The Best Cowboy Hats for Men

Cowboy hats have long been the mark of the rugged and rough, but they've also grown to be synonymous with honor, kindness, and undeniable coolness. It's rare to find a piece of apparel that can be both practical and fashionable simultaneously. If you haven't tried your hand — or head — at donning the timeless accessory, we'd recommend taking one for a ride. You don't have to rope cattle or ride horses to benefit from the shade and aesthetic sheen of a cowboy hat, though, and we've rounded up a list of some of the best hats on the market to prove it. Read on to discover your newest husky headpiece, whether it's made of lightweight straw or ultra-durable leather.

Queue Essentials Classic Cattleman Cowboy Hat

Queue the Cowboys

Queue Essentials' cowboy hat will have you ready to rope up some cattle.
Best Overall

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If you haven’t rocked a cowboy hat before, the classic cattleman from Queue Essentials might be a great place to start. You can choose from a few different colors that are offered in either canvas or felt. Though the canvas may feel stiff at first, remember that it’s coated to protect it from dust and water. The hat has a relatively pronounced pinched top with a wide brim and well-curled edges, not to mention ventilation holes to keep your head cool. A flexible internal sweatband also helps to ensure a snug fit that won’t suffocate your skin or hair.

Pros:

  • You can choose between canvas or felt
  • Canvas is coated to protect against dust and water
  • Flexible internal sweatband for a snug fit

Cons:

  • Only 2 sizes offered (small/medium and large/extra large)

Western Express Men’s Classic Cattleman Straw Cowboy Hat

Yee-Straw

This cowboy hat from Western Express is light but durable thanks to a smooth, straw construction.
Most Lightweight

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Admittedly, straw seems like an odd choice for a hat material; people often imagine something stiff, scratchy, and almost cheap. While it’s true that straw can be stiff, it’s also lightweight and surprisingly durable, making it a favorite for cowboy hat construction. Adorned with decorative silver studs around the band, Western Express’s spin on the classic cattlemen takes advantage of a straw body. Ventilation holes below the crown keep the airflow moving, and the brim dips plenty to provide adequate shade. You can order an exact size if you’re confident in your measurement, but you can also opt for a “fits-all” elastic headband and more general sizing if not.

Pros:

  • 100% straw construction for a lightweight body
  • Decorative silver studs are subtle and classy
  • You can choose between exact sizing and general small/medium/large sizing with an elastic headband

Cons:

  • Only comes in one off-white color that can get dirty easily

Western Express Faux Felt Wide Brim Western Cowboy Hat

For Real Ropin'

You'll be wearing this faux felt hat until the cows come home.
Most Rugged

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Felt is another common choice for cowboy hats because it remains rugged without threatening to suffocate your head. But often, felt can be made of a percentage of pressed wool, which doesn’t fare well in the rain. Instead, Western Express opts for a faux felt hat that maintains its namesake’s sturdiness while easing worries about inclement weather or special care. Thanks to this, the wide-brimmed hat is a perfect riding companion for environments that are cold, warm, wet, and anything in between. Like some of its other cowboy hats, Western Express offers this one in a huge range of specific sizes, as well as more general sizing with a forgiving elastic headband.

Pros:

  • Faux felt is rugged without requiring extra care or attention
  • Well-weighted for any type of weather
  • Wide range of sizes, along with more general options

Cons:

  • Some wearers may lament the cheaper feel of faux felt

Walker and Hawkes Leather Cowhide Outback Hat

Outback and in Style

Walker and Hawkes' outback hat is made of tried and true cowhide leather for a timeless look.
Best Leather

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Leather purists, rejoice: Walker and Hawkes deliver a wildly functional outback hat made of 100% cowhide leather. You may want to give it some extra treatment, but it should be water-resistant to begin with, making it an ideal piece of riding gear. But even if you’ve never sported leather — or rode a horse before, for that matter — doesn’t mean you should be afraid to don this cap. In truth, its leather headband woven with laces and silver conchos should prove an easy foray into the wild world of leather accents. Though it requires some special upkeep, the Walker and Hawkes outback hat will have you ready to ride any rodeo with gusto.

Pros:

  • 100% cowhide leather is durable and water-resistant
  • Shapeable steel wire within the brim for the perfect shape
  • Ideal balance between fashionable and functional
  • Leather chinstrap for a secure fit

Cons:

  • Very rigorous and specific cleaning recommendations

Stetson Men’s Mesh-Covered Hat

A Southern Breeze

Wherever you are, Stetson's mesh-covered hat will keep the breeze blowing so you can stay cool.
Most Breathable

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Stetson’s mesh-covered hat for men is for all the cowboys who frequent the muggier, more humid parts of the world. While it maintains the timeless look of a true cowboy hat, it provides significantly better breathability; and yet, the mesh is still fine enough to protect your head from any pesky bugs or flies. To this end, the 100% nylon construction is also treated with an odorless, non-toxic insect repellent so you won’t have to choke through clouds of spray anymore. A Coolmax sweatband helps to wick away perspiration and keep you focused on your adventure, wherever that may lead you.

Pros:

  • Mesh is breathable yet fine enough to keep out bugs
  • 100% nylon material is flexible, light, and treated with insect repellent
  • Coolmax sweatband to wick away sweat
  • Drawstring closure for a tight fit

Cons:

  • Mesh won’t keep out dust or water like other solid cowboy hats

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I wear with my cowboy hat?

While a flannel shirt, jeans, and cowboy boots will always look good with a proper cowboy hat, those items aren’t always in everyone’s repertoire. That being said, the hat will generally look better with some type of boot, whether it’s a Chelsea, duck, brogue, or cap-toe. Dress it up with a decorative bolo tie or a dark sport coat; dress it down with a well-fitted white t-shirt or a rugged henley.

How do I shape my hat?

The best way to shape a hat — whether it’s felt, leather, straw, or canvas — is by steaming it. The moisture and heat can return crumpled hats to their original shape while also leaving hats more flexible and ready to be molded. Some hats will also come with a shapeable steel wire within the brim to make this process easier.

About the Author

Noah has always been interested in fashion as a form of personal expression, and his passions landed him a stint writing for a high-fashion company. His personal style includes black denim, cherry leather, and the timeless white tee, but he's always experimenting with new looks. With his fashion expertise, Noah wants to help people experiment with different types of clothing and their own personal expression of self, without spending a fortune.

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