Western-Themed Hats for Fashion, Function & Fun
Have the best western look without sacrificing comfort
Cowboy hats never go out of style and are just as popular in 2023 as they were back in the 1900s. The only difference? Women wear them just as much now as men. Combining fashion with function, a well-chosen cowboy hat is not just an accessory; it’s a testament to a woman’s strength, resilience, and enduring sense of style.
A classic cowboy hat is a functional piece of equipment that protects you from the elements while allowing you to express your individuality. Felt hats are more versatile, offering warmth as well as shade, while a straw hat is the perfect accessory for a hot summer’s day.
Source: Canva
Cowboy Hat Culture
Cowboy hats have been around for well over 100 years and have gradually infiltrated the world of women’s fashion, establishing themselves as iconic accessories that add individuality and flair to any outfit or occasion.
Today cowboy hats are seen at almost every occasion, from weddings and festivals to horse shows and rodeos.
Felt vs. Straw Hats
Cowboy hats have been gathering momentum in women’s fashion recently and were a staple on the catwalk last year.
Paired with a pair of jeans to a bikini or miniskirt, both felt and straw hats have found their place as versatile accessories that effortlessly blend Western charm with contemporary flair.
While felt hats are more versatile, protecting against the wind and rain as well as the sun, straw hats are perfect for summer. Straw hats shade you from the blazing sun while providing enough airflow to keep you cool.
Whatever material you opt for, be sure to stick with a reputable brand to ensure your hat stands the test of time.
Popular Styles for Women
Look for classic and timeless styles, like the cattleman and gambler. These styles combine traditional Western charm with a modern edge, offering versatility for various occasions.
These particular crown and brim shapes are among the most popular styles for women. Those with a more bohemian style may prefer a softer, wider brim, while those seeking a more tailored and structured look may prefer a Fedora-inspired cowboy hat.
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Best Customizable Brands for Women
Looking for a unique hat that screams style and sophistication? Look no further than Shorty’s Caboy Hattery. Run by Lavonna “Shorty” Koger, Shorty’s has been crafting top-quality custom hats for women for over 30 years.
Each hat is hand-crafted from high-quality materials to create a distinctive masterpiece that not only reflects Shorty’s unparalleled expertise but also embodies the essence of style and sophistication.
Whether you’re seeking a timeless classic or a bold statement piece, Shorty’s Caboy Hattery is the epitome of personalized luxury, making each hat not just a fashion choice but a symbol of refined taste and enduring elegance.
Hat Sizing: Does it Differ by Gender?
The best cowboy hats are available in a range of sizes that can accommodate both men and women. Although sizing is somewhat consistent across all brands, some do run a little smaller or larger than others.
The average woman usually wears a size 7¼, but there are often smaller sizes available.
We always suggest measuring your head before ordering to ensure a perfect fit. There are sizing guides like this one available on most cowboy hat manufacturer’s websites.
| Best Hat For | Brand | Hat | Price Point | You’ll Love It If: |
| Classic Fedora Style | Stetson | Hardrock | $$$ | You want a more tailored and sophisticated Western look |
| Top Hat for Hot Summer Months | Resistol | Denison | $$ | You want something cool for summer |
| Best Customizable Hat | Shorty’s Caboy Hattery | 24K – 4½ Brim | $$$ | You don’t mind splurging on a customized hat |
| Best Fashion Hat | Charlie 1 Horse | Women’s Black Highway Fashion Hat | $$ | You want that floppy-brimmed bohemian look |
| Featured Leather Hat | American Hat Makers | Hollywood Women’s Leather Cowboy Hat | $$$ | You want the perfect combination of form and function |
| Best Artificial Straw Hat | Tenth Street Hats | Adore You | $$ | You need something that will complement your entire summer wardrobe |
| Top Camel Hat | Rodeo King | Camel Fur Felt 4” | $$$$ | You value versatility and timeless style |
| Best Wool Hat | Bailey Western | Renegade®Joker | $$$ | You want a more compact, structured outline |
| Best Pre-Shaped Hat | Ariat | WoolAM/SS4 1/4″ 3pc | $$ | You want something that offers warmth as well as shade |
| Best Straw Hat on a Budget | Brixton | Houston Straw Cowboy Hat | $ | You want superior sun protection |
| Most Affordable Hat | Bullhide | Women’s Ride or Die Straw Hat | $ | You want a durable straw hat that keeps you cool in summer |
| Best Gray Felt Hat | Cavender’s | Rockin’ C Women’s Gray Concho Hat | $$ | You want a narrower brim to emphasize your facial features |
| Best Waterproof Hat | Outback Trading Co. | Grizzly Oilskin Hat | $$ | You want reliable protection against all the elements |
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Best Women’s Cowboy Hats
Stetson Hardrock
The Stetson Hardrock epitomizes the brand’s dedication to both cutting-edge style and enduring fashion. Merging functionality and sophistication with Western charm, this fedora-style cowboy hat is meticulously crafted from high-quality wool felt.
