Country Hat Etiquette: the Science Behind It and the Reasons to Wear It

Influenced by the Mexican culture back in the 19th century, today country hats are worn by thousands of people all over the world. They are traditionally wide-brimmed, have a high crown and can be worn on various occasions. These pieces are the go-to accessory for many reasons – they are stylish and protect you from the elements. For instance, the wide brim of the country hat will keep your eyes protected from the sun’s glare; light-coloured straw hats will keep your head cooler on hot days, while the dark-coloured ones made of felt or wool will keep you warm during the winter.

If you still don’t have one, I highly recommend that you type “country hats Australia” in your browser and find the ideal stylish piece for you. Don’t know what to look for? Worry not, here’s a short guide to help you decide on the type of material you need, the best fit for your face and the proper way to take care of it. Now let’s talk details.

akubra-hats1

Felt or straw?

Felt and straw are the most common country hats styles and they both have their benefits and different functions. Felt hats can be made of animal fur or wool, they come in different colours and keep you warm. They have a more classic cowboy look and can be dressed up and down. On the other hand, straw hats are more casual – they have a loose weave and a floppy brim. They are the perfect summer accessory and offer a more elegant look, especially if you opt for a straw hat with a detailed design.

The best choice of hat for your face

There are a lot of retailers that you can shop for country hats Australia wide but before you do so, make sure to know what kind suits your type of face. If you have a thin and elongated face, look for a country hat that is not too tall or too short. A hat with medium crown height will be just perfect for you. If you have a round face, get a hat with a slanted brim and high crown. The diamond face shape is best accentuated with a wide brim cowboy hat that has a shallow crown. If you have a square face then a rounded cowboy hat with a curved brim will help you soften your strong jaw. You can even choose a floppy cowboy hat with a soft brim and still look nice.

How to care for your new cowboy hat?

Make sure your hat is always stored with the brim facing up. Otherwise, it may lose its shape. Anytime you want to wear it, make sure you grab it by the brim. Anytime you need to adjust it, the front and the back of the brim are the key points to grip. Wool and straw hats can withstand moisture pretty well without getting damaged but you need to let them air dry first before storing them.