Equestrian Apparel Articles
How to Choose a Cowboy Hat
Best Cowboy Hats
By Riding Warehouse Staff
Publish Date May 22, 2025
• 8 min read
A good cowboy hat is a staple of any western outfit. Not only do they have you looking good anytime and anywhere, cowboy hats are also ideal for providing our skin with all-important protection to prevent damage from the sun's bright rays. These hats are far from a one-trick pony! Whether you're out on the ranch or the town, this headwear is the ultimate combination of function and style.
When it comes to picking a style and material for these classic hats, finding just the right one for you can feel overwhelming. That's why RW's hat-savvy crew has compiled our top picks all in one place, so you can be sure to find your perfect hat with ease! Featuring best sellers and staff favorites, this list showcases the best of the best straw hats, felt hats, and lifestyle hats, as well as some honorable mentions we just couldn't resist sharing.
Best Straw Cowboy Hat
Resistol Cojo Vaquero Cody Johnson Bangora Cowboy Hat
It's certainly no mystery why the Resistol Cojo Vaquero Hat has been a best-selling staple! This cowboy hat is an ideal choice for warm, sunny days on the ranch with its ample ventilation. We're big fans of the unique vent pattern too, which makes this hat stand out from the crowd! A Dri-Lex sweatband wicks away sweat so you can stay fresh and cool all day long, and the 4 1/4" brim provides ample shade from the sun. As part of the Cody Johnson by Resistol collection, the Cojo Vaquero is a surefire hit.
| Key Features: |
Dri-Lex Sweatband Plenty of Ventilation Unique Vent Pattern 4 1/4" Brim 4 1/2" Brick Crown |
| Honorable Mention: We'd be remiss not to give a shoutout to the Charlie 1 Horse Cool Hand 10X Straw Cowgirl Hat! With its effortless style and classic design, this cowgirl hat was an instant favorite among the RW crew. |
Best Felt Cowboy Hat
Stetson Buffalo Collection Seneca 4X Felt Cowboy Hat
Rated 5 out of 5 stars by our reviewers, the Seneca 4X Felt Cowboy Hat from the Stetson Buffalo Collection is durable enough to stand up to everyday wear while still looking good as you go out on the town. It is made with 4X quality buffalo fur felt and includes a leather sweatband to keep you cool and comfortable. Plus, the Seneca is water-repellent, so you won't have to worry about incoming clouds during long days in the saddle. A slim leather hat band complete with a silver buckle is the finishing touch on a felt hat that is so versatile, you'll never want to take it off!
| Key Features: |
Handmade in Garland, Texas Water-Repellent 4X Quality Buffalo Fur Felt Durable and Versatile 3 1/2" Brim 4 1/4" Oval Pinch-Front Crown |
Honorable Mention: The Stetson Holden Crushable Outdoor Collection Felt Hat is a favorite of RW-sponsored rider, Gillian Larson. Water-repellent, completely crushable, and of course, comfortable, the Holden is perfect for everyday wear no matter where your adventures take you. |
Best Straw Lifestyle Hat
Outback Trading Co Palm Collection Santa Fe Straw Hat
Each piece crafted by Outback Trading Company is designed to be functional, economical, and stylish, and the Palm Collection Santa Fe Straw Hat certainly checks off each of those boxes! This best-selling hat will keep you shielded from the sun and make you look good while doing it. Crafted from beautiful woven palm straw, the Santa Fe boasts a UPF 40 rating as well as breathability and comfort with its moisture-wicking sweatband. With natural coloring and an accented hatband, you'll be ready for some fun in the sun in this soft-brimmed hat that won't break the bank.
| Key Features: |
UPF 40 Rating Breathable Woven Palm Straw Moisture-Wicking Sweatband Natural Coloring 3 1/2" Brim and Crown |
Honorable Mention: When it comes to superior shading from the sun's rays, the Charlie 1 Horse Vaquera Wild West Collection Straw Hat deserves to be in the conversation! An impressive five-inch brim combined with a stunning design makes this hat the epitome of an honorable mention when it comes to style, safety, and comfort on sunny days. |
Best Felt Lifestyle Hat
Stetson Bozeman Crushable Outdoor Collection Felt Hat
We love the Stetson Bozeman Crushable Felt Hat for its versatility, durability, and of course, its stunning good looks. Part of Stetson's Outdoor Collection, this hat has a fully crushable construction. It's designed to be rolled up, packed away, and brought back out right into its original shape, making it perfect for looking good on the go! The Bozeman is made of 100% pure, high-quality wool and is water-resistant, so you won't have to worry about the elements. A pinch-front crown and a slim braided leather hatband complete a look that's just as good in the backcountry wilderness as it is on a day out with friends!
