Collection: Men's Cowboy Hats

Palm, straw and Master Telar: what’s the difference?

Cowboy hats can look similar in a photograph, but their woven construction affects their texture and finish. Palm hats use palm leaves, while other materials, including Bangora, use paper-based strands prepared for weaving. “Straw hat” is a broad category, so it doesn’t tell you the exact material on its own.

Master Telar has an appearance similar to firm woven fabric, distinct from traditional palm braid. Examples in this collection include the 1000X Chaparral Telar by Tombstone Hats and the 5000X Chaparral by Tombstone Hats, both listed as Telar Master 1x1. The material name and X rating describe different things, so check both when comparing styles.

What do the X ratings on cowboy hats mean?

Each brand sets its own X ratings. There is no universal scale, so a 100X hat from one company isn’t necessarily equivalent to a 100X from another. A 5000X also isn’t automatically five times better than a 1000X.

For straw hats, finer strands and a finer, more consistent weave often contribute to higher ratings. However, that same formula shouldn’t be applied to every material or manufacturer.

Beyond the number, compare the brim’s finishing, the consistency of the weave, the stitching and the sweatband—the interior band that rests against your head. Price can offer some guidance, but it also reflects the brand and decorative details. Comparisons are most useful between hats made from similar materials within the same brand.

How to measure your head in centimeters

1. Wrap a flexible measuring tape around your head, across your forehead and just above your ears, where the hat will normally sit.
2. Keep the tape level around the back of your head. It should feel comfortably snug without pulling tight.
3. Measure again to check your result, then record it in centimeters. Compare it with the sizes and conversions listed for your chosen hat.

If you don’t have a measuring tape, use a piece of non-stretch string and measure it afterward with a ruler. Crown height and brim width describe the hat’s shape; they are separate from its head size.

Woven or felt cowboy hats?

This collection focuses mainly on woven cowboy hats. Our men’s felt cowboy hats, commonly called texanas or tejanas in Spanish, are grouped in a separate collection.

Woven hats are often chosen for warm days. Felt hats are common in cooler weather and for formal occasions, although they’re also worn to events during the summer. Your local weather, the occasion and your own preference are more useful guides than a strict seasonal rule.

How to clean and store your cowboy hat

• For dust: use a clean, dry cloth or a soft brush with a gentle touch.
• For surface marks: if the hat’s care instructions allow it, use a slightly damp cloth. Test an inconspicuous area first and avoid soaking the material.
• If it gets wet: remove excess water and let it dry at room temperature, away from hair dryers, heaters and other heat sources.
• For storage: use a hat box that supports its shape, or place it upside down on its crown on a clean surface, keeping pressure off the brim.

Avoid leaving your hat inside a hot car or placing anything heavy on it. When handling it, don’t squeeze the crown or bend the edges of the brim.