Ariat:
Ariat is a well-known brand in the Western wear industry, producing high-quality cowboy hats, boots, clothing, and accessories. The brand was founded in 1993 and quickly gained a reputation for its innovative designs and use of advanced technologies in its products.
The brand offers a range of style options to suit different tastes, including classic and modern designs. Some of the most popular cowboy hats from the brand include the 20X two tone woven straw cowboy hat and the 10X beaver fur felt cowboy hat.
One unique feature of Ariat cowboy hats is moisture-wicking technology to keep the wearer cool and dry in hot weather. Customers have given Ariat hats high ratings, praising the brand for its comfort, style, and durability.
A Summary of the Top 8 Best cowboy hat brands and Our Recommendations:
Choosing the right cowboy hat can be a challenge, given the variety of brands and styles available in the market. This blog post has explored the top 8 best cowboy hat brands and highlighted their unique features, materials, and popular styles.
From Resistol, Stetson, American Hat Makers, and Charlie 1 Horse to Bailey, Justin, JW Brooks, and Ariat, each brand has a rich history in the cowboy hat industry and caters to different customers’ needs.
However, based on popularity and customer reviews, Stetson and Resistol appear among the most highly regarded cowboy hat brands. These brands use high-quality materials and offer a range of styles to suit different preferences and needs.
Ultimately, the best brand for someone will depend on their preferences and needs, but Stetson and Resistol are certainly the brands to consider when shopping for a cowboy hat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a cowboy hat is not just a piece of headwear but an essential part of Western culture that embodies the values of hard work, resilience, and independence. When choosing a high-quality cowboy hat, there are several factors to consider, such as size, face shape, material, style, and purpose.
If you’re interested in purchasing a cowboy hat, measure your head size, consider your face shape, and explore the different brands and styles available to find the perfect fit.
From the top 8 cowboy hat brands discussed in this article, Resistol and Stetson stand out as two of the best options, offering a wide range of styles, high-quality materials, and outstanding customer reviews.
It’s important to remember that a cowboy hat is an investment, and choosing the right brand and style can ensure that it becomes a cherished accessory for years to come.
FAQs
Q: What is the best material for a cowboy hat?
A: The best material for a cowboy hat can vary depending on your needs and preferences. Generally, high-quality felt or straw are the most popular materials for cowboy hats.
Q: How do I know what size cowboy hat to get?
A: It’s important to measure your head to determine the correct size. Use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your head at the widest part above your eyebrows and ears. Use this measurement to choose the correct size of a cowboy hat.
Q: Can I wear a cowboy hat if I’m not a cowboy?
A: Absolutely! Cowboy hats are versatile fashion accessories worn by anyone who wants to add a Western touch to their outfit.
Q: Are cowboy hats suitable for women?
A: Yes, cowboy hats are suitable for women, and many brands and styles are specifically designed for women.
Q: Can cowboy hats be worn in any season?
A: Yes, cowboy hats can be worn in any season. However, straw cowboy hats are more suitable for summer and warm weather, while felt cowboy hats are better for cooler seasons.
