Cowboy Hats 101: The Ultimate Western Show Hat Starter Guide * Sparkle Ridge (2025)

Cowboy Hats 101: The Ultimate Western Show Hat Starter Guide * Sparkle Ridge (1)

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Cowboy Hats 101: The Ultimate Western Show Hat Starter Guide * Sparkle Ridge (2)

Introduction - learning the basics of cowboy hat ownership

What to Expect from this Article - useful hat information & etiquette tips to make you a better and more knowledgeable hat owner.

Cowboy Hats 101: The Ultimate Western Show Hat Starter Guide * Sparkle Ridge (3)

Did you know that although a cowboy hat is gender neutral, you still want to consider sizing, shape & proportion when choosing a hat?

Table of Contents

  • Hat Terminology - learning the anatomy of a cowboy hat

  • General Hat Information - materials, types & quality of cowboy hats

  • Hat Shapes - overview of hat crown & brim shapes

  • Hat Sizing & Fit - measurements, proper fit & sizing chart

  • Hat Care & Maintenance - proper handling, cleaning & more

  • Hat Storage & Transport - storage ideas & transport options

  • Hat Tips & Suggestions - need to know info for all hat owners!

Anatomy of a Cowboy Hat

  • Crown - the domed portion of the hat, usually around ~4½”-5¾”tall

  • Crease and Dents - the dimple and depressions at the top of the hat

  • Brim - the ring around the outside of the crown usually ranges from 3¾”-4½” long

  • Hat Band - the decorative band around the OUTSIDE of the crown

    • The hat band clip will be found on the left side of the hat

  • Sweatband - the leather ring around the INSIDE of the brim

General Cowboy Hat Information

Types & Material - Straw vs. Felt

Straw hats - best for keeping cool during summer

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    • Often worn between Memorial Day - Labor Day

    • Usually cooler & more affordable than felt hats, but don’t last as long

    • Not common in Western Shows - occasionally in Reining

Felt hats - these hats are often a combination of felt or wool + other furs

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    • More often worn between Labor Day - Memorial Day

    • These hats are generally warmer & more expensive but last longer than straw hats

    • Most common Western show hat - year round

The Quality - Felt hats - X Rating

XX ~ Beaver is better ~ XX

  • The higher the number of X’s = the higher overall quality of the hat

  • Indicates a higher % beaver fur - often the actual % beaver, but not always

  • Beaver is lighter, shapes easier & holds its shape longer

  • Beaver is softer & more velvety

  • Beaver is more water resistant

  • Beaver is stronger, more durable & will last longer (many years)

How many ~ XXX ~ do I need to Show Horses?

  • Cowboy hats range from pure felt (0x) to pure beaver (100-1000x)

  • A decent show hat could range from 10-20x

  • Beginners may start with a lower X rating hat

  • Advanced exhibitors may want a higher X rating hat

Checkout our other post on discovering Cowboy Hat Brands & Retailers

“A better quality hat is actually much lower maintenance”

Cowboy Hat Shapes

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Hat Crown Shapes

  • “Open Crown” - all cowboy hats start with a smooth, round top - some stay this way

    • Most crowns are then creased & shaped to the owners preference

  • “Gambler” aka Telescope - a large, flat circular depression that shortens & squares the crown

  • “Gus” - old west original hat crown with 3 forward depressions

  • “Teardrop” aka Pinch Front - teardrop shaped depression found in fedoras

  • “Brick” - a brick-shaped depression atop the crown, worn by bull riders

  • “Cattleman” - The classic cowboy hat found everywhere at Western Shows

    There are many others & countless variations of the above crown shapes

The “Cattleman Crown” is the most defining shape of the Western all-around Show Hat

Hat Brim Shapes

  • “Buckaroo” - completely flat brim all the way around

  • “Rancher” - low roll, slightly curved brim shape

  • “Bull Rider” - wide brim with low sides

  • “Reiner Low Sides” aka Low Rodeo - wide, small slant

  • “Cutter” - brim angle between reiner low sides & reiner high sides

  • “Reiner High Sides” - Brim sides are high but not quite to 90

  • “Western Pleasure” aka Showmanship show crease / “taco” shaped hat

Brim shapes should be carefully shaped & maintained to compliment your features

Cowboy Hat Sizing & Fit

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Proper Fit

  • Snug enough so it won’t easily fall off

  • Loose enough to not leave a mark

  • It should be comfortable & match your head shape

Hat Opening Shapes

  • Oval - this shape will fit many heads but not all

  • Long Oval - it’s hard to fit this shape on a round head

  • Round - it’s hard to fit this shape on a narrow head

  • Padding - foam or tape can be added to the sweatband for final fit

Measuring your head

  • Your hat should sit level on your head, ~½” above your ears

  • Measure the circumference of your head at the level your hat will sit

  • Compare your number to the size chart below to learn your hat size

Cowboy Hat Sizing Chart

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  • Small: 6 ¾ - 6 ⅞ inches

  • Medium: 7 - 7 ⅛ inches

  • Large: 7¼ - 7 ⅜ inches

  • XL: 7 ½ - 7 ⅝ inches

Cowboy Hat Care & Maintenance

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The art of caring for your Western show hat transforms not just your appearance in the arena but also your hat's lifespan & performance.

