Glossary

Western & Cowboy Hat Glossary

A

AQHA Style – A crown and brim shaping style associated with the American Quarter Horse Association look. Balanced, moderate creases, often favored by rodeo competitors.

American Hat Series – Our American Hats are the fashion category of the Big Sky Series, and have 15 fashion colors, crafted from our luxurious 5X Cashmere Wool blend.

 

B

Bangora Straw – A machine-woven straw hat body, more uniform than hand-woven Shantung. Comes in fitted sizes, making it more consistent in fit.

Brim – The outer edge of the hat that provides sun and weather protection. Brim sizes typically range from 3 ½” to 4 ½”, depending on style.

Brick Crown – The Brick Crown is a bold, distinctly square or rectangular crown created by a single rectangular brick crease at the top of the crown. This style is a variation of the more traditional cattleman crease but with a squarer, more vintage Old West look rather than the typical rounded form. 

B-Ply Ribbon – All Gone Country Bangora straw hats are finished with a black b-ply ribbon for a clean and stylish look.

Boss of the Plains Cowboy Hat – The Boss of the Plains is the hat that started it all. Designed in 1865 by John B. Stetson, it became the first cowboy hat to gain commercial success and set the standard for Western headwear. Over time, the name “Stetson” became nearly interchangeable with “cowboy hat,” thanks to this iconic design.

Originally embraced by working cowboys for its durability and practicality, the Boss of the Plains quickly earned a place in history. Its wide brim offered reliable sun protection, while its sturdy felt construction shed water—making it an essential piece of gear for life on the open range. Its reputation for toughness and utility eventually caught the attention of the U.S. Cavalry, who adopted the style for its practicality in the field.

Beyond its role in everyday ranch life, the Boss of the Plains cemented itself in Western culture through countless movies and remains a timeless symbol of frontier grit. Today, its clean, functional design still appeals to those who value tradition, durability, and authentic Western style.

Big Sky Series – The Big Sky brings bold, contemporary style to classic cowboy tradition. Crafted from our luxurious 5X cashmere-wool blend, this hat is softer, warmer, and more durable than ordinary wool. With a sharp bull rider profile and a striking all-black finish, it’s built to stand out whether you’re in the arena, at the honky tonk, or making a statement on Main Street.

Series Hat Body Material Options

  • Lightweight Bangora Straw
    Crafted from durable Bangora straw, this hat is breathable and built to handle the toughest outdoor conditions with ease.

  • Premium Glazed Shantung Straw
    Constructed from high-quality glazed shantung straw, delivering a lightweight feel, refined texture, and durable weather resistance.

  • Luxurious 5X Wool Cashmere Blend
    Crafted from premium fibers, it offers exceptional softness, durability, and weather resistance that outperforms standard wool.

Hat Specs

  • Iconic Puncher Profile
    Featuring a bold 5-inch round-oval crown and a 4 ¼ inch brim, this classic Western silhouette commands attention wherever you go.

  • Signature Finishing Touches
    Detailed with a fitted sweatband, a coordinating hatband, and the exclusive Gone Country pin for unmistakable style.

Backroad Series - Made for heat, dust, and getting things done. The Natural Palm Cowboy Hat keeps it cool and classic with breezy comfort and all-day grit. Topped off with a Sloped Cattleman crown that says you mean business, wherever the day takes you.

Series Hat Body Material Options

  • Handwoven Palm Straw Hats
    Crafted from sturdy, natural palm straw for breathable wear and long-lasting performance in the heat.

  • Superior Wool-Cashmere Fabric 

  • Crafted from a high-quality mix of wool and cashmere for exceptional softness, strength, and all-season wearability.

  • Glazed Shantung Straw
    Crafted from smooth, high-quality glazed shantung straw for a polished finish that’s lightweight and breathable.

Hat Specs

  • Sloped Cattleman Crown
    Features a 4 inch oval crown and a 4 inch brim, for classic Western attitude and serious sun protection.

  • Unisex Fit with All-Day Comfort
    Designed to suit both men and women with a sweatband that stays secure and comfortable all day long.

