What Are Cowboy Hats Made Of? (Straw, Felt, and Leather Cowboy Hats)

Cowboy hats have been an iconic part of Western culture for over 150 years. The history of the cowboy hat can be traced back to the mid-19th century when cowboys were driving cattle across the Great Plains. These early cowboy hats were typically made of straw or felt and were designed to protect cowboys from the sun and rain while they were out on the range.

Over the years, cowboy hats have evolved and become a symbol of the American West, worn by cowboys and people from all walks of life. Today, cowboy hats are made from various materials, including straw, felt, and leather. Each material has unique properties and characteristics that make it suitable for different occasions and styles.

This blog post will take a closer look at the materials used in making cowboy hats. We will explore the different types of straw, felt, and leather used in cowboy hat production and how each material is harvested, processed and shaped into a cowboy hat.

We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material, so you can make an informed decision when choosing a cowboy hat.

What are Straw Cowboy Hats Made Of?

Straw cowboy hats are made from natural plant fibers, typically from the stems of wheat, barley, or other cereal grains. These fibers are finely woven together to create a lightweight and breathable material.

Straw cowboy hats are popular for their durability and ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. They are also known for their unique and natural appearance.

what are cowboy hats made of
What are straw cowboy hats made of?

The process of making straw cowboy hats begins with the harvesting of grains. The stems are cut and left to dry in the sun before being baled and transported to a mill. The stems are stripped of their leaves at the mill and soaked in water to soften the fibers. The fibers are then separated and bleached to remove any impurities before being spun into yarn.

The yarn is then woven into a straw braid, which creates a range of cowboy hat styles. The braid is then shaped into a cowboy hat by a process known as blocking, which involves steaming the braid and shaping it over a mold. The final step is the trimming and finishing of the hat.

Also read: Why were cowboy hats invented?

One of the advantages of straw cowboy hats is their durability and ability to withstand the elements. They are also lightweight and breathable, making them a great choice for hot summer days.

Another advantage is that straw cowboy hats are inexpensive compared to felt or leather hats. However, straw cowboy hats do have some disadvantages. They may not be as durable as felt or leather hats and may not provide as much sun protection. They may also lose their shape in humid or rainy weather, making them look less attractive.

What Are Felt Cowboy Hats Made Of?

Felt cowboy hats are made from wool, which is a natural and renewable material. The wool used in making felt cowboy hats is typical of a higher quality than that used in other types of woolen products.

Making felt cowboy hats involves washing and carding the wool to separate and align the fibers. The fibers are matted together by applying heat, moisture, and pressure.

What are cowboy hats made of
What are felt cowboy hats made of?

The resulting felt is then shaped into a cowboy hat through blocking. This involves steaming the felt and shaping it over a wooden mold. The felt is trimmed and finished to create the desired shape and style. The final product is a dense, waterproof, warm hat that can last for years.

But did you know that animal fur is also sometimes used to construct cowboy hats? Many modern-day cowboys opt for fur-filled styles, as the material provides excellent insulation against sun and wind.

Also read: When to wear straw and felt cowboy hats?

Not only does it offer protection from the elements, but it also gives added durability to these timeless hats. So while most traditional felt cowboy hats are made with wool, some cowboy hats may also contain rabbit or beaver fur. 

Felt cowboy hats are known for their durability and ability to withstand the elements. They are also very comfortable to wear, as they mold to the shape of the head over time.

Additionally, felt cowboy hats have a more formal look than straw cowboy hats and can be dressier, making them suitable for more upscale occasions.

On the downside, felt cowboy hats are more expensive than straw cowboy hats and can be quite heavy. They are also not as breathable as straw cowboy hats, making them less comfortable to wear in hot weather.

They also can’t be washed or dried in a machine as the heat can ruin the shape and quality. And If a hat gets wet, it takes a bit of time to dry them.

What Are Leather Cowboy Hats Made Of?

Leather cowboy hats are made from the hides of cows, sheep, and other animals. The hides are tanned, a process of preservation and treatment using chemicals and oils to make the leather soft and flexible before being cut and shaped into cowboy hats.

Making leather cowboy hats involves cutting the leather into the desired shape and then sewing it together to create the final product.