| Key Features: |
Fully Crushable Design 100% Pure Wool Construction DRI-LEX Absorbent Sweatband Water-Repellent 3 1/4" Brim 4" Pinch-Front Crown |
Honorable Mention: The Charlie 1 Horse Wild West Collection High Desert Felt Hat is a top contender when it comes to making a fashion-forward statement! A favorite among the RW crew, this hat is a true standout with its concho headband and fire-branded "C". |
Best Cowboy Hat Helmet
Resistol RideSafe Western Felt Cowboy Hat Helmet
The Resistol RideSafe Western Cowboy Hat Helmet is a true hybrid between the safety of a helmet and the classic style of a Resistol felt cowboy hat. The RideSafe is shaped like a traditional cowboy hat and includes all of the protection a helmet offers thanks to its ASTM/SEI certification. This versatile hat-helmet can be worn everywhere from the ranch to the rodeo, so you don't have to sacrifice safety for style when you're riding! Even better, an adjustable dial in the back makes finding a customized fit as easy as can be.
| Key Features: |
Hybrid Cowboy Hat and Helmet ASTM/SEI Certified Classic Resistol Style Shock and Impact Absorption Dial-Fit System |
Honorable Mention: Though they're neither a complete helmet or hat on their own, helmet visors provide the shading benefits of a hat with the protection of your favorite helmet. Available in a variety of styles and designs, these accessories are a great addition to any rider's arsenal, especially when the sun is shining high in the sky! |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what cowboy hat size to order?
A: To determine what size cowboy hat will best suit your needs, measuring the circumference of your head is a great place to start! This measurement can be taken using a soft measuring tape or string to measure right above your eyebrows and around the widest part of the head, where your hat would naturally rest.
From there, compare your measurement to the specific size chart for the hat you are looking at. The chart below is a general guideline that can be a good starting point, and the following video contains some helpful tips on measuring and checking the fit of your cowboy hat!
| Size | Hat Size | Circumference (in.) | Circumference (cm) |
| XS | 6 3/8 - 6 5/8 | 20 1/4 - 21" | 51 - 53 cm |
| SM | 6 3/4 - 6 7/8 | 21 1/8 - 21 1/2" | 54 - 55 cm |
| MD | 7 - 7 1/8 | 21 7/8 - 22 1/4" | 56 - 57 cm |
| LG | 7 1/4 - 7 3/8 | 22 5/8 - 23" | 58 - 59 cm |
| XL | 7 1/2 - 7 5/8 | 23 1/2 - 23 7/8" | 60 - 61 cm |
| XXL | 7 3/4 - 7 3/8 | 24 1/4 - 24 5/8" | 62 - 63 cm |
What is the difference between a felt cowboy hat and a straw cowboy hat?
A: The obvious difference between felt and straw cowboy hats is of course the materials they are made of! However, these different materials provide hats with different features and benefits, making each of them unique. If you're aiming for a more traditional look, a felt cowboy hat is the way to go. Felt is made mainly of fur, often of beaver, rabbit, mink, chinchilla, and more.
More frequently seen — and more budget friendly — is the straw cowboy hat. Commonly used materials include sisal, jute, and palm leaf, though there are many more! Thanks to these materials, straw hats are often preferable on warmer, sunny days as they offer much more breathability and airflow. Their lighter weight can also make them more comfortable for some.
What does "X" mean in relation to cowboy hats?
A: The number of Xs in a cowboy hat's name relates to the percentage of fur used or the thickness of the straw. For felt hats, a higher number of Xs means more fur was incorporated in the material, raising the overall quality. Finer fur means that the hat will have more Xs.
In terms of straw cowboy hats, the X refers to the tightness of the weave and the overall thickness and quality of the straw reeds used. A higher number indicates that the hat is more densely woven, and therefore more durable.
Closing Thoughts
No matter whether your goal is protection, style, or both, the perfect cowboy hat can elevate any outfit in more ways than one. We hope that this article has helped make your search for the ideal cowboy hat as simple as possible. We've shed some light on some of our most popular options, though if you would like to do some more research, check out our article on How to Choose a Cowboy Hat. Our helpful customer service team is also happy to answer any questions, and they may be reached via phone at 1-800-620-9145 or via email at info@ridingwarehouse.com. In the meantime, we wish you happy riding!
