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Cowboy Hat Etiquette

The first Rule that is indisputable and critical, is DO NOT mess with a cowboy's hat. I knew someone who, in a Texas bar, heard a man ask his cowboy friend "Can I try your hat on?". The man just looked at him and said, "You wouldn't want me askin' to try on your underwear would you? So don't ask to try on my hat." A cowboy hat is a very personal, and sometimes very expensive, item that you don't pass around. In some places, to touch a man's hat without permission will get you pile-driven into the wall, you just don't do it.
Hat Ritual

There are two degrees of politeness:

With your hat-lifting or tipping it, which you do for strangers.

Taking it off, which you do for friends.

1. Tipping your hat is done by barely lifting it off your head:

By the crown of a soft hat, or the brim of a stiff one.

Your cigarette, pipe or cigar should always be taken out of your mouth before removing or tipping your hat.

2. Taking it off

A. A man takes off his hat outdoors:

When he is being introduced, or saying good-bye;

as a greeting when passing someone he knows on the street;

when talking, particularly with a woman, an older man, or a clergyman;

when the National Anthem is being played, or the flag is passing;

at a burial, or (except in large cities) in the presence of a funeral procession.

B. A man tips his hat:

when walking with a friend who passes a woman only the friend knows;

any time a lady who is a stranger thanks you for some service;

any time you excuse yourself to a woman stranger, as in a crowded bus when you jostle her, or when you have to ask to crowd past;

any time a stranger shows courtesy to a woman you are with, as when. a man or woman picks up something she has dropped, or a man gives her his seat;

when you ask a woman (or elderly man) for directions.

C. Indoors, a man always takes off his hat, except:

in public buildings, such as railroad stations or post offices;

in entrance halls and corridors of office buildings or hotels;

in elevators of public or office buildings. (You have to use your judgment about this, though. In a department store elevator full of women you might take it off. Also, if a woman you know gets into an office building elevator, you would probably take it off, and you certainly would do so if you started talking to her.)

Rules to follow

Hat Rule #1: Do not touch my hat

Let’s get this straight: a cowboy hat is not a toy. It is not okay to touch a cowboy’s hat, or put on a stray cowboy hat lying around a bunkhouse or a truck stop. It is not okay to grab it off a cowboy’s head, and it is absolutely forbidden to say, as you reach out, “Gee, what’s that made of?”

Exception: A fiancé may touch a cowboy’s hat once—on the honeymoon—but that’s it. Also, a grandchild may do whatever they want to a cowboy hat, short of sleeping in it. It is, after all, just a hat. I know that doesn’t seem fair, but that’s just the deal.

Hat Rule #2: Do not wear your cowboy hat in mama’s house

There is no more disrespectful thing you can do, short of killing the family dog, than wearing your cowboy hat inside your mama’s house. This includes your friend’s mama’s house, as well. This even includes mamas from other nations. Moms are sacred and every cowboy knows it. Don’t do it.

Exception: You may wear your cowboy hat when you are forced to enter the house of your ex-wife’s mother. You know, the one who never thought you were good enough to marry her daughter. If you do, though, you must be prepared to fight your ex-wife, her mother and whoever is sleeping with the two sluts at the time of the entry. That’s a hard trade off, but it’s usually worth it.

Hat Rule #3: Tip your hat like you mean it

Don’t just flick the brim, remove it from your noggin so there is no confusion when you’re acknowledging a crowd in a parade or just a pretty girl on the boardwalk. But don’t be waving it around like some hillbilly shouting for help.

Doing The Half-Tip, When the National Anthem is playing, cowboys will often do a “half-tip” of the hat

Hat Rule #4: Wearing Hats Indoors is complicated

Many cowboys have been in the armed services where it was drilled in to them to take off their lid when they are indoors. This wasn’t true in the Old West where you see cowboys wearing hats in saloons and dining halls, but today is a different deal. When in doubt—doff it.

Exception: In some parts of the country, if you enter a restaurant, it’s okay to wear your hat at the counter, but not in a booth. This can be dicey if you see someone you know at a table when you are sitting at the counter, with your hat on. If you approach your friend at the table you can say hi and keep your hat on, but if you sit down, the hat must come off. This is known as the “heading-towards-the-door” rule. It is perfectly acceptable to wear your hat, as you cross the dining room towards the door, but do not dilly dally, or the hat must come off.

Exception to the Exception: While everyone agrees the hat comes off in church, it is okay to wear your hat in Cowboy Church, but then it comes off for the Lord’s Prayer.

Hat Rule #5: The Dance Floor Dilemma

In the old days, cowboys wore their hats to dances and never took them off, especially while struttin’ around the dance floor. But, so many fights broke out when hats got bumped during dances that there are still places—mostly in Texas—where there is a hard and fast rule that you must take your hat off while dancing.

Exception: When a cowboy and a cowgirl are both wearing hats and it’s time for a grinder, it is considered appropriate to leave both hats with a baby-sitter back at the booth.

Hat Rule #6: Cowgirls Can Get Away With Murder

Most of the hat rules cowboys adhere to are not applicable to a pretty cowgirl.

Exception: Ha! There is no exception to this sexist and ridiculous rule.

Hat Rule #7: No Hats in Church, Except…

While almost everyone agrees that it’s mandatory that hats come off in church, there is an exception as it relates to a new phenomenon called “Cowboy Church.” In this fast growing church, cowboys are allowed to wear their hats at an indoor service, but they must take it off for the Lord’s Prayer.

