No cowboy or cowgirl is complete without their hat! The cowboy hat is a staple of western wear thanks to its unique look, cultural significance, and practical design. Originally, cowboys wore it for protection from the sun and rain. Now, it's a fashion statement just as much as it is a functional piece of gear.

If your child loves western style and has been asking for a cowboy hat, now’s the time to buy them one. Upon starting your search, you probably realized there are dozens of types out there! How do you choose the right one for your little buckaroo? This ultimate guide to kids' cowboy hat styles will go over the most common styles and the pros and cons of each.

The Classic Cattleman Crease Hat

When you picture a cowboy, this is likely the hat you see. The Cattleman is the most traditional style, and features a tall, creased crown and a medium, curved brim. It’s a timeless look that’s been around for generations.

Pro: Authentic Western Look

The Cattleman hat delivers that classic cowboy look. It’s popular with young fans who envision themselves as brave ranchers or thrilling rodeo stars. It embodies the spirit of frontier life and rugged adventure.

Pro: Versatility

This hat works for almost any occasion. It’s perfect for a day at the rodeo, a family picture session, or just everyday play. Its classic design never goes out of style.

Con: Sizing Can Be Tricky

If the fit isn't right, this style won't look right. Since kids grow so fast, finding a Cattleman that fits perfectly for a long time can be a challenge. An ill-fitting hat might slip down or feel uncomfortable.

Con: Limited Sun Protection

While the Cattleman's medium brim offers some shade, it doesn't provide as much coverage as other styles. The ears and back of the neck can still be exposed to the sun. If your child spends a lot of time outside, you might need to pair this hat with additional sun protection.

The Pinch Front Crease Hat

The Pinch Front is a stylish variation of the classic cowboy hat. It features a diamond-shaped or teardrop-shaped crown that’s pinched at the front. This gives it a sharp, modern look that many find appealing.

Pro: Fashion-Forward Style

This hat style has a bit more flair than the traditional Cattleman. The pinch front detail creates a unique, stylish look that helps kids express their individuality and adds a modern design element to their outfit. It’s a popular choice among country music artists and modern cowboys.

Pro: Comfortable Fit

The shape of the crown on a Pinch Front hat can offer a very comfortable fit for many head shapes. It sits snugly without feeling too tight, which makes it great for all-day wear.

Con: Less Traditional

For purists, the Pinch Front might stray a bit too far from the classic cowboy look. If your child is set on an old-school western appearance, this modern twist might not be the right choice.

Con: Brim Shape Varies

The brims on Pinch Front hats can vary quite a bit, from flat to heavily curved. This variation means you'll need to pay close attention to find the specific style your child prefers.

The Gus Crease Hat

The Gus hat is a real throwback, popularized by the character Augustus "Gus" McCrae in the movie Lonesome Dove. It has a high back, a sloping forward crease, and a wide brim. It’s a distinctive, old-timey style.

Pro: Unique, Historic Look

A Gus crease hat has a ton of character. It’s a hat that tells a story of cowboys riding across the plains in the Old West. For a child who loves history and Western movies, this hat offers a tangible connection to that bygone era.

Pro: Excellent Sun Protection

The typically wider brim on a Gus hat provides superior protection from the sun. This makes it a very practical option for kids who spend a lot of time outdoors. It’ll keep their face and neck shaded.

Con: Can Be Bulky

The high crown and wide brim can feel a bit large and unwieldy for a small child. It might be more hat than they're comfortable wearin', especially during active play.

Con: Less Common

You won't find the Gus style as readily available in kids' sizes as you will the Cattleman or Pinch Front. Your search might take a little more effort to track down the perfect one.

The Straw Cowboy Hat

Straw hats are a lightweight and breathable alternative to traditional felt hats. They come in all the popular crease styles—Cattleman, Pinch Front, and more—but are made from various types of straw.

Pro: Lightweight and Breathable

When the weather heats up, your little one needs comfortable headwear. Straw is a breathable material that allows air to circulate and keeps their head cool and comfortable during summer.

Pro: Affordable

Generally, straw hats are less expensive than their felt counterparts. If your child is likely to outgrow their hat quickly or be a bit rough with it, you may not want to spend a fortune on a more expensive option.

Con: Less Durable

Straw isn’t as durable as felt. It can become brittle over time and may crack or break with rough handling. It also doesn't hold up well in heavy rain.

Con: Seasonal

Straw hats are primarily for warm weather. They don't provide the warmth or protection needed for colder months, which makes them a more seasonal piece of western wear.

Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Little One

Now that you know about the different kids' cowboy hat styles, it will be much easier to find the best hat for your young'un! What really helps is to shop together and ask your child questions along the way.

Before you start asking about style preferences, make sure you get the fit right! Measure your child's head circumference with a soft measuring tape, placing it about an inch above their eyebrows and ears. The hat should sit comfortably on their head without being too tight or too loose—you should be able to fit one finger between the hat and their forehead.

Remember, a hat that's too big will slide around and obstruct their vision, while one that's too small will give them a headache. If you're buying online and can't try it on first, check the size chart carefully and consider ordering two sizes if your child is between measurements. With a basic understanding of the pros and cons and some good ol' teamwork, you'll be at the checkout in no time.

At Eli's Western Wear, we have cowboy hats for kids from great brands like HATCO and M & F Western Products. Our hats come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials, so your little one is sure to find something that suits their fancy in our collection! Come on down and see what treasures you find.