Did you know cowboy hats have a whole art and culture to them? I recently found out on my trip to Nashville, Tennessee. I purchased a Stetson straw cowboy hat, and today I will share how I personalized it to my own style. This is a super fun, creative and easy project. Join me as I style a cowboy hat with my own personal flair. You can use the same methods I share here to create your own amazing cowboy hat aesthetic.
I am super excited to use my newly personalized cowboy hat on an upcoming trip. I bought it a few weeks ago on a girls’ trip to Nashville, and I wore it every single day of the trip. Now I’m embarking on a new trip this week with Mr. M, and I will be bringing my straw hat for a different type of trip. I will share all the details when I get back. Let your hat tell your story.
The Gist
Styling a Cowboy Hat
> Personalizing fashion with your own stylized touches creates a unique and stand-out look
> Bands, feathers, pins, charms and more personalize a cowboy hat with flair
> Cowboy hat etiquette is a thing with rules and history
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Inspiration for a Styled Cowboy Hat
As I mentioned above I recently purchased this cowboy hat, and I opted for a straw version so I could use it for beach and vacation destinations. While visiting Nashville, where I found the hat, I also discovered the art of styling a cowboy hat and here we are.
Cowboy Hat Types
Not all cowboy hats are created equal. There are straw hats (like mine) and felt, wool and leather varieties. Each one has its own purpose and look. Plus remember the look can be personalized, which is the reason we’re here today.
Straw Cowboy Hat
Straw hats are lightweight and offer breathability, making them perfect for warm weather and outdoor activities. The straw hats are mostly crafted from tightly woven shantung straw or palm leaf and feature ventilated crowns to maximize airflow.
Felt Cowboy Hat
Felt hats tend to be of premium quality, offering built-in weather resistance, a luxurious structure, and superior durability. The felt hats are expertly crafted from high-quality wool blends or dense fur felt (like rabbit or buffalo)– true ranch stuff here.
Leather Cowboy Hat
Leather hats offer a broken-in character that traditional felt and straw hats cannot match with rugged durability and weather resistance capabilities. The weight and texture provide long term use.
History of the Cowboy Hat
In 1865 John B. Stetson created the “Boss of the Plains” hat, which started the cowboy hat evolution. The initial hat was plain with a flat brim and rounded crown. Over time the cowboy hat became a high-crowned, wide brimmed hat, which is best known as the defining piece of attire for the North American cowboy. Originally designed for pure utility—providing shade from the harsh sun and shelter from the elements—it has evolved into an enduring global symbol of Western heritage, rugged individuality, and personal style.
Cowboy Hat Styling Bars are a Thing!
While visiting Nashville, TN many of the retailers which sold hats also had styling bars where you could embellish your hat as desired. These cowboy hat design bars include ribbons, feathers, pins, gems, florals and much more. It’s a great way to customize your accessory with personal flair.
Foundation Band
The foundation layer tends to be at the base of the hat with a wide ribbon, bandana or something of the sort. This is a wider band, which other bands and embellishments are layered on top. While in Nashville I purchased a feather band for this purpose since I knew I wanted to personalize my hat.
Complimentary Bands
These are thinner bands which are layered on top of the base band, which can include thinner ribbon, rope, leather or jeweled string. Use pieces which speak to you and coordinate with your style. I had planned to add more detail to my hat until I started the process and realized a straw hat already has a ton of texture and less was more for this particular hat.
Decorative Embellishments
This is where you can really get creative. Many of the items I saw on repeat included feathers, pins and charms, but I have also seen dry or faux florals plus even playing cards. Get creative and make it yours. I kept mine simple with the base feather band and the jeweled band that came with the hat layered on top. I experimented with other bands and embellishments but ultimately preferred the simpler design.
MJ Crafting Pro Tip:
Creativity improves our mental health by elevating our mood, lowering anxiety and reducing stress. By regulating our emotions through creative endeavors provides a sense of control and empowerment. Not only does it make us feel better, but it also makes our homes look amazing.
Cowboy Hat Tips & Recommendations to Keep In Mind
Starting Point
A clean and a dust free hat with no embellishments provides a blank canvas to start creating. I removed the band which came on my straw hat and realized it was attached to the chin strap so I couldn’t totally remove it and layer as I anticipated.
Temporary vs. Permanent
The decorative pieces can be added to the hats using glue if you want a permanent solution. If you want temporary decorations you can simply tie all the bands at the back of the hat and tuck the embellishments into the band or the hat if it’s straw like mine.
