Cowboy hats have gained fame in society, history, and style as a representation of the untamed grace and fierce independence of the American West. These recognizable hats are more than just cowboys’ practical headgear. Instead, they make an accessory that is appreciated for its unique style and cultural importance across the globe.
There are various types of cowboy hats, each with a special function and aesthetic. Below is a quick overview of each kind. Keep reading to learn more!
Cattleman Hat
Many country’s Western musicians like George Strait wear the Cattleman hats , which is the iconic Western cowboy hat. It has also appeared in a lot of recent and older TV series and motion pictures. Cattleman cowboy hats include a full-length crown crease that extends from the front to the rearback. The edges of the brim are turned up in a teardrop form, and there are large dents to the left and right. Usually, this type is offered in white or other light colors.
Styling tip for you: Consider teaming styling it with a dark denim jacket and a neckerchief.
Styling tip for you: To create a well-balanced look, pair your cowboy hat with casual clothing such as jeans, plaid shirts, and leather boots.
Gambler Hat
The Gambler hat, originated with the Mexican cowboys, or Charros, who came from South America to Mexico and Nevada for ranch labor. Because of its wide brim that provides superior sun protection and its lower crown that keeps hot air from building up, this hat is perfect for hot weather. Rhett Butler popularized it in the film Gone with the Wind. Since then, it quickly rose to the top of the list of preferred options for wealthy landowners looking for a stylish and classic type cowboy hat .
Derby Hat
The Derby hat , commonly referred to as the Bowler hat , was first made in England in the 1849 by a guy named Bowler. In the Victorian era, it gained popularity among the working class. Immigrants carried them to the United States, and the Old West adopted the loving look.
Derby hat has a round, open crown with no creases. Its brim is short and it has a small bend to the left and right of the brim. This type of cowboy hat is worn with both semi-formal and casual attire.
Pinched Front Hat
The Pinched Front hat has a traditional western crown design that is a blend of teardrop and diamond crown. To give it a bit of formal touch, the front part has a slight dent on both sides. This adds strength while keeping an appealing shape. This style of hat is ideal if you’re searching for a slightly formal hat. Women frequently choose this hat for various outdoor activities such as horseback riding, gardening, hiking, and attending outdoor events like festivals or horse races.
Styling tip for you: Pair it with a lightweight summer clothing, with boots or wedge sandal, and a pinched front hat for a summery vibe.
Gus Hat
The Cattleman style and the Gus crease hats are somewhat similar. Compared to other types of hats, it has a more ancient look. This hat has straight lines on its sides and crown. This hat slopes downward instead of being completely flat like most types of hats.
Tom Mix Hat
The tom mix cowboy hat is larger than others. It has a higher crown which extend several inches higher compared to other hats . These types of cowboy hats comes in various sizes, from small to big.
Usually, this type of hat shape is adorned with a ribbon band and constructed of milky-colored felt. The model of this hat determines the brim size. Some have a flat brim, while some have a brim that bends upward at the sides.
Open Crown Hat
The open crown hat is a classic style of cowboy hat . Unlike other hat , it has a rounded, creaseless shape at the top. This sleek look is particularly appealing when the hat is made of felt. It gained popularity from cowboys wearing it during Texas cattle drives. You can also find this hat in various types like with wrinkles or slants on the sides, adding to its rugged charm.
An amazing part of this style is that you can change it to become a different crease style. Simply crease the crown to another type you like. This is how cowboys did it in the days when these hats were initially made.
Styling tip for you: Skinny jeans or leather pants with a custom tee or a fitted sweater can be complemented by the open crown hat, adding a rugged yet stylish touch to your urban look.
Amish Cowboy Hat
Compared to a typical cowboy hat, the Amish cowboy hat is flatter. Amish hat’s are known for their practicality, simplicity, and devotion to traditional values.
It was initially worn by the Amish people for practical as well as symbolic reasons, signifying their adherence to humbleness and modesty. By fusing components from the cowboy hat, like a broader brim or a slightly altered crown, with the classic form and simplicity of the Amish hat, this cowboy hat combines these two very different forms. Amish people who work closely with horses or engage in outdoor activities occasionally wear these hats because the broader brim offers more sun protection.
Styling tip for you: Consider wearing a black Amish cowboy hat to give your outfit an edgy look. Or pair a clean white shirt with a white hat.
Flat Brim Cowboy Hat
A flat brim cowboy hat is an ideal way to reflect your inner hipster. The flat brim cowboy hat has a distinct feature, a flat and straight brim. This is different from the curved brims usually seen on cowboy hats. This unique style makes it stand out and gives a fresh look to the traditional cowboy hat .
The flat brim cowboy hat is a flexible and distinctive headgear that blends traditional western components with modern elegance. Because of its attractive layout that combines modern and traditional aspects, it is well-liked by people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and style interests.
Styling tip for you: Flat brim cowboy hats are often worn in urban environments, paired with casual attire like jeans, boots, and custom tee.
Puncher Hat
The Puncher hat sometimes referred to as the Newsboy hat or the Baker Boy hat, is a versatile and flexible piece of headwear that has had a major comeback in recent years. The Puncher hat, which gained popularity in the early 20th century mostly among working-class men in the UK, has developed into a stylish statement item that goes well with a variety of looks and settings. Puncher cowboy hats are another excellent option for all face shapes because its crown isn’t too wide or too short.
Styling tip for you: Pair your Puncher hat with a casual outfit consisting of a t-shirt or a button-down shirt, jeans, and sneakers or loafers.
Ranch Hat
Ranch hat is made of sturdy materials like felt, straw, and leather. These hats were intended to protect ranchers and cowboys from the heat, rain, and wind. They changed their representations of American style and culture. It’s a wonderful casual headwear to style for a weekend out at the bar or an outdoor event.
Styling tip for you: Choose a lightweight ranch hat paired with a tank top, athletic shorts, and sneakers. This sporty look is perfect for outdoor activities.
Dakota Hat
The popular safari hats worn by explorers and adventurers in Africa and other harsh environments are known as Dakota hats . Usually, its design includes a chin strap to keep it in place during windy weather, a structural crown for to keep the hat in shape, and a wide brim to provide plenty of sun protection. These types of cowboy hats are quite practical for outdoor activities.
Styling tip for you: Pair a Dakota hat with a lightweight jacket, cargo pants or shorts, and hiking boots. This outfit is perfect when you are going for camping, hiking, or exploring the city.
Nevada
The Nevada hat has its roots in the American West’s frontier era. These hats were initially made for cowboys and ranchers as a functional accessory. They are made of sturdy materials like felt or straw to keep up with the hard conditions of the plains and desert. These types of cowboy hats changed from being useful equipment to being icons of western style and culture over time.
Styling tip for you: Opt for a straw Nevada hat paired with a flowy bohemian dress, fringe ankle boots, and layered necklaces. This laid-back, free-spirited look is ideal for music festivals or relaxed weekends.
What Type of Cowboy Hat Should I Get?

Every shape and design of a cowboy hat has perks and drawbacks of its own. Some are better suited for specific purposes like horse riding, hiking and many more, while others go well with particular outfits to enhance the overall look. It’s all up to you which one you decide to wear in the end!
Want to add some fun and originality to your look with a cowboy hat ? That’s exactly what ApparelnBags.com can do for you. See our assortment of headwear!


