It’s more than just a hat, serving as a symbol of timeless elegance and American craftsmanship.
Featured Hat Benefits:
- Fit – The Stetson Hardrock comes in sizes S, M, L, and XL and is suitable for anyone with a 6⅜ to 7⅝ sizes head
- Features – Firm wool felt hat with 4” flat brim, flattering 4½” teardrop crown, and braided hat band
- You’ll Love it if – you appreciate a more sophisticated look that harnesses the rich heritage of Western fashion
Hat Drawbacks:
- Limited sizes and colors available
Where to buy it: Stetson
Resistol Denison
This classic straw cowboy hat is hand-woven from lightweight Bangora straw that will stand up well to the elements. The 4⅜ crown helps protect you from the sun and keep you cool in the heat of the day, while the 4” brim will keep the sun from your eyes.
Versatile and durable, this hat not only looks the part but also performs effortlessly, making it a reliable companion for any outdoor adventure.
Featured Hat Benefits:
- Fit – Resistol hats are generally true to size but may run a little big
- Features – 7X Bangora straw hat, complete with three eyelets for extra airflow and a simple 2-ply ribbon band
- You’ll Love it if – you need a durable straw hat for summer adventures
Hat Drawbacks:
- This unisex hat only goes down to a size 6 ⅞, which won’t accommodate those with smaller head circumferences
Where to buy it: Amazon
Shorty’s Caboy Hattery’s 24K – 4½ Brim
Shorty’s Caboy Hattery makes dreams come true. Use this open-crown straw hat as your canvas for self-expression, adapting the crown shape and brim style to create a unique hat that reflects your individuality and lifestyle. With six brim creases and seven crown shapes available, you have the tools to create something truly unique.
Shorty’s Caboy Hattery is not just a hat store; it’s where your dream hat takes shape.
Featured Hat Benefits:
- Fit – Shorty’s Caboy Hattery only has limited sizes available at the time of writing, but usually stock it in sizes ranging from 6½ to a size 8.
- Features – High-quality 24K straw hat with customizable crown and brim, and a wealth of binding and whiplacing options.
- You’ll Love it if – you’re willing to splurge on a personalized cowboy hat
Hat Drawbacks:
- Shorty’s Caboy Hattery doesn’t accept returns on its straw hats
Where to buy it: Shorty’s Caboy Hattery
Charlie 1 Horse’s Black Women’s Highway Fashion Hat
As soon as you take it out of the box, this hat is ready to hit the road. Whether you’re off to a music festival, planning a day at the races, or simply need some head cover as fall approaches, this hat will add a stylish yet whimsical quality to your Western ensemble.
Made from wool felt, it comes with a Dri-Lex sweatband to wick moisture away from your head and keep you feeling as cool as you look.
Featured Hat Benefits:
- Fit – Available in small, medium, or large, Charlie 1 hats are true-to-size
- Features – Wool felt hat with Fedora crease, Dri-Lex sweatband, and floppy brim
- You’ll Love it if – you want your Western look to have some feminine flair
Hat Drawbacks:
- Narrower 3¾ brim is flattering but won’t offer the same level of shade as one with a wider brim
Where to buy it: Amazon
American Hat Makers’ Hollywood Women’s Leather Cowboy Hat
While many of the big brands avoid leather, it can make for a durable and functional cowboy hat. Offering protection against the elements, this 100% leather hat is designed to last and protect. With its curved brim and all-leather braided band, it stands out as one of our best-looking hats.
The sweatband is sewn in, but don’t sweat it—it comes with free size adjustment pads to size it down.
