Cowboy hats have been an important part of western culture for more than 150 years. Apart from the traditional western hats, the modern cowboy hats come in numerous styles, designs, colors, and materials.
The common types of western hats available in the market include Gambler, Cattleman crease, Amish, Pinched Front, Montana Mix, Open crown, derby, and Brick. The primary difference between these hats is defined by the brim as well as the crease. Each style will not only make your overall outfit complete but also help you showcase a great fashion statement.
Most cowboy hats feature a round flat brim and a rounded crown. Even though there are minor differences between traditional and modern cowboy hats, you should look very carefully while purchasing them. The modern cowboy hats come with a sweatband that will help you war the hat securely.
Leather, fur-felt, and straw are the three most common materials manufacturers use to craft cowboy hats. Apart from serving their functionality, the cowboy hats are also one of the greatest fashion statements. Here are some different types of western hats you need to know.
Cattleman Crease
The cattleman crease is undoubtedly the most famous style for the western hat you can purchase from the market. The cattleman crease western hats are the most traditional and oldest cowboy hats.
The style of the cattleman crease was first introduced in the 19th century when ranch owners started differentiating them from rodeo riders. Cattleman crease features a narrower and taller crown. The crown comes with three creases, while one crease is in the middle of the other two creases.
The large crown featured by the cattleman crease was used to help the cowboys by protecting them from wind and dust. As the cattleman crease is a gentleman’s hat, you can wear them at any wedding or formal event to stand out from the crowd. Cattleman crease is made o0f both straw and felt. Brick is one of the most common variations of cattleman crease, which features a square brim.
Gus
The style of the Gus western hats is very much identical to the cattleman crease western hats. The Gus is also a traditional cowboy hat that will provide the wearer more Outback appearance, compared to the traditional cattleman crease hats.
Similar to the cattleman, the Gus western hats feature a high crown as well as one crease sandwiched between two other creases. However, the crown of the Gus western hats is slightly on the downward side.
Pinched Front
The Pinched front is another traditional western hat you should purchase. Often called classic western hats, the pinched front hats will always help you showcase western appeal. The pinched front cowboy hats combine one tear-drop crown, two common-styled crowns, and one diamond crown. You will often notice partial dents on each side of the crown.
You will find great similarities between formal fedora hats and pinched crown western hats in terms of the crown. The crown will also work as a similar identity between the pinched front and trilby hats. However, the brim of the pinched front cowboy hats is wider. The brim is commonly made of straw and it slightly curls up. As per Econation, straw is a great clothing material.
The pinched front western hats are perfect for men who want to showcase their sharp jawline. Apart from men, the pinched front is also extremely popular amongst women.
Montanan Mix
Even though the Montana western hats and cattleman crease hats are quite similar, you will be able to notice the minor differences if you look closely. When you purchase Montana mix cowboy hats, you will notice three creases on the back of the crown. However, the creases on the back are less pronounced and smaller.
The center dent of the Montana mix is more pronounced than the other two pinches. This is why they create a sloping appearance. The Tom mix might be a close competitor to the Montana mix cowboy hats.
Montana mix cowboy hats were extremely popular during the 1920s. Back in the days of the 19th century, only wealthy people could wear these cowboy hats.
Gambler
The Gambler crease cowboy hats have originated from Mexican cowboys. Also known as Telescope crease western hats, they were introduced by the Charros who traveled from South America to Mexico. The Gambler is one of the few hats that are perfect for the summer season. The brim of the Gambler western hats will protect your face and eyes from the harmful sun rays, whereas, the crown will prevent hot air from causing discomfort on your head.
Fur or felt is the common material for the Gambler hats. They are one of the best alternatives to traditional western hats. Pork pie hats are descendants of the Gambler western hats.
Open Crown
The open crown western hats come with no creases, but a completely circular crown. The appearance of the open crown western hats is similar to the sombrero hats. However, unlike sombrero, they don’t feature a wider brim.
The open crown cowboy hats come with a flat yet circular brim that cannot be turned upwards. Most people know the open crown western hats by the name “10-gallon hat”. This nickname came from the Mexican vaqueros who used to wear braided hatbands.
Brick
The style and appearance of the Brick western hats are very much identical to the cattleman crease western hats. They are also extremely effective at withstanding high rains and winds while also helping you look more formal. When you wear the brick cowboy hays, you don’t need to worry about your appearance at formal events.
The significant difference between cattleman crease and brick cowboy hats is that the Brick hats feature a crown that is more square-shaped. Additionally, the design of the brick looks more like a drop shape along with its left and right curled brim. The rectangular appearance gives the brick cowboy hats a more sophisticated look.
Amish
The Amish western hats feature a smaller yet flat brim. This is why the appearance and design of the Amish cowboy hats are very much different from the traditional cowboy hat styles such as Cattleman crease and Gus. The crown of the Amish hats is slightly rounded.
They are usually crafted from straw and often feature a black band.
Conclusion
These are the different types of western hats you should know. When you know the design and functionality of different western hats, you will be able to choose the best one.
