If you're on the hunt for a new hat, you've got a few things to consider, and the material is one of the most important considerations. The material of your hat affects how it looks, how it feels, and how it holds up.

Leather, straw, felt, and fur are just some of the most common western hat materials. This complete guide to western hat materials will wrangle up all the options, from the classics to a few hidden gems, and compare ‘em so you can pick the one that suits your style and needs.

Fur Felt

Fur felt is the gold standard for many cowboys and cowgirls. These hats are crafted from the fur of animals like beavers, rabbits, or a blend of the two. The process creates a dense, luxurious fabric that’s durable and polished. When you picture a traditional, high-quality western hat, you're likely picturing one made of fur felt.

Exceptionally Durable

A fur felt hat is an investment that pays off. These hats are tough and can withstand years of use, from long days on the ranch to nights out on the town. With proper care, a fur felt hat can become a lifelong companion.

All-Weather Protection

One of the greatest strengths of fur felt is its natural resistance to the elements. It can repel light rain and keep your head warm when the temperature drops, which makes it a practical choice for unpredictable weather.

Distinguished and Refined

There's no denying the sharp, polished look of a fur felt hat. It holds its shape exceptionally well, which allows for crisp, clean lines. This material offers a refined style that’s hard to beat.

Wool Felt

For folks lookin' for a more affordable yet still stylish option, wool felt is a solid bet. Made from sheep's wool, these hats offer a similar look and feel to their fur felt cousins, but at a lower price point. They're a popular entry point for those who want to start wearing western hats.

Wallet-Friendly

Wool felt gives you that classic western look without the hefty price tag. You can get a great-lookin' hat that keeps a little more money in your pocket, which is always a plus.

Stylistically Versatile

Wool is a versatile material that hat makers can dye in a wide range of colors. This means you'll find wool felt hats in just about any shade you can dream of, so you can easily match your hat to your personal style.

Ideal for Beginners

A wool felt hat is a great way to start your collection. It provides the look and feel of a traditional western hat and lets you decide if the style is right for you before you commit to a more expensive fur felt option.

Straw

When the sun is beatin' down, nothing beats a straw hat. These hats are woven from various types of plant fibers, such as palm leaf, shantung, or bangora. They're lightweight, breathable, and the perfect companion for hot, sunny days.

Breathable and Cooling

The main advantage of a straw hat is its breathability. The woven construction allows air to circulate, which keeps your head cool and comfortable even during the hottest days of summer.

Superior Sun Protection

A wide-brimmed straw hat provides protection from the sun's harmful rays. It's a stylish way to keep your face and neck shaded while you're working or relaxing outdoors.

Casual and Comfortable

Straw hats have a relaxed, laid-back vibe. They're also lightweight and comfortable, which makes them easy to wear all day long. You can style them for casual occasions like beach days, picnics, or outdoor festivals.

Palm Leaf

Palm leaf hats are a special type of straw hat, but they deserve their own mention. Woven from the leaves of palm trees, these hats are known for their durability, flexibility, and distinctive light color. They offer a unique blend of style and function.

Reshapable and Resilient

One of the coolest features of a palm leaf hat is that you can reshape it. Just get it a little wet, and you can adjust the brim and crown to your liking. They're also tough and can bounce back from a good bit of wear and tear.

Exceptionally Sun-Protective

Palm leaf hats typically have a very tight weave. This construction provides superior UPF sun protection, blockin' out more of the sun's rays than other straw hats.

Budget-Friendly

Palm leaf hats offer fantastic durability for their price. They provide a long-lasting and stylish option that won't break the bank, which gives you bang for your buck.

Canvas

Canvas is a less traditional but highly practical material for a western hat. This sturdy cotton fabric is known for its toughness and versatility. Canvas hats are often treated for water resistance and come in a variety of styles.

Rugged and Reliable

Canvas is built to take a lickin'. It's a strong, durable fabric that can handle a lot of abuse, which makes it a great choice for folks who need a hat that can keep up with a demanding lifestyle.

Easy To Maintain

Canvas hats are generally low-maintenance. They're easy to clean, and you can crush or pack ‘em without them losing their shape permanently. For this reason, they’re a popular choice for those always on the go, as you can store them in your luggage without worrying about damage.

Affordable

Like wool, canvas is a more budget-friendly option. It provides a durable and functional hat at a price that’s accessible to just about everyone.

Leather

A leather hat makes a bold statement. Crafted from various types of animal hide, these hats are rugged, durable, and packed with character. A leather hat tells a story and only gets better with age.

Incredibly Tough

Leather is one of the most durable materials you can find. A leather western hat can handle rough use and will develop a unique patina over time, which adds to its character and charm.

Distinctively Styled

A leather hat stands out from the crowd. It has a rugged, adventurous look that's distinct from felt or straw. If you want a hat that shows off a bit of your wild side, leather is the way to go.

Water-Resistant

Manufacturers treat many leather hats to be water-resistant, making them a practical choice for rainy weather. A good leather hat will keep your head dry and protected when the clouds roll in.

What's Your Western Hat Style?

This guide to western hat materials will pick the strongest, most comfortable, and most suitable material for your lifestyle. Once you decide what material will work best for you, head on down to Eli's Western Wear to explore our collection of fine hats! Our leather cowboy hats are just one option. They're handsome and durable enough to last for years. We think one of our hats would look great in your collection!