Featured Hat Benefits:
- Fit – Available in a wide range of sizes from XS (6½) to 3XL (8⅛)
- Features – 100% leather cowboy hat with matching leather chinstrap, leather braid decoration, and free size-adjustment pads
- You’ll Love it if – you appreciate the rugged charm of 100% cowhide leather
Hat Drawbacks:
- Leather isn’t as breathable as felt or straw, so it is less suitable for prolonged wear in hot and humid conditions
Where to buy it: American Hat Makers
Tenth Street’s Adore You
Moving away from traditional materials like Bangora straw, Tenth Street has opted for the smoother, shinier finish of Toyo straw for this stylish creation. Toyo is a type of artificially produced straw that stands up well to moisture and molds to the shape of your head for the ultimate fit.
Featuring a 3½” flat brim and a subtle vented crown, this timeless piece will complement any outfit in your wardrobe and make a clear statement wherever you wear it.
Featured Hat Benefits:
- Fit – An adjustable sweatband guarantees a perfect fit every time
- Features – Toyo straw hat for close to a custom fit
- You’ll Love it if – you struggle to find a hat that fits
Hat Drawbacks:
- Toyo straw isn’t as hardy or durable as other types of straw
Where to buy it: Tenth Street Hats
Rodeo King’s Camel Fur Felt 4”
Rodeo King’s camel fur felt hat carries a higher-than-average price tag that reflects its unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. If you’re looking to make a statement, look no further than this durable yet sophisticated creation, complete with a copper ribbon band and Dri-Lex sweatband.
Yes, it is actually made from camel fur!
Featured Hat Benefits:
- Fit – Available in sizes ranging from 6½, up to 8
- Features – A high-quality camel fur felt hat with ribbon detail, tracker crease, and 4” brim
- You’ll Love it if – you want a comfortable hat that captures the Western spirit
Hat Drawbacks:
- Only available in one color
Where to buy it: NRS World
Bailey Western’s Renegade®Joker
Bailey Western doesn’t compromise on quality or craftsmanship, and this wool felt hat, the Renegade Joker, epitomizes their commitment to excellence. Made from high-quality wool felt and decorated with studs and conchos, the Renegade®Joker combines functionality with a bit of old-school style.
The narrower brim and gambler crease adds structure to a rounder face, creating a flattering silhouette.
Featured Hat Benefits:
- Fit – Available in sizes S, M, L, and XL
- Features – Black wool felt hat with telescope crown, gambler crease, and 3⅛ brim
- You’ll Love it if – you want a narrower brim to accentuate a rounder face
Hat Drawbacks:
- Wool felt isn’t as waterproof as fur felt
Where to buy it: Bailey Hats
Ariat WoolAM/SS4 1/4″ 3pc
Effortlessly blending simplicity with sophistication, this durable and practical black wool felt hat boasts a signature touch of elegance. Create a casual look by pairing it with jeans, or elevate your style to formal chic by donning it with a suit.
A genuine leather sweatband ensures all-day comfort, while the 4¼ brim offers shade and sun protection.
Featured Hat Benefits:
- Fit –
Ariat cowboy hats are true to size, but don’t accommodate those with very small or very large heads - Features – Durable wool felt hat with leather sweatband, 4¼ curved brim, and three-piece silver buckle set
- You’ll Love it if – you love
Ariat ’s commitment to combining durability with sophistication
Hat Drawbacks:
- Sizes may run a little small, so consider sizing up
Where to buy it: Amazon
Brixton’s Houston Straw Cowboy Hat
Featuring a strong crease, side pinches, and an upturned brim, this hat is crafted from 100% grass straw that adds texture and durability to the hat, while maintaining a lightweight, airy appearance. It also boasts a 50+ UPF rating, guaranteeing your protection from the sun.
With its metal headwear plaque and grosgrain outside the band, this hat captures the essence of classic Western style.
Featured Hat Benefits:
- Fit – Limited sizes available
- Features – Grass straw hat with grosgrain band and 50+ UPF
- You’ll Love it if – you want a classic look with a little extra sun protection
Hat Drawbacks:
- Straw color may vary from product to product
Where to buy it: Brixton
Bullhide Women’s Ride or Die Straw Hat
Unlike the other straw hats in their collection, this one is made from palm leaf rather than straw, so it will withstand the rain without becoming damaged or misshapen. On the downside, it’s a little heavier than a grass or paper straw hat and not as breathable.
The eyelet vents help to counter this, providing adequate airflow as well as decorative detail.
