Cowboy hats are more than just a fashion statement. They’re a symbol of the heroic Old West, of grit and determination in the face of adversity.
But you may find that buying a cowboy hat isn’t as simple as just walking into a store and picking one off the shelf.
There are a lot of factors to consider, from the type of material to the style of the hat. And then there’s the cost.
Cowboy hats can range in price from around $100 to over $1,000. So how do you know how much to spend on a cowboy hat?
Here are a few tips to help you arrange the cost of a cowboy hat:
4 Factors That Influence the Cost of A Cowboy Hat
First, let’s take a look at the four main factors that will influence the cost of your cowboy hat:
Fabric
One of the most significant factors influencing the cost of a cowboy hat is the type of fabric it’s made from. The most common types of fabric used in cowboy hats are straw, felt, and leather.
Straw hats are usually the cheapest option, followed by felt hats. Leather hats are the most expensive option but also the most durable.
But even cowboy hats use the same type of fabric, different quality materials can make a big difference in cost.
For example, a hat made from paper straw will cost less than a hat made from higher-quality straw like Milan.
Retailer
Another factor that can influence the cost of a cowboy hat is the brand. Some brands are more expensive than others due to their materials or their reputation for quality craftsmanship.
Generally, a western wear store is going to cost more than a department store. That’s because the prices at a western wear store are geared toward a specific clientele, while department stores try to appeal to a broader range of people.
Design
The design of a cowboy hat also plays a role in its cost. A hat with a more intricate design, like one with braided detailing or colorful stitching, will cost more than a simple straw hat.
But the cost of a cowboy hat also depends on the treatment of the hat. A showerproof or waterproof hat, for example, will cost more than a regular straw hat.
And a cowboy hat with a crushable brim, which is ideal for travel, will also cost more than a standard cowboy hat.
How to Reduce the Cost of A Cowboy Hat?
Now that you know some of the factors that contribute to the cost of a cowboy hat, here are a few tips to help you save money when buying one:
Go for Non – Western Hat Brand
If you’re not set on buying a cowboy hat from a western wear store, you can save money by opting for a non-western brand.
Plenty of retailers sell cowboy hats, from department stores to online retailers. And while the cost of a cowboy hat from a small hat retailer like Queue Essential on Amazon might be much lower than the cost of a hat from Stetson.
And you can often find coupons or discounts that make the cost more reasonable.
Count On Function over Fashion
Regarding affordable cowboy hats, the functionality should take precedence over fashion.
That means choosing a hat made from straw or felt instead of leather, choosing a showerproof or crushable design, and avoiding excessive embellishments.
All of these factors will help keep the cost of your cowboy hat down without sacrificing too much on style.
Set Your Budget Based on Fabric
The most prominent misstep people make when buying a cowboy hat is setting a budget based on the brand instead of the fabric.
As we’ve mentioned, the price of cowboy hat materials only floats due to the quality, while the cost of brand-name cowboy hats can be all over the place.
So, when setting your budget for a cowboy hat, focus on the cost of the materials instead of the cost of the brand.
That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible value for your money.
Can I Go with a Polyester / Cotton Cowboy Hat Since They Cost Less?
As the fabric tech has advanced in recent years, some cost-effective materials like polyester and cotton have become available for vintage western hats.
So, can you use a polyester or cotton cowboy hat to save money?
The answer is yes and no.
While you can find some cost-effective cowboy hats made from polyester and cotton, they will be as durable and comfortable as straw or felt hats. Or they can even perform better in certain situations.
So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective cowboy hat that won’t sacrifice quality or style, polyester and cotton are good options.
But, on the other hand, you cannot enjoy the same style and vibe from a polyester cowboy hat as you would from a straw or felt cowboy hat.
So, if you’re looking for an authentic cowboy experience, it’s worth spending the extra money on a high-quality straw or felt cowboy hat.
The Bottom Line
The cost of a cowboy hat can vary widely, depending on the brand, the design, the fabric, and the treatment.
But you can save money on a cowboy hat by opting for a non-western brand, choosing a functional design over a fashionable one, and setting your budget based on the fabric’s cost instead of the brand’s cost.
Moreover, cost-effective materials like polyester and cotton have become available in recent years, so you can save money without sacrificing quality or style.
So, whether you’re looking for an authentic cowboy experience or just want a cost-effective way to save money, you have plenty of options. Thanks for reading!