  • Finished Western Details
    Includes a decorative hatband, flex sweatband, and eyelets providing maximum breathability.

 

C

Cashmere Wool Blend - Gone Country Hats are handcrafted from a premium 200-gram cashmere-blended wool that strikes the perfect balance of softness, strength, and style. The addition of fine cashmere fibers elevates the texture, giving each hat a smoother hand-feel and a touch of natural luxury, while the wool provides durability and shape retention.

This blend not only makes the hat comfortable to wear all day—it also enhances breathability, warmth, and resilience, ensuring your hat stands up to everyday use without sacrificing refinement. The result is a material that feels rich, looks timeless, and is built to last.

Crown – The crown of a cowboy hat is the top portion that covers the head and sits above the brim. Its shape, height, and the creases, or dents, within it.  Examples such as a Cattleman or Gus crease, significantly influence the hat's overall appearance and the personality it conveys. 

Cattleman Crease – The most classic cowboy hat with a traditional crown: three creases on top of the crown with a taller profile. Commonly seen on the heads of those working on a ranch and also at a formal event. 

Crown – The top portion of the hat. Crown height and crease style (Cattleman, Punchy, Minick, etc.) define the hat’s overall look.

Custom Fit – Gone Country Hats encourages measuring your head to the nearest ⅛” and if necessary, adjusting with foam padding or sweatband modifications for the perfect custom fit.

Comfort Fit Sweat Band – Gone Country uses a high-quality cotton sweatband on many of their bangora straw hats for that nice, comfortable fit.

Cody Series – Bold. Classic. Always in command. The Cody Black from the Big Sky Series is your go-to for high-stakes events, night rides, or just dressing like you mean it. Crafted from our premium 5X Cashmere Wool blend, this hat offers a luxurious feel with a rugged, no-nonsense silhouette. The deep black finish adds a polished edge to any outfit, from arena-ready to honky-tonk hero.

Series Hat Body Material Options

  • Premium 5X Wool-Cashmere
    Engineered for soft structure and all-season strength, this material holds up to late nights, long rides, and serious mileage.

  • Airy Bangora Construction
    Woven from sturdy Bangora straw, this hat offers breathable structure that holds up in heat, sun, and dust.

Hat Specs

  • Traditional Brick Design
    Crafted with a bold 4 ¼ inch crown and 4 ¼ inch brim in a long-oval profile that honors classic cowboy roots.

  • Perfect Fit, For Everyone
    Unisex, durable, and designed for premium comfort, whether you're riding, roaming, or relaxing.

  • Sleek Finishing Details
    Features a matching black hatband, fitted sweatband, and our signature Gone Country emblem for quiet confidence.

Cheyenne Series – The Cheyenne Gray Bangora Straw 218 is a beautifully vented western hat with a soft gray hue that goes with everything. It features a wired brim for gentle shaping and a moisture-absorbing flex sweatband that keeps you cool and comfortable all day. With personal service, fast shipping, and a hat this good-looking, what’s not to love?

Series Hat Body Material Options

  • Lightweight Straw Bangora
    Created from breathable Bangora straw for maximum airflow and daylong durability in the heat.

Hat Specs

  • Low-Cattleman Crown & Wired Brim
    Showcases a 4 ½ crown and a 4 ¼ inch wired brim you can gently shape to suit your style.

  • Comfortable Unisex Design Built for Daily Wear
    Made to fit all head shapes comfortably, with a lightweight build perfect for work or weekend wear.

  • Charming Details
    Detailed with ventilation, a decorated hatband, and a flex sweatband.

 

D

Dress Hat – A clean, sharp felt hat reserved for formal events such as weddings, funerals, or church services. Reference: https://www.gonecountryhats.com/blogs/gone-country-hats-blog/what-is-the-best-cowboy-hat-for-fall-weddings

Dry Shampoo Method to Clean Stinky Hats– A technique to refresh hats and remove odors without damaging delicate felt or straw fibers.

Durango Series – Soft but striking, the Durango Mauve blends dusty romance with classic western shape. It’s a head-turner that pairs with neutrals or

Hat Material Options

  • Durable Shantung Straw
    Made from lacquered shantung straw with four coats for enhanced water and UV resistance.

