Cowboy hats are a Western culture stamp that protects the wearer from sun, dust, wind, and snow. In recent years, cowboy hats are no longer limited to ranches and open plains but are becoming a regular fashion statement among Americans on city streets, bars, and runways.
These hats recently returned to the spotlight thanks to renowned artists like Harry Styles, Lil Nas X, and Lizzo, who donned them at various performances.
Read on to discover which cowboy hats can liven up your catalog in 2023.
Table of Contents
The western wear market
The 5 best cowboy hats
The bottom line
The western wear market
The global western wear market size was US$ 71.13 billion in 2016 and was projected to rise to $99.4 billion in 2023. This market indicated a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% between 2017 and 2023.
Europe dominated the market share in 2016, but projections show that the Asia-Pacific region’s market share is set to increase with the highest CAGR of 6.2%. However, this forecast shows that Europe will remain at the top, maintaining a CAGR of 3.8%.
The main factors driving this growth are population growth, expansion of the e-retail industry, increased disposable income, social media trends, and enhanced fashion consciousness among buyers.
Technological advances have recently improved consumers’ access to the Internet, promoting the e-retail industry. More people than ever before are making online purchases, with most companies investing heavily in their online presence and delivery services.
The 5 best cowboy hats
- The ponderosa (straw cattleman hat)
As the name suggests, the ponderosa hat is made from straw and is perfect for sunny climates. The ponderosa is better suited for hotter seasons because it is made from a light material that allows air into the hat, cooling the wearer down.
It features the traditional cattleman crown, which cowboys used to pull their hats down to protect themselves from harsh weather. Depending on the suppliers, some hats have sewn-in sweatbands to soak up sweat during sunny days and improve their fit. Most buyers wear the ponderosa to the field or on informal occasions.
- The cattleman (felt cowboy hat)
The cattleman is one of the most purchased cowboy hats. It features a tall and narrow crown (cattleman crown) that helps keep the hat on cowboys’ heads when the wind is too strong.
Its style was developed by ranch owners who wanted to be distinguished from rodeo cowboys using their hats. This cattleman hat is made from felt, which is ideal for colder seasons. The cattleman’s classic look makes it perfect for formal occasions while maintaining its traditional feel.
- The trail boss (straw open crown cowboy hat)
The trail boss cowboy hat allows the wearer to shape their crown according to their taste, which explains its name. It is one of the oldest cowboy hat models and represents an important part of Western culture: cattle herding. During hot months, cowboys had to cover larger distances in search of pasture for their cattle.
The straw material helped keep the heat out and was durable against the harsh sun. It was also perfect for the long months trail bosses spent on their journeys to herd cattle to the market. Most consumers prefer straw cowboy hats because of their affordability and versatility.
- The Hollywood (leather cowboy hat)
The leather cowboy hat is made from pure leather and worn during hot and cold seasons. Most consumers buy Hollywood because of its stylish aesthetic, making it a classy addition to most outfits. This cowboy hat earned its name from its popularity among celebrities. It is relatively expensive but makes up for this with its high durability.
- The drifter (distressed felt cowboy hat)
The distressed-felt cowboy hat has become a new fashion trend among consumers. People like the worn look because it adds character to their cowboy hat, especially among those who like the vintage aesthetic.
Traditionally, the drifter got its distressed look from aging, but current fashion trends have encouraged people to buy distressed cowboy hats as new items.
The bottom line
Cowboy hats are a stamp of North American culture that has made a massive comeback. Western cowboys originally wore them to protect them from natural elements. They are worn by people from all walks of life and serve different functions.
Visit Alibaba.com to explore the variety of cowboy hats that will appeal to a range of customers in 2023 and beyond.
