Western Riding Hats

How are Western hats properly cared for?

The typical Western hat is made of wool or felt and is worn like Western boots until it falls apart. A real cowboy holds on to his Western hat and doesn't just give it away. With the right care, it can last a long time and look good even after years of wear.

Through training, a show or riding through wind and weather, a Western hat can attract dust and dirt. This can be easily removed with a soft clothes brush. Western hats made of wool or felt must be completely dry so that they do not become deformed, mouldy or stained. Never put a wet Western hat on the radiator to dry! The heat would cause the felt to shrink, making the hat shrink. It is best to let it dry at room temperature in an airy place.

If your light-coloured Western hat has got stains, these should be removed by a professional. If you have a straw Western hat, you can easily clean it with a damp cloth or sponge. Sweat stains along the inside are difficult to get out. A little tip: Put some plastic foil between the hat and the sweatband.

In our online shop you can also buy leather hats, which are often worn on long treks as protection from the sun and rain. Remember, however, that you should always wear a riding helmet to protect your health and safety - even on horse treks. Leather hats almost clean themselves. Soiling can easily be removed with a damp cloth. However, it is advisable to treat your leather hat with leather care about twice a year. This keeps it supple and waterproof.

What size Western hat do I need?

The Western hat must fit your head like a glove. To determine the right hat size, place a measuring tape a finger's width above your eyebrows and ears. You can then compare the result with the size chart for the respective hat. To ensure that the hat stays on while riding and does not fly off, it is better to have a tighter rather than a looser fit. The shape of the head is also important for the correct fit. It is best to have a wool hat fitted to your head by a hatter or hat retailer using a special machine. This way you can also bring older hats back to shape if they have become deformed through years of wear.

What is the best way to store a Western hat?

On the way to the show or to the next training session, the Western hat should be protected so that it does not get dirty or bent. If you want to store your hat, you should also make sure that it does not lose its shape. Special hat cases are best suited for this purpose. Western hats made of felt and wool must be able to breathe, which is why hat cases are usually air-permeable. Consequently, the hat must never be stored in a plastic bag.

Ideally, choose a cool, dry place for storage. Moisture could otherwise cause the hat to mould and deform.