  • Breathable Bangora Straw Construction
    Made from lightweight Bangora straw for durable, breathable comfort all day long.

  • Bolivian Wool-Cashmere Blend
    Made from a luxe combination of wool and cashmere for lasting softness, structure, and breathable year-round wear.

  • Pinch-Front Crown
    Features a 3 ¾ inch tilt-up brim and a 4 inch oval crown that adds a refined edge to this romantic western silhouette.

  • Unisex Fit with Everyday Comfort
    Built for all-day wear on all head shapes, providing maximum comfort for any rugged activity.

  • Finished with Signature Details
    Decorated with a cream ribbon hatband and a comfort-fit sweatband.

  • Includes Sizing Tape for a Tailored Fit
    Adjust your hat to your exact size with the included fitting tape, because a great hat should never slip.

 

E

Elastic Sweat Band – Many of the bangora straw hats are finished with an elastic, flexible fitting sweat band that is extra forgiving for those difficult-to-fit, or in-between-sized heads.

 

F

Felt Hat – Made from wool, rabbit, or beaver fur, felt hats are best worn from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Felt softens with steam and reshaping.

Fitting and Padding Options – Electrical tape, foam rolls, or paper towels used under the sweatband to snug up a hat.

Fitted Sweat Band – All 5X Cashmere Wool hats are finished with a faux leather fitted sweat band.

Flat Brim – A wide, raw-edge brim without curl, often paired with open crowns for a modern Western fashion look.

 

G

Gone Country Hats – A trusted brand offering high-quality cowboy hats designed for real cowboys, rodeo riders, and Western fashion buyers. Known for durability, comfort, and authentic shaping.  Offering a lifetime Guarantee

Gus Crown Shape – The Gus is a variation of the cattleman crease. Its angled pinch crown angled up from the front of the crown to the back. The hat was originally designed for Gus from Lonesome Dove, played by Robert Duval.  From there, the hat became iconic, and the name stuck to it.

 

H

Hat Etiquette – Rules for when to wear or remove a hat (remove for church, prayer, National Anthem, dinner table; tip when greeting ladies or elders).

Hat Stretching – Traditionally done with a hat stretcher, though not always recommended or effective on straw hats due to fixed weave patterns.

Hat Superstitions – Never set a hat brim-down, don’t touch another cowboy’s hat, and keep feathers or adornments on the left side.

 

J

JB Mauney - JB Mauney style hat is similar to the Big Sky with an open brim look and a modified minnic style crown.

https://www.gonecountryhats.com/collections/big-sky

Justin Series 

Step into timeless sophistication with the Justin Wool Cashmere Black Cowboy Hat, the ultimate choice for those seeking bold style and versatile function. Crafted from a premium wool cashmere blend, this hat features a smooth round oval crown and a classic 4 inch brim designed to turn heads. The flex sweatband ensures all-day comfort with a secure fit that feels custom-made.

Series Hat Body Material Options

  • High-End Wool-Cashmere
    Made from a luxurious wool and cashmere mix, offering softness, durability, and year-round comfort.

Hat Specs

  • Classic Crown and Brim
    Features a smooth round oval 4 ¼ inch crown paired with a traditional 4 inch brim for timeless Western style.

  • Unisex Comfort Fit
    Designed for all-day wear with a fit that’s secure and comfortable for everyone.

  • Signature Details
    Includes a flex sweatband, coordinating hatband, and the iconic Gone Country hat pin for authentic flair.

L

Low Cattleman Crease – A classic rodeo favorite, the low cattleman crease cowboy hat keeps the traditional cattleman crease look with a crown that sits lower on the head for a clean, understated profile. The Justin Series is our series with the low cattleman crease crown and brings rugged durability with Western authenticity. Perfect for rodeos, ranch work, or everyday wear, it’s a hat that blends tradition with timeless appeal.

 

M

Memorial Day to Labor Day Rule – Straw or palm hats in summer, felt hats in cooler months.

Minick Crown – A versatile straw crown shape that can be adapted into many Western styles.

