Felt Cowboy Hats

Felt Cowboy Hats are the classic western choice, with a distinctive shape, a soft matte finish and a timeless feel. Worn from autumn through spring, a felt hat offers some shelter from wind and light rain while bringing unmistakable western character to an outfit. Explore styles for women and men, from simple bands to designs detailed with feathers, studs, beads or a touch of sparkle.

Felt Cowboy Hats: a western classic

The earliest cowboy hats were made from felt, a practical material for life in the West. It holds its shape, offers protection from sun, rain and cold, and can be reshaped if the hat gets pressed. The high crown and wide brim soon became an enduring cowboy icon. Today, felt hats are made from wool felt as well as lighter, more affordable blends, with the same traditional look.

Wool felt and felt blends

Wool felt is dense, soft and shape-retaining. It handles damp weather better than you might expect and can keep its form for years with careful use. Blended-fibre felt hats are often lighter and more affordable, making them a good way to try the style. Check each product description for the material of that particular hat.

Felt cowboy hats for women and men

Men’s felt cowboy hats

Classic shapes are a popular choice for men: a medium-height crown with a defined crease, a brim turned up slightly at the sides, and a simple leather or grosgrain band. Black, brown and sand are versatile, timeless colours. A men’s felt cowboy hat in dark brown pairs easily with jeans and a flannel shirt, or even a dark jacket.

Felt cowboy hats for women

Women’s styles often bring more colour and decorative detail, including cream, pink, beige and white, along with beaded or studded bands, feathers and shimmering trim. A light felt hat creates a softer western look, while a black, wide-brimmed style feels elegant and dramatic. Wider brims also add a bohemian touch and look great with dresses and long skirts.

How to choose the right felt hat

Size

Measure around your head just above your ears and eyebrows. Your hat should feel secure without pressing. If your measurement falls between sizes, consider the larger one. Many styles have an inner band that helps you adjust the fit for comfort.

Shape and face

A higher crown can visually lengthen a round face, while a wider brim can balance a longer or narrower face. A medium-width brim is an easy, versatile option that suits many people and outfits.

Colour

Black feels elegant and formal, while brown and sand have a classic western look. Lighter shades create a fresher, softer impression. For a considered outfit, choose a colour that works with your boots or belt.

Styling your felt cowboy hat

Pair a felt hat with the classic western combination of jeans, a shirt, a western belt and cowboy boots. It also works well with a suede or shearling jacket in the colder season. For women, try a light felt hat with a long dress and boots, or add a black style to a simple black outfit for an elegant finishing touch.

How to care for a felt hat

Lift your hat by the front and back of the brim rather than the crown to help it keep its shape. Brush away dust gently, following the direction of the fibres. If it gets wet, let it dry at room temperature with the brim facing up. Store it on a shelf or upside down on its crown in a hat box, so the brim does not get flattened.