Two basic cowboy hat styles

Hat manufacturers use two basic materials to make Western-style hats: felt and straw. Most people wear different types of Cowboy hats according to the time or situation of the year.

Felt hats are closely related to the iconic Western style. They are a traditional hat choice for cold weather and more formal activities. The highest quality hats are handmade from felt and are commonly referred to as pure beavers. A more affordable hat is made of wool felt. Felt hats come in multiple colors to choose from, providing rain, wind, and snow protection.

Straw hats are much older than felt hats. Most straw hats on the market are machine-made hats, known in the industry as Bangora hats. These hats are lightweight, can block sunlight, and do not trap heat, depending on the density of the weaving. The most durable straw hat is the palm leaf Cowboy hat. Whether made by machine or hand, palm leaves are heavy straw hats that can be shaped in various ways.