How to Choose and Size a Cowgirl Hat

Straw or felt?

Straw hats are light, breathable and casual — ideal for summer, festivals and everyday sun. Felt hats are warmer, more structured and dressier, better for cooler months and polished looks. Many cowgirls own one of each. If you're buying your first, straw is the more versatile warm-climate choice for Australia.

Measuring your head

Wrap a soft tape measure around your head about a centimetre above your ears and eyebrows — where the hat sits. Keep it snug, not tight. Match that measurement to the seller's size chart. Between sizes? Size up; a slightly loose hat can be adjusted with an internal sizing tape, but a too-small hat can't.

Brim and crown shapes

A wide brim gives more sun protection and drama; a shorter brim is easier to wear day to day and less prone to catching the wind. The crown shape (cattleman, gambler, teardrop) changes the whole character — cattleman is the classic all-rounder. Pick a shape you'll actually reach for, not the most dramatic one.

Matching a hat to your face

As a loose guide, a wider brim balances a longer face, while a moderate brim suits rounder faces. But fit and comfort trump rules — try the proportions against your shoulders in a mirror; the brim looking roughly as wide as your shoulders is a flattering starting point.

Caring for your hat

Handle a hat by the brim edges, not the crown, to keep its shape. Store it upside down on its crown or on a hat rack. Keep straw dry and felt away from heat. A little care keeps a good western hat looking sharp for years.