Western Straw Hat

The western straw hat is no longer considered strictly a utilitarian head covering. Cowboy straw hats have re-birthed to create a bold statement for the wearer.

Modern cowboys and cowgirls prefer hats woven from straw over other fabrics, such as leather, felt or suede. Aside from looking cool the straw- woven hat permits ventilation, so that the person stays cooler temperature wise.

Selecting Your Straw Western Hat

Small indulgences are good for the soul. Straw western hats are affordable and accessible on the Internet. Since these hats are budget-friendly, two or three may be purchased without guilt.

Before making a decision about which straw cowboy hats to purchase, consider the different lives you lead. Both men and women should consider a less expensive hat for lawn work and gardening. Practical hats do not need to be upscale, since their primary purpose is to protect the head and eyes from sunshine.

What about the night life? When ladies go country-western dancing or to the movies, they will want to make their imprint and wear their straw hat with flair. Women can change the appearance of evening hats by adding a feather, ribbon or silk scarf.

The basic colors are brown, bone, black and original straw. Before settling on a color choice, take a moment to mentally review your wearing apparel.

Generally, women's straw western hats are available in a wider color selection. For example, if women wear mostly traditional black, a hot pink or turquoise color will add panache and invite men's heads to turn when she walks into the room.

Men might purchase a black hat with silver Conchos or stick a whimsical feather in their dressier straw hats. Black hats hold an aura of mystery and aloofness. If you want to give the ladies an impression of look but don't touch black is your color.

Brown is a rich color to wear with business suits and it portrays a person with warmth and honesty.

Bottom line is straw western hats are classy and popular. Wear yours with attitude.

Upkeep for Straw Cowboy Hats

Your new straw cowboy hat(s) will serve you for years with minimal upkeep. Each time you remove your hat, wash your hands to ensure you do not stain it with your body oils. Then take off any enhancements such as feathers, scarf, etc.

Keep a small, soft brush handy and gently brush the entire hat after each wearing.

If you spot a visible stain, prepare a mixture of cold water and ammonia for dark colored hats or a mixture of warm water and hydrogen peroxide for light colored hats.

Put appropriate mixture on a clean, soft cloth and gently rub on spot.

For soiled sweatbands, prepare a mixture of soap and water. Dip a toothbrush in the mixture and scrub the sweatband. Wet a clean soft cloth with lukewarm water to ensure soap is removed.

Remember not to use an excess amount of water on western straw hats or they will shrink.

Western Straw Hat Etiquette

Proper etiquette generally demands removing any hat for dining, when the National Anthem is played and when a gentlemen greets a lady. However, different parts of the country abide by different rules. If you're uncertain whether or not to remove your hat, observe other people.