Ever wonder why some cowboy hats cost more than a flight to Nashville, while others are under $100? It’s not just branding or bling—it comes down to the material, construction, and what you actually need from your hat.
Whether you’re headed to a rodeo, a beach concert, or Sunday brunch, there’s a right hat for every budget and occasion. Let’s break it down into three main categories: Straw, Cotton, and Wool—and we’ll show you real examples from Gone Country to make it easy.
🌞 STRAW HATS
Lightweight. Breezy. Summer-ready.
Straw cowboy hats are made for sunshine and long days outside. They’re perfect for hot weather, casual wear, country concerts, and beachside barbecues. The price of a straw hat usually depends on the tightness of the weave, the quality of the straw (like Bangora, Shantung, or palm leaf), and whether it’s hand-shaped or mass-produced.
Why straw is a smart pick:
✅ Great for beginners
✅ Lightweight and breathable
✅ Budget-friendly without looking cheap
Examples from Gone Country:
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Big Sky Bangora Straw – $89 Classic cowboy look with great ventilation. A customer favorite.
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Yellowstone Ivory Shantung Straw – $109 More refined, with a tighter weave and sleek finish—ideal for dressier warm-weather occasions.
🌾 COTTON HATS
Structured. Vegan. Seriously versatile.
Cotton-poly felt hats deserve their own category. They look like wool, but they’re made from a durable cotton blend that’s lighter, vegan-friendly, and way more affordable. These are perfect for anyone who wants the shape and style of a felt hat without the price tag (or the maintenance).
Why cotton is a smart pick:
✅ Looks and feels like felt—for less
✅ Great for all seasons
✅ Stylish, structured, and affordable
Examples from Gone Country:
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Justin Black Cotton – $59 A 4 inch brim and classic round crown—this one’s a hit with both men and women.
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Yellowstone Black Cotton – $59 A cotton take on a true western staple. Clean lines, timeless cattleman crown, built to wear anywhere.
❄️ WOOL HATS
Polished. Durable. Cold-weather-ready.
Wool hats are the most traditional style of cowboy hat—built for colder months, formal events, or serious western flair. Higher-end felts use blends like wool and cashmere or even fur felt, which hold their shape better and last for years.
Why felt is a smart pick:
✅ Premium feel and structure
✅ Great for fall/winter or dressing up
✅ Long-lasting investment for hat lovers
Examples from Gone Country:
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Yellowstone 5X Black Wool-Cashmere – $159 A standout in quality and comfort. Soft, structured, and sharp—great for weddings, date nights, or daily wear.
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Big Sky Silver Belly 5X Wool-Cashmere – $189 Silver belly color + western edge = major style points. Built for folks who live in their hats.
🤠 So What Should YOU Spend?
Here’s the cheat sheet:
|
Type |
Best For |
Price Range |
Why It’s Worth It |
|
Straw |
Summer, festivals, casual wear |
$89–$109 |
Light, breezy, beginner-friendly |
|
Cotton |
All-season, budget-friendly style |
$59 |
Vegan, structured, great value |
|
Felt |
Dressy, cool weather, daily wear |
$159–$189+ |
Durable, premium materials, sharp |
Final Thoughts
Don’t overpay for a brand name, and don’t settle for a gas-station hat that flops like a pancake. Gone Country makes high-quality cowboy hats that look great, feel great, and fit your budget. Every hat comes with a lifetime warranty and a comfortable sweatband, so you can ride, dance, or stroll in confidence.