Every hat has a story! The cowboy hat is a wide-brimmed, high-crowned hat, that North American cowboys typically wear.
However, today this hat has become mainstream and is worn by several other people.
It is primarily worn by those linked with the ranch workers in the south and the western United States, northern Mexico, and western Canada.
Also, it is sported by the Sertanejo music and regional Mexican performers. The people who take part in the North American rodeo circuit also sport a cowboy hats. And all over the world, this hat got identified as old western apparel.
Today, many online shops and retail stores sell cowboy hats! But if you are about to shop for a brand-new cowboy hat, it can be highly overwhelming for you for the first time.
And unlike the typical ball cap, you need to consider several aspects before sporting your cowboy hat.
When you show up on an occasion wearing the wrong hat or the correct hat in the wrong way, it can be a huge style blunder.
So, you need to know about the common cowboy hat-wearing etiquettes that will help you to prepare better.
In this article, we are going to focus all on wearing the cowboy hat correctly and in the best style.
How Can You Wear the Cowboy Hat Correctly?
The occasion is an important aspect that determines the correct usage of the hat. It will have an impact on the budget.
The event will also decide the hat material and the color. For instance, a western pleasure rider searching for the show-ring hat generally will have varied needs that differ from others.
Speaking conventionally, the felt hats gets used for formal occasions, events, and meetings.
It’s also preferred during the wintertime because of the heat retention than the straw hats.
The season also has a role to play! Did you hear about the “Labor Day” white rule? If yes, then the same is applicable to the cowboy hats.
Conventionally, the felt hats get reserved for the period between Labor Day and the long May weekend.
On the other hand, the straw hats are reserved for the summer and spring months.
But this norm gets followed loosely for special occasions or in the colder climates.
The Fitting of the Cowboy Hat
Generally, the hats get sold both unshaped and pre-shaped. The hats with open brims and without crease are more looked-for a particular dimension or customized look.
Even though the standard “bull-rider” crease is becoming famous, it is rather unlikely that you might spot this in the western pleasure show ring.
However, if you don’t have a predetermined measurement or a chosen crease style for the crease and brim, the majority of hat shapers will suggest that you start outside of the eye. It helps to avert the “taco” look.
That is not all! The sizing of the cowboy hat, similar to other hats, gets based on the wearer’s head circumference along with the conversion chart.
And unlike the adjustable ball caps, this hat needs to have its correct fit. It is necessary that the wearer feels comfortable with it wearing it all that long.
It should stay snug as the wearer is riding the horse or moving through the mild winds.
Most women have the option to pin the hat, but men can’t do it. Hence, the hat must have a precise fit.
The Etiquettes for a Cowboy Hat
Cowboy hats get defined by tradition and have their own courtesies and customs.
Even though there are some alterations in certain places, you must know the fundamental rules of wearing the hat before you sport it and head to any occasion.
When you are walking into any event or building, it is essential to remove your hat.
Similarly, there are several events where it is necessary to keep wearing the hat indoors.
It’s applicable in the case of agricultural events and in some southwest regions. In case of an informal occasion, it’s suitable to place the hat back on.
But some formal occasions will demand that you keep the hat off. However, this changes according to the location.
You should remove the hat when: for instance, in several areas of Texas, it is mandatory to sport the cowboy hat as the finishing piece to any formal ensemble for western events.
You need to remove the hats during funerals, indoor weddings, prayer sessions, and flag-based events, like the Pledge of Allegiance or National Anthem.
It is essential to hold the hat in your left hand and keep or place your right hand over your heart.
- Give condolences
- You are dining
- You get introduced to an elder or a woman
- You enter a private residence
It might be easy to analyze a situation and decide the time to remove your hat. However, you need to know where to place it.
Even though there is a little bit of a debate, the standard rule is to remove your hat from the bottom for the crown every time.
When you remove it from the top of the crown it can lead to creasing or pinching.
Also, using the brim will take away years from your hat and make the hat shape weak.
It would help if you always placed your cowboy hat upside down on the crown so that there is no change in the brim shape or there is no creasing.
It also enables the correct airflow. When it comes to storage, you can use hard “hat cans” or the original box, but the hand needs to remain upside down.
When you leave the hat in a damp or hot environment, it can result in shrinking or warping.
The Final Tip
When you have decided to sport a cowboy hat, it comes with a few responsibilities.
It would help if you kept the traditions in mind, that will make you look well wearing the hat.
It would be best to always remember to remove the hat when you are walking into a building.
And last but not least, never touch any other person’s cowboy hat. When you keep these tips in mind, you are good to go.
