How to Choose the Right Cowboy Hat for You, According to Experts

You would think that after years of living on ranch, Ree Drummond would feel right at home wearing a cowboy hat. But in fact, it look her years of feeling like an "imposter" (her word!) before she got comfortable wearing one. Her advice to anyone interested in finally getting one, too: "I'm certainly no 'real' cowgirl, so if I can wear a cowboy hat, anyone can!" she says.

Of course, that's easier said than done, because finding the best cowboy hats for women depends on your own personal style and your head shape. Not to worry, though! Because this guide to cowgirl hats will walk you through the different shapes, how to find the right fit, and even some tips to care for your new investment.

You'll find expert advice on how to choose a cowboy hat from Kaci Riggs Myers, a real-life cowgirl and hat designer, as well as Tyler Grimmett, owner of Memphis + Louie. His company recently made custom hats for Alex and Paige Drummond, who most certainly know their way around a good cowboy hat. So saddle up, because your new cowgirl outfits await!

Betsy Dutcher

How to Choose a Cowgirl Hat

Choosing the perfect hat can be daunting. If you want to match the style to your face, look at where the brim starts curving up on the sides. This point should line up with the arch of your eyebrow, says Riggs Myers. Or, consider your height! "No matter what the face shape is or how tall or short a person is, I'll just go taller/shorter with the crown and wider/narrower with the brim," Grimmett explains.

Either way, the hat makes you stand out in a crowd, and Riggs Myers says you can't be shy about wearing it: "Fake it till you make it. If you don't feel comfortable in your hat, you're not going to wear it!"

Ree agrees, adding that the trick to finding your dream hat is just trying on a whole bunch of them: "There are different shapes for different people. I tried dozens and dozens until I found the one." Start with the six most popular shapes!

Libby Lang

How to Measure Your Head

If you have the opportunity to get fitted professionally, go for it! "A hat maker will not only measure the circumference of your head, but also the shape," Grimmett explains. "Some people have a 'long oval' shaped head, while others are a 'regular oval.' A hat maker will block the felt using a hat block based on your size and whether you are a long oval or regular oval."

But you can easily measure your own head at home to determine the size. Grab a flexible measure tape and look in the mirror. Grimmett advises to "place the tape measure around your head at the widest part (the knot at the back and right above your eyebrows) and about a finger width above your ears. Take the measurement while not pulling too tight, just tight enough that the tape measure doesn't fall down." Then, use that measurement to match to the brand's size chart online.

How to Care for a Cowgirl Hat

Store your hat in a hat box, on a hat hook, or upside down on its crown with the opening of the hat facing the ceiling. Cowboys say that this keeps the good luck in… and it prevents the brim from flattening. Handle your hat by the brim, and if you must set it right-side up, let the front hang over the edge of a flat surface so its shape doesn't change over time.

If the hat gets wet, lay it upside down in a room-temperature spot so it can dry to its former shape. Never leave your hat in a hot place like a car, because the sweatband can shrink. "If your hat tightens up, use a bit of steam around the outside of the hat at the brim break (where the sweatband is), and wear the hat for a few hours," Grimmet suggests. You can also use steam to reshape your hat in general, too. For example, "to reflatten a brim, use a bit of steam, place the hat down on a flat surface and set objects around the bring to weight it down." Either way, give it plenty of time to dry!

To clean or dust, Grimmet recommends a horsehair hat brush: "Brush in a counterclockwise direction on top and clockwise on the bottom." To remove any light dirt or stains, use "a light touch for 400 grit sandpaper or a hat sponge."