Larry Mahan Straw Hats | Sinaloa & Malboro Styles
Larry Mahan Straw Hats
Straw is what you wear from spring through the end of summer, and Larry Mahan makes some of the best straw in western. We carry twenty-six styles from $59.99 up to $619.99 for the 1000X El Mejor, in Sinaloa, Malboro and Corona shapes, available in both copa alta and copa chica.
Every straw hat can be shaped in store at no charge. Orders over $200 ship free, and you can be fitted in person at our Selma, NC and Columbia, SC locations.
The Styles
Sinaloa is the style most of our customers come in asking for. It is the Mexican vaquero shape with a pronounced crown and a shaped brim, and it is what you see at rodeos and jaripeos. We carry it in 15X El Primero at $229.99, 30X Corona at $364.99, 500X at $580.99, and the 1000X El Mejor with a 3.5 inch brim at $619.99.
Malboro is the flatter, more American profile, cut with a straighter brim. It is the value end of the line at $129.99 to $184.99 in the 10X range and it is the easiest style to wear day to day.
The 100X Pirarucu at $399.99 is a specialty piece with exotic fish leather trim. It is the one people buy when they already own a straw hat and want something nobody else at the dance is wearing.
Copa Alta Versus Copa Chica
Copa alta is the taller crown, the traditional vaquero profile, and it reads bolder. Copa chica sits lower and closer to the head and looks more restrained. Neither is more correct. Taller faces generally balance better in copa chica, while copa alta adds height. If you can get to the store, try both before deciding.
Straw Versus Felt
Straw breathes and felt does not, which is the whole difference. Straw is a spring and summer hat, worn from around Easter through Labor Day in most of the country, and felt takes over for the cooler months. Straw is also lighter and cheaper, so it is a reasonable first western hat before you commit to a felt. If you want the felt equivalent of this line, see our Larry Mahan felt hats.
The X Rating on Straw
The X number works differently on straw than on felt. On felt it reflects beaver content, but straw has no fur in it, so here the X reflects weave density and fiber quality. A higher X means a tighter, finer weave, a hat that holds its shape better and lasts more seasons. The jump from 10X to 15X is noticeable in the hand. The jump from 30X to 500X is noticeable across the room.
Building the Look
A straw hat is a warm weather piece, so it pairs with lighter clothing. A short sleeve or rolled Ariat shirt, a lighter rinse Cinch or Wrangler jean, and a boot in honey, tan or natural leather. Keep the belt tone with the boot rather than the hat. Add a Montana silver buckle and you are done.
Sizing
Larry Mahan straw follows standard American hat sizing. Measure around your head about an inch above the ear with the tape level. If you are between sizes take the larger one, because straw does not stretch the way felt can be steamed down. Call Selma at (919) 351-0295 or Columbia at (910) 596-7393 if you want help with the measurement.
Care
Handle the hat by the brim, never the crown. Store it upside down or on a rack. Straw cannot be brushed like felt, so wipe it with a barely damp cloth and let it dry naturally. Straw is more fragile than felt and will crack if it is crushed or left in a hot car, which is the single most common way these get ruined. A hat case is worth having if you travel with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sinaloa style?
Sinaloa is the Mexican vaquero straw hat shape, with a pronounced crown and a shaped brim. It is the most requested style in this collection.
What is the difference between Sinaloa and Malboro?
Sinaloa has a taller crown and a more shaped brim in the vaquero tradition. Malboro is flatter with a straighter brim and a more American profile.
What is copa alta and copa chica?
Copa alta is the taller crown, copa chica is the shorter one. It is a style preference, not a quality difference.
How much do Larry Mahan straw hats cost?
The range runs from $59.99 up to $619.99 for the 1000X El Mejor, with the popular 10X Malboro styles at $129.99 to $184.99 and the 15X El Primero at $229.99.
Does the X rating mean the same thing on straw as on felt?
No. On felt it reflects beaver content. On straw it reflects weave density and fiber quality, since straw contains no fur.
When should I wear straw instead of felt?
Straw is a spring and summer hat, generally worn from around Easter through Labor Day. Felt takes over for the cooler months.
Do you shape straw hats?
Yes, we shape straw in store at no extra charge.
What other straw brands do you carry?
Stetson, Herradura, Cuadra and American Hat. See all straw hats here.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes, on orders over $200. See our shipping policy.
Can I try one on in store?
Yes, both our Selma, NC and Columbia, SC stores carry the Larry Mahan straw line.