Featured Hat Benefits:
- Fit – Bullhide hats tend to run a little large, so you might want to opt for a smaller size than usual
- Features – Palm leaf straw hat with eyelet vents and tooled filigree hat band
- You’ll Love it if – you need a durable hat for your summertime adventures
Hat Drawbacks:
- Sizes run a little larger
Where to buy it: Shepler’s
Cavender’s Rocking C Gray with Concho Women’s Western Hat
Part of Cavender’s exclusive women’s collection, this wool felt hat features a 3¾” brim, a pinched front crown, and a concho pattern hatband. Not only will it add a touch of Western flair to your outfit, but it will also provide all-day comfort, with its cloth sweatband efficiently wicking moisture away from your head.
It’s the perfect blend of fashion and practicality for the discerning wearer on a budget.
Featured Hat Benefits:
- Fit – Available in small, medium, or large
- Features – Brown wool felt hat with pinched front crown, cloth sweatband, and Aztec pattern hatband
- You’ll Love it if – you want something practical to work in without compromising on style
Hat Drawbacks:
- The brim may be too wide for those who prefer a more compact silhouette
Where to buy it: Cavender’s
Outback Trading Co’s Grizzly Oilskin Hat
Crafted from cotton oilskin, it serves as a reliable shield against wind and rain, ensuring you stay protected in unpredictable weather conditions. The substantial 4¼-inch brim provides ample shade, preventing the sun from interfering with your vision.
As a functional piece of fashion inspired by the Australian duster style, this hat not only exudes durability but also complements your outdoor wardrobe with its rugged charm and weather-resistant features.
The oilskin Grizzly may not adhere to the traditional cowboy hat design, but it compensates with versatility.
Featured Hat Benefits:
- Fit – Available in four sizes, ranging from SM to XL
- Features – Cotton oilskin hat with substantial brim, moisture-wicking sweatband, and braided hatband detail
- You’ll Love it if – you value weather protection over the classic Western look
Hat Drawbacks:
- A lower crown reduces airflow, making this hat less suitable on hot days
Where to buy it: Outback Trading Co.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How should a woman choose a cowboy hat?
Think carefully about the shape of your face before investing in a cowboy hat. If you’ve got a long face, go for a hat with a lower crown, while a more rounded crown is more flattering if you have a square face.
Q: Is there a difference between a cowgirl hat and a cowboy hat?
Many cowboy hats are unisex and look just as good on a woman as they do on a man. Some brands specialize in crafting cowboy hats specifically for women, taking into account the shapes that will suit a woman’s face and complement their features.
Q: Are there female cowboy hats?
There are some cowboy hats – or cowgirl hats – made specifically for women, although you can get away with wearing a man’s cowboy hat if the sizes run small enough. Many cowgirl hats on popular retail sites are fashion items and don’t provide the same protection as a high-quality hat from a reputable brand.
Q: How do I choose a cowboy hat for my face shape?
Consider the shape of your face carefully before ordering a cowboy hat. If you’ve got an oval-shaped face, you can pull off almost any cowboy hat shape and style, but if yours is a bit more square, you might find a more rounded crown more flattering than one with sharp creases.
High crowns compliment round faces, while those with a longer face will find a medium crown height and wide, curved brim more becoming. Find out more about cowboy hat shapes and styles.
Q: What is the best cowboy hat for women with small heads?
A small straw cowboy hat with a narrower brim and lower crown is more flattering for women with small heads.
Q: What is the best cowboy hat for women on Amazon?
Ariat’s black wool cowboy hat for women is one of the best you’ll find on Amazon in terms of quality, style, and cost-effectiveness.
Q: What is the best wool cowboy hat for women?
If you’re looking for a top-quality wool cowboy hat, you can’t go wrong with the Stetson Hardrock. This Fedora-style cowboy hat is made from 100% premium wool and features a flattering teardrop crown and flat brim.
Q: What is the best straw cowboy hat for women?
Shorty’s Caboy Hattery’s 24K – 4½ Brim straw hat can be customized to fit your unique style and the shape of your face.
Q: What is the best fedora cowboy hat for women?
The Stetson Hardrock combines the classic cowboy look with the toughness and sophistication associated with the fedora.
Source: Canva
Parting Thoughts
Cowboy hats aren’t just an accessory; they’re a statement of individuality and a nod to the enduring spirit of the West.
Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of felt hats, the breezy charm of straw, or the rugged durability of leather, the world of women’s cowboy hats offers a diverse range of styles to suit every taste and occasion.
From classic shapes to modern interpretations, each hat tells a story and becomes an integral part of your personal style journey. So, tip your hat to the heritage of the West and let your style ride off into the sunset with confidence and flair.
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