You’ve received a cowboy hat as a gift or decided to purchase one for yourself. Despite the reason, you need to be careful while purchasing cowboy hats. When you wear the best cowboy hats properly, you will be able to showcase your fashion statement without any problem.
Maybe you’re purchasing Western hats to implement the Western appeal, or planning to use them as a protective barrier for your face and eyes against UV rays. The cowboy hats will keep your head cool in summer and warm in winter. However, this feature is dependent on the material you’re choosing. The cowboy hats are also extremely breathable and lightweight.
If there is a western hat store in your locality, you will be able to purchase cowboy hats easily. They will not only measure your head but also help you know which hat will suit you best as per your personality. But if you happen to live in an area where there are no Western stores, you need to rely on online manufacturers. Don’t assume that Western hats from online manufacturers are bad. The trouble is that you will be overwhelmed by their collection.
The primary question is how a Western hat should fit on your head. Continue reading the article to learn more about the proper fitting of Western hats.
Types of Cowboy Hats
The Western hat market is extensive. Not only designs, but you can choose from various materials such as leather, wool, felt, etc. When you purchase a leather cowboy hat, it will provide you with warmth during the winter months.
Some common western hats include cattleman crease, gambler, Montana mix, brick, pinched front, open crown, etc. Remember that you can choose any style or design for your cowboy hats. You don’t need to fit them forcefully, and certain hats will look great on people in specific ways.
Fitting the Cowboy Hats
As hats are one of your most important fashion accessories, they need to fit on your head properly. Modern Western hats are made of leather, straw, and felt. As per Sew Port, leather is not stretchable. The felt cowboy hats are extremely effective during the winter months as they will help you keep your head warm. The straw cowboy hats are a must-have accessory during the summer months.
The western hat you choose should complement the shape of your head. If the hat is too loose, it might fall off your head or get blown by a strong wind. On the other hand, the western hats should not sit on your head tightly as this might cause tremendous headaches. To measure the size of your head, you will require a cloth measuring tape. Continue following these tips to measure the size of your head appropriately:
- Take the tape and place two fingers on your eyebrow.
- Just above your ears, wrap the tape around your head.
- Measure from the beginning of the tape to the ending.
The Shape of Your Head
You will find cowboy hats in two common shapes: long oval and round oval. However, you will find some manufacturers who break this chart into numerous categories. Therefore, you might face problems determining the proper shape of your head. If you visit a store, they might help you decide. However, the collection and quality of cowboy hats from an online store are much greater. If you’re planning to purchase cowboy hats from an online store, here are some essential things you need to do to know the shape of your head:
- Ask someone to look at your head from above. This way you will know the general shape of your head.
- Measure the width and length of your head.
- If you have any other hat, consider looking at it very carefully. This way you will be able to tell whether the hat is round or oval which will know the shape of your head.
How to Wear the Western Hats
When you first wear your western hat, consider checking if the hat fits properly on your head. Make sure you hold the hat by its brim so that you don’t end up causing any damage to the structure. The front of the Western hats should be about three fingers from your eyebrows. Additionally, the back of the western hat should be about four fingers from your skull. The hat should also be breathable.
What to Do If the Western Hat Doesn’t Fit?
This is one of the most common questions people ask before purchasing Western hats. There might be a situation when the cowboy hat might not fit properly on your head. Even though most companies allow exchanges or returns, there are a couple of steps you need to remember so that your cowboy hat fits better.
If the hat is loose and big as per your head, consider lining the brim using a foam strip. Make sure you choose cowboy hats that are made specifically for your hat. Additionally, you can also use stuffed paper towels to make the sweatband thinner. On the other hand, if the cowboy hat you purchase is too small and tight to wear, there are a couple of ways to stretch it:
- If the hat is too tight, consider wearing the hat for a couple of hours. They are designed in such a way that the hat will be loosened automatically after adjusting to your head shape.
- You can spray water on the crown. This is also a great way to stretch the hat. Consider heating the outside of the hat until it’s a little damped. Then wear the cowboy hat for a few hours.
- You can use steam to stretch the hat. However, keep in mind that the steaming method does not apply to wool or leather cowboy hats.
How do I choose a Western hat?
Here are some tips for choosing a good Western hat:
- Consider the crown height. Taller crowns are better for keeping the sun out of your eyes. Shorter crowns are more stylish. A 4-6 inch crown height is pretty versatile.
- Look at the brim width. Wider brims provide more shade. A standard brim is around 3 inches. Extra wide can be 5 inches or more. Just make sure it doesn’t look oversized on your head.
- Choose the right material. Felt or straw hats are classic. Felt holds its shape but can get hot. Straw breathes better but is less durable. Leather and other synthetics are options too.
- Check the quality. Look for tight, uniform stitching. Make sure the brim is stiff but flexible. It shouldn’t be flimsy or warped.
- Get the right size. It should fit snugly but not too tight. The hat shouldn’t shift around easily on your head or pinch.
- Find a classic cowboy hat color like black, brown, tan, gray, or ivory. Or go bold with a standout color that suits your style.
- Pick a basic cowboy hat style like a cattleman or fedora if it’s your first one. Try out other types like a gambler or sombrero once you know what looks good.
Conclusion
This is everything you need to know about the fitting of the cowboy hats. If you have any other questions, make sure you comment below to let us know.