Appropriate Destinations
If you’re like me, then you don’t necessarily have places to go donning a cowboy hat on the daily. That being said, I’m super happy I have one now to remind me of the amazing girl’s trip to Nashville and to have at the ready for appropriate occasions.
Where to Wear Your Cowboy Hat in Style
~Southern and Western Destinations like Nashville, Texas, Montana, New Mexico, Arizona and more.
~Special events like rodeos, music festivals, western BBQs and more.
~Proper vacations like, ranches, farms, beaches and more.
~Western themed occasions like weddings, BBQs, barn dances and more.
~Anywhere you want really– YeeHaw!
The Cowboy Hat Fit
A cowboy hat should be positioned centered and level on your head, not pulled down too low over your eyes or tilted too far back. The hat should feel snug but not pinching. There are many styles to compliment a cowboy hat from casual chic to modern urban and classic western. You do you, and wear what fits your style and personality.
Cowboy Hat Etiquette
There are many unspoken rules about how and when to wear a hat plus how to handle a cowboy hat properly. Some of these apply to all hats in general and other are more cowboy hat specific.
How to Handle a Cowboy Hat Properly
~Remove hat indoors even if momentarily and depending on circumstance you can put it back on
~Remove hat during National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and prayer
~Tip your hat as a sign of acknowledgement and respect
~Only handle hat from the crown and not from the brim
~When removing, only hang hat up or place on it’s crown upside down in order to protect it
~Never touch someone else’s hat or put it on, based on tradition and superstition
~Chin strap should be tucked inside hat (I made this faux pas – live & learn)
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Closing Thoughts ~ Styled Cowboy Hat Conclusion
What do you think of my newly stylized cowboy hat? I’m a bit obsessed to be honest. I canNOT wait to use it for my upcoming trip plus many future destinations. Do you own a cowboy hat? If you do, have you personalized it? If you don’t, are you considering one now? I know it might not be for everybody, and it’s not necessarily an everyday accessory for many, but you betcha I will be finding excuses to wear my pretty around.
On that note- funny story. The other day Mr. M and I were at our local market, and in walked a lady with her cowboy hat and boots. We gave each other a knowing look, and agreed maybe I should wear it around town. Lol. Not sure if I’m there yet, but if I was, I am totally prepared! Thanks for stopping by today. Hope to see you again soon.
Au Revoir!
FAQs ~ How to Style a Cowboy Hat
Q1. When should I wear a straw hat versus a felt hat?
A1. Straw hats are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for spring, summer, hot outdoor concerts, and daytime wear. While felt hats are structured and warm, which are traditionally worn in cooler months, fall rodeos, and dressier evening events. That being said, wear what you want, when you want, wherever you want. You do you…always!
Q2. How do I clean my cowboy hat?
A2. Cowboy hats can easily be cleaned using a soft-bristled brush or lint roller to gently dust. Do not get straw hats wet, and never soak felt hats.
Q3. How do I store my cowboy hat?
A3. A cowboy hat should always be placed crown side down on a flat surface. You don’t want to place it flat on the brim, since it can warp its shape. Store it in an area where it’s a temperate temperature and dust free. Hanging a hat on a peg or hook is always a good option as well. Consider a hat box for long term storage.
Get the Styled Cowboy Hat Look
- This is very similar to the hat I bought – Stetson Women’s Straw Cowboy Hat
- This brown felt cowboy hat already comes with embellishments – Cowboy Hat for Men and Women – Cattleman Wide Brim Western Cowgirl Hat
- This is a great Fedora style hat, loving the vibe – Stiff Cowboy Hats 100% Wool Wide Brim Felt Hat Fashion Western Outback Panama Hat
- This feather band its similar to the one I have Feather Hat Band
- A little bling never hurt anyone Rhinestone Hat Bands for Women Cowboy Hat
- You know my love affair with pearls and although I wanted to add some to my hat, it wasn’t the right vibe, but I would totally add these to a felt hat Pearl Hat Bands for Women Cowboy Hat
- This is a great storage solution Hat Storage Box for Women & Men, Hardboard Support Cowboy Hat Boxes
Don’t forget to Pin It and save for later. You never know when inspiration will strike!
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Don’t ever underestimate the power of a good song, a good horse, and a good hat.”
Gene Autry
