Exploring 9 Different Cowboy Hat Shapes & Styles

The cowboy hat is a high-crowned, wide-brimmed hat best known as the defining piece of attire for the North American cowboy. It is recognized around the world as part of Old West apparel. These cowboy hats are unisex. It features wide brim that is definitely a great protection for your head. You'll find top brands that cowboys love like Stetson, Resistol, Rodeo King. 

What are the styles of cowboy hats? This blog will explore the different styles of cowboy hats. Whether you're looking to buy a cowboy hat or just interested in history, this blog has everything you need to know. Now, let's explore these 9 different cowboy hat shapes and what does the shape of a cowboy hat mean.

Kinds Of Cowboy Hat Shapes And Styles

Cattleman crease cowboy hat

The most traditional crease for cowboy hats, three creases run from front to back. As the most traditional type of cowboy hat, the cattleman features three creases on the crown and a slightly curved brim. It also has a large brim to keep the sun out of the wearer's eyes. 

source: https://www.amazon.com/Stetson-Mens-Skyline-Cowboy-Black/dp/B000WVO10W/ref=sr_1_2

Pinch front cowboy hat

As the name suggests, the distinctive feature of the pinch-front cowboy hat is its teardrop crown with double pinched creases at the front. Great for Warm or cold weather and less worries about getting wet.

source: https://www.amazon.com/Faux-Western-Cowboy-Elastic-Band-Black-S/dp/B00FF54PT2/ref=sr_1_4_sspa

Brick cowboy hat

It gets its name from the crease that runs down the center of the crown. This crease gives the hat a more structured look and helps to keep it in place on the head. The Brick Crease style is typically made from felt or straw and is designed to be worn in all types of weather.

The brick cowboy hat is a modified cattleman with a squarer crown. A single, rectangular dimple gives the brick a distinctive top.

source: https://www.amazon.com/Stetson-Mens-Skyline-Cowboy-Black/dp/B000WVO10W/ref=sr_1_2

Gus cowboy hat

The Gus cowboy hat is a type of Montana crease. Named after Lonesome Dove's Augustus McCrae, the hat usually features the curved brim seen on a Cattleman's hat. The big difference between the Montana and the Gus crease is the curved brim, which makes it easier to throw a rope.

The characteristic of this hat is a tall crown with three deep dimples on the crown. Great for working outdoor, this hat will provide the shade and warmth you need, along with the style you deserve. 

source: https://www.amazon.com/Stetson-Gus-Crushable-Color-OWGUSC-503461M0/dp/B01BCLXMBO/ref=sr_1_32

Open crown cowboy hat

Also Known as the "Open Crown", this hat has a crease-less crown. Historically all cowboy hats began with this shape. The open crown is authentic of the old west area primarily because it allows for the cowboy to crease their own hat just like in the old west. Perfect for the avid outdoorsman, the fashionista, or the wrestling fanatic.

source: https://www.amazon.com/Levine-Hats-Undertaker-Outdoor-Cowboy/dp/B0B72FG2BL/ref=sr_1_5

Gambler cowboy hat

Gambler hats are wide-brimmed hats with a distinct oval crown – as opposed to the indented crown of the fedora hat. In Western movies, the gambler cowboy hat is worn by gamblers, featuring a large and wide brim as well as a flat crown.

source: https://www.amazon.com/Western-Gambler-Cowboy-Black-Elastic/dp/B004VNI2HK/ref=sr_1_10

Tom mix cowboy hat

The John B. Stetson Company made the "Tom Mix" cowboy hat in the 1910s or 1920s. It is the original ten-gallon hat, made of an off-white felt with a matching ribbon band.

The Tom Mix cowboy hat is a style of hat that was popularized by the American actor Tom Mix. It is typically characterized by its wide brim, high crown, and distinct shape.

This style of hat has become iconic in Western films and is often associated with the image of a cowboy. The Tom Mix cowboy hat has since become a symbol of the American West and continues to be worn by cowboys and Western enthusiasts today.

source: https://www.randhats.com/hat-pages/30-Drifter-hatpage.html

Derby cowboy hat

The western derby is no different from the traditional derby hat, except that it has a unique, dimple-less round crown. The western derby also has a long, slightly curled brim.

Amish cowboy hat

The Amish cowboy hat is a distinct headwear style that combines elements of both Amish and cowboy fashion. It typically features a wide brim, similar to a traditional cowboy hat, but with a more simplified design. 

This hat style originated from the Swiss-German-speaking region and is mainly worn by the Amish sect within the Christian Protestant community. It is predominantly found in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, as well as southern Missouri and Tennessee.

Cowboy Hat Crown Shapes Chart

What are the different types of cowboy hat crowns?

No.	Crown Shape	Image
1	Cattleman Crown Features a central crease running down the middle, and on each side of the crease, there are dents or indents.
2	Teardrop Crown Features a distinctive pinch or indentation at the front of the crown.
3	Brick Crown  A single, rectangular dimple gives the brick a distinctive top.
4	Gus/Tom Mix Crown Features a tall crown with three deep dimples on the crown.
5	Gambler Crown Features a distinct oval crown.
6	Open Crown Features a crease-less crown. And a large brim to provide sun protection.
7	Derby Crown Features a unique, dimple-less round crown.
8	CHL Crown Originated with PBR World Champion Luke Snyder.  Features an oval dent in the top with one small dent on each side.
9	Minnick Shape Originated with Billy Bob Minick. Features one shallow center crease with one small dent on each side.

Cowboy Hat Materials

Felt cowboy hat

For casual daily wear and outdoor activities: such as church functions, race day events, horse riding, birthday, halloween, masquerade party etc. Suitable for both men and women.

Straw cowboy hat

The straw cowboy hat is breathable and comfortable, suitable for spring, summer, or general warm weather. The lightweight and breathable design is great for those hot summer days.

Leather cowboy hat

Leather is a strong and long-lasting material, investing in a leather cowboy hat is a great option for those who need a hat that can withstand rough conditions. Leather hat for men is designed for comfort and high quality.Perfect for cowboy themed party, birthday party, Halloween party and as a gift.

History Of Cowboy Hat

People moving West wore many styles of hat, including top hats, bowlers, Civil War headgear such as cavalry and slouch hats, and sailor hats.

The original "Boss of the Plains", manufactured by Stetson in 1865, was flat-brimmed, had a straight sided crown, with rounded corners. J.B. Stetson was the first to market the "Boss of the Plains" to cowboys, and it has remained the universal image of the American West.

Over time, the cowboy hat underwent changes in shape to better suit the needs of its owner and evolved into the form we are more familiar with today. The brim curved up on the sides to stay out of the way of a rope, and the crown became pinched to allow better control.

Today the cowboy hat has become as much a part of fashion as it is function. Adorned by cowboys, cowgirls, rodeo athletes, musicians and movie stars alike, the cowboy hat is a truly traditional item of the West. To learn more, click cowboy hat in wikipedia.

How To Choose The Right Styles

What cowboy hat shape is right for me? Each type of cowboy hat has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's essential to choose the right one for the job at hand. You want the proportions to fall into place accentuating your face. Balance is key.

How To Take Care Of Cowboy Hat

Reshape: If the hat is deformed, don't be nervous. The material of the hat is special, The deformed position is restored by hand and left for a period of time. It will return as before.

Clean: Easy to care-cleaned with horsehair brush or soft shoeshine brush, a slightly damp cloth, lint roller, and a dry cleaning sponge for stains.