Handle Your Show Hat With Care

  • Handle with care - although quality hats are tough, they are susceptible to scuffs & stains

  • Wash your hands - skin oils can get onto your hat and attract grime & residueswhich can be very difficult to remove

  • Handle your hat by the crown, not the brim to retain shape & avoid stains

  • If you must set it down, set it on the crown, not the brim

It’s absolutely paramount that your show hat stays extremely clean & tidy

Inspect your hat regularly - preventative maintenance

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  • Regularly inspect your hat for signs of wear or damage

  • Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent them from becoming major concerns

  • Spot clean your hat with baby wipes ASAP after noticing a stain

Moisture & Felt Hats

  • Avoid getting lower quality hats wet (rain, sweat, humidity)

  • ALWAYS Dry your hat after use - set on it’s crown until completely dry

  • Do not store felt hats in plastic bags

Cleaning your hat

Clean your hat after each use & again before storing

  • Hat Sponge - use only on lower quality hats (6x and under)

  • Hat Brush - use a good horse-hair hat brush on all quality hats

For felt hats, use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove dust & dirt

How to Brush Your Hat

  • Always brush the brim TOP & crown COUNTER-clockwise

  • Always brush the UNDERSIDE of the brim CLOCKWISE

  • Keep your sponges & brushes from your light & dark hats SEPARATE!

Hat Deep Clean

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Cowboy Hats 101: The Ultimate Western Show Hat Starter Guide * Sparkle Ridge (17)

  • Use TAPE or a lint roller to lift dust & debris off your hat

  • Use a hat brush with bristle color that matches the hat

  • Felt hat foam cleaner can be carefully used (on dark hats)

    • spray evenly, let dry for 5 seconds, brush off immediately

Odor Management

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  • Always let your hat dry completely

  • Lightly sprinkle the interior with baking soda, let it sit overnight & gently vacuum it out

  • This natural solution can absorb odors without damaging the felt

Routine Hat Maintenance

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  • Should be professionally creased & cleaned 2x/year

  • Re-shaping - get this done regularly at horse shows

  • Fine grit sandpaper (220#) to smooth out scuffs and rough spots

Cowboy Hat Storage & Transport

Storage - in it’s original cardboard box, a plastic hat box, or on a hat rack

Cowboy Hats 101: The Ultimate Western Show Hat Starter Guide * Sparkle Ridge (20)

  • Make sure your hat is completely dry before storage (or it could mold)

  • Use a hat rack for short term storage

  • cardboard box or plastic hat box for long-term storage

Hat Storage Conditions

  • Keep your hat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

  • Store in a climate controlled area if possible - hats don’t like environmental swings

  • DO NOT leave in the hot horse trailer - or a hot vehicle - It will SHRINK!

Transporting Your Hat:

  • When using a hard-sided case, consider a custom hat form insert that matches your hat's specific shape and size

  • This personalized support system offers unparalleled protection against deformation, ensuring your hat maintains its shape

  • Transport - in it’s original cardboard box or a plastic hat box

Cowboy Hat Tips & Suggestions

  • Keep baby wipes handy to quickly clean makeup, stains, etc.

  • Have a backup hat &/or practice hat ready just in case

  • Rotate hats to minimize wear

  • Seasonal Rotation: straw & felt hats can benefit from a seasonal rotation

“If nothing else, your hat MUST be CRISPLY shaped & CLEAN on show day”

More Hat Tips…

  • Know when to take it off

  • Never touch someone else’s hat…just don’t do it

  • Never stack your cowboy hats

  • Many say it’s bad luck to set your hat on a bed

Buy the best hat you can afford & shape it well!

Conclusion - In The next Article:

Featured

Cowboy Hats 201: Guide to Selecting, Shaping and Styling your Hat for the Show Ring

You Will learn More about:

  • Hat Style - considering everything color, size & shape, your structure, customization’s & trends

  • Hat Color Choices - complimenting your complexion & your horse while matching your outfit

  • Hat Size and Shape - details about Crown height & shape along with Brim length & shape

  • Uniquely You - dialing in your final hat shape to compliment your structure and facial features

  • Hat Customization’s - Hat bands, ……etching, embellishments and more

  • Current Hat Trends - What’s Hot & What’s Not in today’s top breed shows

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Cowboy Hats 101: The Ultimate Western Show Hat Starter Guide * Sparkle Ridge (2025)

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