Hat Rule #8: Beware of Hat Rules.

If a cowboy insists on you adhering to these hat rules, try and keep a wide berth. Who needs all these damn rules anyhow?

Cowboy Hat Color Rules & When to Wear What

Is there anything more symbolic of the American West than the cowboy hat? Cowboy hats go hand-in-hand with cattle, horses, and long hours on the open range.

Whether you’re looking for a cowboy hat for work or play, there are a few things to consider. We’ll break down the history of cowboy hats, popular colors, and cowboy hat etiquette.

Cowboy Hat Basics

The modern-day cowboy hat retains some of the basic properties of the very first hats worn on the open range in the 1800s.

Although the cowboy hat is commonly viewed as a fashion statement, it retains its place as a functional accessory in many parts of the country.

Cowboy Hat History

Cowboys worked long hours in all kinds of weather. They needed protection from the elements, and the cowboy hat fit the bill.

One of the more popular hats was invented by John B. Stetson in 1865. It was called the “Boss of the Plains” and was made of fur from rabbits and other small animals. Durability was key!

The shape of these early hats was slightly different than those seen today. Early hats were more rounded and didn’t feature such turned-up brims.

Over time, hat shapes have evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the American cowboy.

Cowboy Hats: Common Uses

These versatile hats are great for work, play, and everything in between! They’re still a wardrobe staple for working cowboys and ranchers out West and elsewhere around the country.

You’ll commonly see cowboy hats as a standard part of Western show attire, especially for non-riding events such as halter or showmanship classes.

Helmets are always recommended for riding, but are generally not required for the >18 crowd.

You’ll also find cowboy hats at country or rock music festivals in the summertime.

Cowboy hats are a great way to dress an outfit either up or down. You may even see them at formal events such as weddings.

Typical Materials

Cowboy hats are generally made from either felt or straw.

Felt hats are typically more expensive and are more commonly worn during the winter months. They can be made of various furs, including beaver, buffalo, rabbit, or mink.

Straw hats are cheaper and not as warm; they are usually worn during the summer months.

Hats made of wool or leather are also available. They tend to hold more heat and are more expensive.

General Price Points

You can find a cheap straw hat for just upwards of $20. Or, if you’re looking for something with a bit of bling, Stetson has a premium felt hat with diamond embellishments that retails for over $5,000.

Cowboy hats of either the felt or straw variety come in price points between $25 and $5,000.

In most cases, it’s possible to find a hat that fits both your style and desired price point.

Popular Brands

No list of popular cowboy hat brands would be complete without mentioning Stetson. The company has been around since the mid-1800s, when they pioneered the version of the hat still recognized today.

Stetson continues to offer a massive range of quality hats at different price points.

American Hat Company got its start in Texas in 1915. Despite bankruptcy and a massive fire that destroyed millions of dollars of inventory, the company is still manufacturing quality hats today.

Resistol is another company started in Texas. This company has been offering quality cowboy hats since 1927.

Today, they have more contemporary options, including both George Strait and Jason Aldean product lines.

Greeley Hat Works is another popular hat maker, especially in the Quarter Horse show world. They offer tried-and-true hat styles for shows, along with customizable and truly custom hats.

Most recently, you can even order Made-to-Order hats inspired by the popular TV show, Yellowstone.

Popular Colors

Cowboy hats come in various colors, including black, different shades of brown, gray, and white.

You can also find fun cowboy-shaped hats in all colors of the rainbow.

Hat Color by Event

The differences between cowboy hats based on particular events generally has more to do with the shape and overall function of that hat versus the color itself.

For example, events involving cattle require hats with a more relaxed brim, while hats for a Western Pleasure class may be shaped to look more like a taco.

Formal Western events, including Western pleasure, horsemanship, and halter classes, include hats with a more dressed-up appearance. The color should also tastefully match the rider’s outfit, although black is by far the most common color.

Hat Color by Age:

Since cowboy hats now come in a vast range of colors, young kids can sport purple, pink, and blue hats. Non-traditionally colored hats are also a fun option for parties or music festivals.

Any traditional hat color that complements one’s complexion and outfit is acceptable for the serious Western enthusiast.

FAQ's

Q: What is the most popular color cowboy hat?

Black is hands-down the most popular cowboy hat color choice.

Q: What do different cowboy hat colors mean?

In old Western movies from the 1920s to 1940s, “bad guys” wore black hats while “good guys” wore white ones. The same standard does not necessarily hold true today.

Q: What color cowboy hat should you wear?

It depends on your budget, why you’re buying the hat, and whether the hat needs to match a specific outfit. In general, as long as you like the hat, anything goes!

Q: When can I wear a brown felt cowboy hat?

Felt hats are traditionally worn between Labor Day and Memorial Day because they retain heat. This makes felt hats better for colder weather.

Q: What is cowboy hat etiquette?

Mostly unwritten rules are about when your hat should be removed. The most important rule, however, is never to touch another person’s cowboy hat! Etiquette also includes directions about hat care and selection of felt versus straw hats.

One Final Note..

Whether you’re on the market for a cheap knock-off or high-end Stetson, keep the reason you’re buying the hat central to your decision-making process. Set your budget and start shopping once you’ve decided whether the hat is for work or play!

Keep in mind that hats of all different shapes may be more appropriate for specific facial structures or purposes. And if the hat is to be worn for show, you may want to take your show outfit with you to ensure the colors match.

Remember that there’s a hat for everyone, and have fun on your search!

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Most recent revision June 30, 2025 08:08:36 PM

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