What are cowboy hats made of
What are cowboy hats made of?

Leather cowboy hats are known for their durability and classic, timeless look. They are also highly water-resistant, which makes them ideal for outdoor activities.

In addition, leather cowboy hats can be worn in any season, as the leather helps to regulate the temperature of the head. They can also be customized with different colors, sizes, and designs.

One of the main disadvantages of leather cowboy hats is that they are relatively expensive compared to straw or felt cowboy hats. They also aren’t as breathable as straw or felt cowboy hats, which may not be ideal for hot weather.

Leather cowboy hats should be kept from extreme heat or moisture and treated with a leather conditioner to keep them soft and supple. They also require a certain level of care and maintenance to keep them in good condition.

The Comparison Of Straw, Felt, and Leather Cowboy Hats

When choosing a cowboy hat, one of the main considerations is the material it is made from. Each material has unique properties and characteristics that make it suitable for different occasions and styles. Now we will compare the durability, comfort, and style of straw, felt, and leather cowboy hats.

Durability:

Felt cowboy hats are considered the most durable of the three materials, as they can withstand the elements and maintain their shape better than straw cowboy hats. Leather cowboy hats are durable but may not be as water-resistant as felt ones.

Straw cowboy hats are also durable but may not be as resilient as the other materials in extreme weather conditions.

Comfort:

In terms of comfort, straw cowboy hats are considered the most breathable, making them ideal for hot summer days. On the other hand, felt cowboy hats are warm and comfortable to wear but may not be as breathable as straw cowboy hats. Leather cowboy hats are also comfortable but may not be as breathable as straw cowboy hats.

Style:

All three materials are suitable for different styles of cowboy hats. Straw cowboy hats are typically seen as more casual and rustic, while felt cowboy hats have a more formal and classic look.

Leather cowboy hats are also classic but may have a more premium or edgy look than the other materials. The style of a cowboy hat can also vary based on the color and design.

Overall, the choice of material will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the individual. Each material has unique benefits and disadvantages, so it is important to consider factors such as durability, comfort, and style when deciding.

Final Thoughts

This blog post discussed the materials used in making cowboy hats, including straw, felt, and leather. We examined the unique properties and characteristics of each material, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.

To summarize, straw cowboy hats are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for hot summer days. Felt cowboy hats are durable, able to withstand the elements, and have a more formal look. Leather cowboy hats are durable, water-resistant, and have a timeless look.

Based on the information discussed, the best type of cowboy hat will depend on the individual’s needs and preferences. A straw cowboy hat might be the best choice for someone looking for a breathable and casual hat.

A felt cowboy hat might be the better option for someone looking for a durable and formal hat. And finally, a leather cowboy hat could be the ideal choice for someone looking for a durable, classic, and premium look.

In terms of future outlook, cowboy hats will continue to be an iconic part of Western culture, and new materials and styles will likely emerge.

For example, Synthetic materials are already being used for cowboy hats, promising to have similar characteristics to natural materials but with some advantages, such as being more resistant to different weather conditions.

Additionally, 3D printing and other technological advances may also change how cowboy hats are made.

FAQs

What materials are commonly used to make cowboy hats?

Cowboy hats are made from straw, felt, or leather. Each material has unique properties and characteristics that make it suitable for different occasions and styles.

Can straw, felt, and leather cowboy hats are customized?

Yes, we can customize all three types of cowboy hats. Straw cowboy hats can be dyed and adorned with different decorations, felt cowboy hats can have different embroidery or beaded designs, and leather cowboy hats can be dyed with different stitching or patterns.

How should I clean my leather cowboy hat?

Leather cowboy hats should be wiped clean with a damp cloth, then treated with a leather conditioner to keep them soft and supple. It’s best to avoid using detergents or other harsh cleaning agents, and cowboy hats should not be washed in a machine or dried in a dryer.

My name is Brandon J. Nava, and I consider myself an expert on the cowboy lifestyle. I regularly attend events at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) am I am a member of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). I've participated in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo or the Pendleton Round-Up and I aspire to be awarded by the American Horse Council or the United States Equestrian Federation in the near future. In addition I've visited lectures and educational programs at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.