How do I measure my head for a cowboy hat?

Wrap a soft measuring tape around your head about 1cm above your ears and eyebrows, keeping it level all the way around. Note the measurement in centimetres and compare with the brand's sizing chart. If the hat has a leather sweatband, select the next size up - leather bands shrink to fit over time. For fabric or buckram bands, choose the size that's immediately comfortable.

Western Hats

Find Western Hats that combine serious sun protection with lasting style. Quality construction, comfortable fits, and designs that work from early morning to late afternoon in the Australian outdoors.

Find Your Perfect Fit with Authentic Cowboy Hats

Stepping out under the vast Australian sun requires headwear that does more than just look the part. A quality brim is your first line of defence against the elements, providing essential shade while standing up to the wind and dust of life on the land.

Our collection of Western hats is built for those who value tradition and functionality, offering a variety of shapes and materials that suit the tough demands of a rural lifestyle or the sharp style of a weekend rodeo.

Straw Styles for Summer Sun

When the temperature climbs and the air gets heavy, a lightweight straw option is the go-to choice for staying cool. You will find various crown heights and brim widths designed to provide optimal coverage, whether you are spending a long day in the cattle yards or enjoying a casual outdoor event.

From premium fine weaves that offer a polished look to more breathable paper straws, these Western hats are a summer staple for anyone living the country way of life. Many of our straw selections feature internal sweatbands and adjustable details to provide a secure fit even when the breeze picks up during a ride.

Felt and Wool for the Long Haul

As the seasons shift, the reliability of a felt or wool hat becomes unmatched. These materials are favoured for their incredible longevity and ability to hold their shape through years of hard use.

Our range includes everything from crushable Western hat styles that can be packed into a gear bag without losing their form to stiff, formal options that look striking at a country wedding or in the show ring. The deep, earthy tones and classic blacks available in this collection provide a timeless aesthetic that pairs perfectly with your favourite boots and denim.

Practical Headwear for the Whole Family

The outback lifestyle isn't just for the adults, which is why we prioritise high-quality cowgirl hats and options for the kids as well. Protecting the next generation of ringers is a priority, and our children's range features the same tough construction as our adult lines, just scaled down for smaller heads.

For those who prefer a more relaxed silhouette, we also provide various teardrop crowns and turned-edge brims that offer a modern twist on heritage designs. Every hat in our inventory is chosen for its ability to withstand the unique Australian climate, providing you with a piece of gear that is as resilient as the people who wear it.

Complete Your Iconic Country Look with Our Range of Western Hats

It is time to find the brim that defines your style and protects you from the sun. Browse our extensive range of Western hats today and discover a piece of heritage that will last for years to come. Once you have found the right fit, be sure to check out our other headwear collections to keep you covered in every season:

Frequently asked questions

Western hats draw their design influence from American cowboy culture, featuring distinctive crown shapes like the Cattleman crease, Pinch Front, and Gus. They often have more decorative hat bands, taller crowns, and a more sculpted brim shape compared to traditional Australian country hats. Australian country hats tend to have a more utilitarian, outback-inspired design. That said, the two styles overlap significantly, and many Australians wear western-style hats for both work and fashion.

The Cattleman is the most popular and versatile cowboy hat shape - it features a centre crease running down the crown with two side dents, creating a classic, balanced look that suits most people. The Pinch Front (or telescope) has a pinched crease at the front of the crown, giving it a sharper, more fashion-forward profile. The Gus (named after the character in Lonesome Dove) has a wide, sloping front brim and a rounded crown crease. The best shape comes down to personal style and face shape.

Wrap a soft measuring tape around your head about 1cm above your ears and eyebrows, keeping it level all the way around. Note the measurement in centimetres and compare with the brand's sizing chart. If the hat has a leather sweatband, select the next size up - leather bands shrink to fit over time. For fabric or buckram bands, choose the size that's immediately comfortable.

Yes. Cowboy hats have moved well beyond the rodeo and ranch. They're a popular fashion statement in Australian country towns and increasingly in urban settings too. A quality felt or straw cowboy hat paired with jeans and boots creates a relaxed, confident look for everyday wear, festivals, and social events.

Felt cowboy hats (made from rabbit fur, beaver fur, or wool) are the more traditional, durable option. They hold their shape, repel water, and work well in cooler weather. Straw cowboy hats are lighter, cooler, and perfect for hot weather. Straw is a popular choice for summer events and festivals, while felt is the year-round workhorse. Many hat enthusiasts own both.

At Allingtons, the top cowboy hat brands include Akubra (Australia's most iconic hat maker - available in-store, contact us for details), Thomas Cook (quality western-style hats in felt, wool, and straw), Pure Western (authentic western designs), and Avenel (value-for-money options with great longevity). Each brand offers a range of crown shapes, brim widths, and materials.

Brush regularly with a soft hat brush to remove dust (always brush in the direction of the nap for felt). Store on a hat rack, in a hat box, or upside down on its crown to preserve the brim shape. Never store a hat on its brim, as it will flatten. Keep it away from heat, direct sunlight, and humidity. If the hat gets wet, let it dry naturally at room temperature. For long-term storage, a hat box with a crown support is ideal.

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