Felt vs. Straw Cowboy Hats: Which Is Better?
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Felt vs. Straw Cowboy Hats: Which Is Better?
Which type of material for your cowboy hat to go for - the felt or the straw one - is one of the most personal decisions an aficionado of western clothing will have to make. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and in the end, the more "appropriate" hat would depend on the weather, the event you are attending, and your own style preferences.
The Materials: Felt vs. Straw
Felt Cowboy Hats
Felt hats are made of either wool or animal furs such as those of rabbits, hares, and beavers. This type of fabric is made from the entanglement of animal hairs under pressure, moisture, and heat, and the resulting product is a water-resistant, stiff, and light material.
The level of quality of the felt hat is usually gauged by the "X" rating of the felt hat, which usually indicates the level of presence of animal furs of good quality in the blend. The more beaver furs used in the making of the hat, the higher the level of the "X" rating of the hat due to the softness and the water-resistant nature of the beaver furs.
Beaver furs hats have natural barbs which help them to become resistant to water and therefore durable for use. The felt hats are usually durable and can easily retain their shape.
Being durable and maintaining their shape for decades, they are worth investing in. The hat being a refined and well structured one makes it appropriate to use for important occasions such as weddings and funerals.
Straw Cowboy Hats
The straw cowboy hats are made of natural materials like sisal, jute, palm leaves, and paper. The open weave of these hats allows air circulation so that heat is let out of the head while keeping the head cool and dry. Therefore, they are the right hats to wear in hot weather.
Similarly to felt hats, the "X" rating system is used in relation to the straw cowboy hats. However, this system shows how tight the weave is and how thick the reeds are. Thus, the greater number of Xs shows the denser weave and the stronger hat which is at the same time light.
They are cheaper than felt hats but have a shorter life span and are less resistant to water. They are the hats worn on a daily basis in the summertime.
The Traditional Rule of Thumb
The classic way to determine which type of hat you should wear depends on its timing, which is quite easy and practical to understand. The hats made of straw must be worn during the period from Memorial Day until Labor Day; whereas, felt hats are worn between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
In fact, this practice is quite similar to the "no white after Labor Day" rule and is often mentioned, although not necessarily adhered to. The switch happens to be so deeply integrated into the Western world that people consider wearing the straw hat starting from Easter in warmer areas.
Practical Considerations
The traditional rule is a great starting point, but the best hat is the one that works best for you and your specific situation. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide:
|
Feature |
Felt Hat |
Straw Hat |
|
Best Season |
Fall, Winter, Spring (Cooler weather) |
Summer (Warm weather) |
|
Temperature |
Retains heat, keeps head warm |
Breathable, allows heat to escape |
|
Water Resistance |
Naturally water-repellent |
Not waterproof; can be damaged by moisture |
|
Durability |
Highly durable, can last for decades |
Less durable, shorter lifespan |
|
Formality |
More formal; for events, weddings, funerals |
More casual; for everyday, outdoor work |
|
Price |
Generally higher, especially with more Xs |
Generally lower |
|
Quality Indicator |
"X" rating reflects fur content |
"X" rating reflects weave tightness |
Exceptions to the Rules
As far as seasons go, there are also important considerations, excepting that the season is the determining factor. For any formal occasion, no matter what the season may be, there will always be some kind of felt hat worn. A neat felt hat lends some elegance to the event, whether it is a wedding, a funeral, or a black tie affair. During hot weather in the summer, a good straw hat is sometimes okay.
Additionally, practicality often trumps tradition. A cowboy working in the heat of a South Carolina summer will understandably reach for a straw hat well before Memorial Day. Similarly, a felt hat's ability to handle thunderstorms and hail may make it the preferred choice for anyone caught in a sudden mountain rainstorm.
Getting the Perfect Hat
The selection between felt and straw goes beyond just the fabric. It is essential to have the correct fitting and design. The proper fit will ensure that you are comfortable in the hat and that it looks good. For people looking for places to purchase or have their hats shaped, La Herradura Western Wear in Selma, NC, provides hat shaping services professionally. They will assist in having your hat designed and custom-fitted, either felt or straw. You can contact them on (919) 351-0295.