 

O

Open Crown – A hat crown left unshaped so the wearer can crease it into their preferred style (Cattleman, Brick, Pinch Front, Punchy, Minick, etc.).

Odor Control – Techniques such as dryer sheets, dry shampoo, and air-drying help keep hats fresh.

 

P

Palm Leaf Hat – Durable, moldable hats made from palm leaves. They can be reshaped with water and often serve as both work and dress hats.

Punchy Crease – A bold rodeo crown style with a wider brim and high, dramatic dents.  Look at the Big Sky Series: https://www.gonecountryhats.com/collections/big-sky

Pinch Front Crease - Instead of the traditional center crease, the crown is pinched at the front on both sides, forming a shape that blends a teardrop and diamond crown. This design creates a flattering style that makes the face appear slimmer and more defined, one of the reasons it’s a top choice for both men and women.

At Gone Country, our pinch front styles are available in premium materials to suit any season or occasion. Whether you’re heading to a rodeo, a night out, or just want a hat that flatters your features, a Gone Country pinch front crease hat delivers classic Western attitude with a distinctive twist. Built for comfort, durability, and style, these hats are ready to ride with you anywhere. View Gone Country’s pinch front hats by going to the Durango Series 

Pearl Snaps – Classic Western shirt closure, designed to pop open instead of tearing during work.

 

R

Rodeo Style – Larger brims and punchy crowns associated with rodeo cowboys, Texans, and bold Western presence. Reference Big Sky Series: https://www.gonecountryhats.com/collections/big-sky

 

S

Shantung Straw – A hand-woven straw hat body, lacquer-coated for durability. Each piece is unique, unlike machine-woven Bangora.

Starch Jeans – A tradition of heavily starched jeans to create a crisp, formal look for rodeos, dances, or Western events.

Sweatband – The interior band that determines fit. Gone Country Hats’ fitted, Comfort, and elastic fit sweatbands provide all-day comfort and can be adjusted by padding or trimming.

 

T

Taco Style – A narrow-brimmed straw hat crease with high side curls, popular in certain rodeo circuits.

Team Roper Style – A balanced crown and brim style that sits between bold rodeo punchy and flat rancher looks.

Tim McGraw - Our Backroads Black Shantung Straw 210 is built with stage presence in mind. Inspired by the black hat Tim is known for wearing on stage.  Made from durable shantung straw and shaped with our craftsmanship.

https://www.gonecountryhats.com/products/backroads-black-shantung-straw-210

 

W

Western Shirt – Button or pearl-snap shirts designed for durability, style, and function on the ranch or at formal events.

Wool Hat – More affordable than beaver felt, wool hats are great for style and occasional wear, though less durable than higher-X felt.

 

Y

Yellowstone Series – Looking for the best cowboy hat for everyday use? One that combines durability, style, and genuine Western tradition? The Yellowstone Cowboy Hats from Gone Country is trusted by real cowboys, ranchers, and rodeo riders across the country, and one of the nicest hats out there you can find.

Series Hat Body Material Options

  • Premium 5X Wool Cashmere Blend
    Softer, warmer, and more resilient than ordinary wool hats. Crafted to last for years of hard use, holding its shape and comfort through roughneck work.

  • Strong Bangora Straw
    Made to be light and airy, this hat keeps you cool while standing up to ranch work, hiking, or simply relaxing outdoors.

  • 5BU Shantung High-End weave with a triple-dip coating process, providing a water-resistant and sturdy finish

Hat Specs

  • Classic Cattleman Style
    Timeless, all-American Western style. With a 4 ¼ inch brim, and a 4 ½ inch long-oval shape crown. Suits both men and women.

  • Unisex, All-Day Comfort
    Midweight, durable, and designed for maximum comfort whether you’re out on the ranch, at a rodeo, or heading to a night out.

  • Signature Details
    Fitted sweatband, matching wool hat band, and our exclusive Gone Country hat pin for that authentic finishing touch.

  • Customizable Sizing
    Every order includes sizing tape for a perfect, personalized fit.

 

Gone Country Size Chart (Reference)