Trendy Ways To Style Your Favorite Cowboy Hat

Cowboy hats have been a part of American culture for over a century, with iconic Western wear brand Stetson creating the "Boss of the Plains" hat in 1865. This original hat gradually changed in shape, design, and material over time to better suit the needs of those who wore it and transformed into the curved-brim hat we call a cowboy hat today. Though we tend to associate cowboy hats with the Wild West, these hats were seen depicted in Mongolian paintings as far back as the thirteenth century. 

And though the popularity of cowboy hats has ebbed and flowed, it has always been a part of American culture, whether seen on mid-century country music icons or, randomly, Bret Michaels (who constantly wore a cowboy hat in the early 2000s for unknowable reasons). These days, the cowboy hat is definitely having a revival. Maybe it was Lil Nas X's unforgettable all-pink Grammys outfit topped with a pink cowboy hat. Maybe it's a newfound appreciation for country music stars of the past, like Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, and Merle Haggard, who were all known to don cowboy hats. Whatever the reason, cowboy hats seem to be here to stay. If you're interested in jumping on the yeehaw bandwagon, you may not know exactly where to start. After all, if you're not typically into a Western aesthetic, a cowboy hat can easily veer into costume territory. But don't worry. We're here to help with 12 trendy ways to style your favorite cowboy hat.

Most of us agree that an all-black outfit lends an air of sleek sophistication to anyone who opts for the monochromatic look. However, adding a black cowboy hat can take the look up a notch, creating a juxtaposition of Western style with edgy all-black. Wearing all black with a cowboy hat is a way to take part in the trend in a more subtle way while still making a statement. You can opt for a black leather cowboy hat for a biker-esque vibe or go with a black suede cowboy hat for a classic look.

According to cowboy hat etiquette (yes, it is a thing), black cowboy hats are typically reserved for more formal affairs, while straw and palm leaf hats are for casual events. This may be something to keep in mind if you plan on donning a black cowboy hat, though it's unlikely that the people around you will hold you to the specific rules of cowboy hat etiquette -– unless you spend a lot of time with cowboys, that is.

A glance at Coachella photos from the last few years will show you a few things: dramatic, glittery makeup, cut-off shorts, and Western-inspired style, from cowboy boots to double denim. Cowboy hats have also appeared on the Coachella style radar, and for good reason. Cowboy hats are a staple in the music industry. Though cowboy hats were first donned by vaqueros, or Mexican cowboys, who wore sombreros while herding cattle, the iconic hat quickly made its way to Hollywood by way of Western films and country music stars. From Patsy Cline to Johnny Cash to modern stars like Miley Cyrus and Orville Peck, the cowboy hat has stuck around as an emblem in the music scene.

Any cowboy hat can pack a punch, but if you're looking for a fun, festival-ready look, a fringed cowboy hat takes Western to the next level. Reminiscent of wild summer nights and the queen of cowgirls, Dolly Parton, a fringed cowboy hat is a fun and on-trend option for 2023. Pair your hat with a matching set in the same color as your hat for a fun and flirty vibe.

Can a cowboy hat look high-end? We'd say that the working man's staple can lend an air of luxury to any look, depending on how it's styled and the materials the hat is made from. Cowboy hats often look casual when they're styled with casual clothes like jeans and basic shirts. However, styling a cowboy hat with more expensive clothing items, like a silk or chiffon dress, can take a cowboy hat from casual and country to luxe and trendy.

One of the most important factors is the material of the hat and the clothing you pair it with. You want to avoid materials like leather and suede and instead go for light, high-quality materials like silk and cotton that will contrast nicely with the cowboy hat and give a luxurious, resort vibe. And for the hat itself, it's important to choose a high-quality material like felt, which is appropriate to wear year-round, unlike wool cowboy hats, which are reserved for cooler months — or straw, which lends a more casual feel to any look.

Trend forecasters are anticipating denim to be a major staple of 2023 fashion, which is convenient since denim is also a staple of classic cowboy 'fits. When you think about cowboys and cowgirls, the usual get-up involves a buttoned shirt, jeans of some sort, boots, maybe a bandanna — and a cowboy hat, of course.

So if you're looking to embrace the Western trend, why not go big and do an entirely Western-inspired outfit? According to fashion retailer Jill Martin (via The Guardian), "Cowboy couture is cool." We're not saying you have to get chaps or giant belt buckles, but embracing the practicality of cowboy style is a no-brainer when you're thinking about how to style a cowboy hat.

If you do opt for a fully Western outfit, one thing you want to be sure of is that your cowboy hat fits well. According to wardrobe stylist Samantha Brown (via Byrdie), "A cowboy hat should sit on top of the head and come down slightly on the forehead." Anything too big or too small may end up sitting at an awkward position, which can easily kill the whole cool-cowboy vibe.

Cowboy hats aren't just a trend when you choose a classic shape and material and style it with other timeless pieces. Opting for a felt cowboy hat, for example, is not only practical for the colder months, but it also adds an air of sophistication to any look. Felt and wool cowboy hats are typical colder-weather cowboy hat materials, and they look chic and classic in neutral colors like black, brown, and tan. Straw and palm leaf hats are typically reserved for warmer months, though they can be versatile enough for cold weather, too.

If you're someone who sticks to a pretty minimalist or classic style, you shouldn't find it too hard to integrate a cowboy hat into your wardrobe. Pairing a cowboy hat with a simple but chic outfit, whether that's a pair of trousers and a tailored jacket or a more casual look like jeans and a simple white tee, can be a great way to participate in the Western trend without feeling like you're in costume. And if you're not ready to commit to a Stetson, you can always try out other cowboyish hats like a chapeau or fedora.

"Yellowstone" is a hit TV show that centers on the Montana-based Dutton family, owners of the biggest ranch in the United States. The show is full of drama and intense storylines, and it's received positive critical reception and increasing viewership with each season. But one unexpected thing people have really taken away from the show is the Western aesthetic.

"People want to look and live like a Dutton," Jill Martin, co-founder of Shop the Scenes, told the Wall Street Journal (via The Guardian). The plaid shirts, rugged pants, cowboy boots, and cowboy hats have made quite an impression on viewers of the show. According to Stetson's marketing vice president, Tyler Thoreson, "Yellowstonecore" has led to an increase in demand for cowboy gear. "We're thrilled that so many people have discovered and embraced Western style and culture over the past couple years. It's been a challenge to keep up with demand," Thoreson said (per The Guardian).