Straw cowboy hat

A good straw cowboy hat is the ultimate warm-weather companion. Lighter and more breathable than its felt counterpart, it’s built to keep the sun off your face and the air flowing, whether you’re at a summer festival, out in the garden, or simply enjoying a day in the city. Our collection brings together classic shapes and durable materials, from rugged palm leaf to refined Shantung straw. We focus on proper construction and timeless style, ensuring you get a hat that not only looks the part but feels right and is built to last through many seasons of sun.

Key Takeaways

Sun Protection: The primary job of a straw hat is to offer shade and ventilation in warmer weather.
Material Matters: Palm leaf is tough and casual; Shantung is lighter and dressier. The weave affects breathability.
Fit is Everything: A well-fitting hat stays on in a breeze and is comfortable for all-day wear. Always measure your head .
Mind the Rain: Most straw hats can handle a light shower, but a proper downpour can cause them to lose shape.

Choosing Your Straw Cowboy Hat

Finding the right straw hat comes down to understanding the materials, the fit, and how you plan to wear it. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you choose.

Understanding Straw Types

The material defines a hat's character, durability, and feel. Each has its own strengths.

Palm Leaf: Sourced from palm trees, this straw is known for its exceptional durability and natural UV protection. It’s a workhorse material, perfect for hats that will see a lot of use outdoors. Palm leaf can often be reshaped with water.
Shantung Straw: Not a natural straw, but a high-performance paper yarn woven to mimic Panama straw. It’s lightweight, smooth, and has a more refined, dressy appearance. Ideal for smarter occasions.
Raffia Straw: Soft, pliable, and resilient. Raffia hats are comfortable and often have a more relaxed, flexible feel. They travel well as they can often be packed or crushed and still return to shape.
Bangora Straw: Another type of paper-based straw, Bangora is machine-woven for a crisp, consistent finish. It offers a classic look at a very accessible price point.

Crown Shape & Brim Width

The crown and brim give a hat its signature style and practical function.

Crown Shapes: The 'Cattleman' is the most traditional shape, with a tall, narrow crown and three creases. A 'Brick' crown is squared-off, while a 'Gus' crease slopes down toward the front. The shape mainly comes down to personal preference, but some find deeper crowns feel more secure.
Brim Width: A wider brim (over 4 inches) provides maximum sun protection for your face, ears, and neck, making it ideal for work or long days outdoors. A narrower brim offers a more subtle, contemporary look suited to city or casual wear.

Getting the Right Fit: Sizing Guide

A comfortable, secure fit is non-negotiable. To find yours, use a soft measuring tape to measure the circumference of your head, about one centimetre above your ears, where the hat will sit. Don't pull the tape too tight. Use the table below to convert your measurement.

CM	Inches	UK Hat Size	US Hat Size
55	21 5/8	6 3/4	6 7/8
56	22	6 7/8	7
57	22 1/2	7	7 1/8
58	22 7/8	7 1/8	7 1/4
59	23 1/4	7 1/4	7 3/8
60	23 5/8	7 3/8	7 1/2
61	24	7 1/2	7 5/8

Find Your Style: Common Uses

Festivals & Events: A Shantung or Raffia straw offers a stylish, lightweight option that completes an outfit without weighing you down.
Everyday & City Wear: Choose a moderate brim width that provides sun protection without feeling out of place on a busy street.
Riding & Work: A durable Palm Leaf hat with a wider brim and perhaps a stampede string (chin strap) is the most practical choice for long days outside.

Care & Maintenance Tips

Look after your hat, and it will look after you. Follow these simple rules:

Handle with care. Pick up your hat by the brim, not by pinching the crown, to prevent cracking and misshaping.
Keep it clean. For dust and light dirt, use a soft-bristled brush. For marks, use a slightly damp cloth with a touch of mild soap, but test on an inconspicuous area first.
Dry it properly. If your hat gets wet, let it air dry naturally. Rest it on its crown or a hat stand to help it keep its shape. Never use a hairdryer.
Store it correctly. Keep your hat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A hat box is ideal, but placing it upside down on its crown on a shelf also works well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a straw cowboy hat in the rain?
It’s best not to. A light, brief shower won't ruin it, but a heavy downpour can cause the straw to swell and lose its carefully shaped form. If it gets soaked, let it air dry away from heat. Palm leaf hats are generally more water-resistant than others.

How do I get an accurate size?
Use a flexible tape measure and the guide above. Measure your head exactly where the hat will sit. If you're between sizes, we generally recommend sizing up and using hat sizing tape for a perfect, custom fit.

How can I clean a sweat stain from the straw?
For light sweat marks, a cloth dampened with cool water should do the trick. For more stubborn stains, a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water applied carefully with a cloth can help lift the mark. Always let it dry fully.

My hat has lost its shape. Can I fix it?
Often, yes. You can use steam from a kettle or clothing steamer to gently soften the straw, then carefully mould it back into shape with your hands. Be careful not to burn yourself. This works best on palm leaf and some other natural straws.

Are straw hats durable?
Durability varies by material. A well-made palm leaf hat is incredibly tough and can last for years with proper care, making it ideal for work. Shantung and Raffia are more delicate and better suited for casual or occasional wear.