For many folks, wearing a cowboy hat isn't just a fashion statement — it's a way of life. Some would even say an honor. As the saying goes, with great privilege comes great responsibility, and in this case, that means properly caring for your hat.
In addition to cleaning your cowboy hat regularly, it's important to learn how to store a cowboy hat properly (yep, there's a wrong way, too!). Properly storing cowboy hats is a wise practice — doing so helps to maintain their shape and ensures they don't get stained or crushed.
Everything You Need to Know About How to Store Cowboy Hats
Whether you want to store your favorite hat for the season, pack it for travel, or you're curious about how to hang a cowboy hat, you'll want to stick around and read this quick guide:
Pick a Dry, Cool Spot
Moisture and heat are bad for all cowboy hat styles, whether straw, felt, or leather. The fabric can deteriorate, and the shape can warp, causing permanent damage. So as you consider how to store cowboy hats, think about where to store yours.
Look for a spot inside, away from windows, doors, and appliances (they often emit heat or steam). Ideal locations include areas that are out of the way, like bedroom closets, hat racks, or a table in the living room or office. Oh, and never set your cowboy hat on a bed! This long-standing superstition says that doing so will invite bad luck into the home.
Never Set a Cowboy Hat on its Brim
Although it may seem natural to set a hat down on its brim just as you wear it, this is actually terrible for the hat. Over time, it can flatten the brim and compromise its shape. For the same reason, you should try to handle your hat from the crown rather than the brim when taking it on and off.
Instead, always store a cowboy hat upside-down on its crown. Beyond being one of the major rules of cowboy hat etiquette, this is another old cowboy superstition. Many people believe setting a hat on its brim allows that cowboy's luck to flow right up out of the crown!
When your hat comes off for the evening, whether you hang it or set it down, it's also a good idea to air out the sweatband. Flip it up so it can air dry overnight, which can prevent sweat stains from soaking into the hat and keep the band from getting smelly.
How to Hang a Cowboy Hat
Since you're not supposed to set a cowboy hat on its brim or in a place that gets hot or humid, an indoor hat rack is ideal. Whether you use a stand-alone rack or a wall-mounted version, hang your hat as high as possible and away from other hooks where people hang other items. Coats, scarves, and other hats can distort a cowboy hat's shape over time.
How to Store Cowboy Hats for Travel
If you travel frequently, consider buying a hat carrier. Folks who travel less frequently can simply store their cowboy hat upside-down in their lap on a flight or an open seat for road trips. And while it's tempting to put your hat in the overhead bin on planes, hold that thought right there, pardner — you're practically guaranteed to find a badly misshapen or crushed hat at the end of the flight.
How to Store a Cowboy Hat Long-term
If you have a collection of cowboy hats you rotate based on the seasons or occasion, chances are you store your hats for extended periods. When doing so, the most important thing is to keep it covered, so a hat box comes in handy here. You can also store yours in its original box. If you have the insert it came with, sometimes called a "hat cone”, that can help the hat keep its shape.
Cowboy On in Tecovas Western Apparel
Much like men's boots, a cowboy hat is a prized possession worthy of protection and proper care. Learning how to store cowboy hats is an essential part of that, and this small act can maximize the life of your investment.
Speaking of that, consider treating yourself to a new handmade cowboy hat like The Cattleman Fur Cowboy Hat or The Cattleman Straw Cowboy Hat to top off a pair of jeans or women's boots. Whatever you wear, Tecovas can help you wear it well.