Cowboy Hat Etiquette [when and where to wear your hat]

Here are some guidelines and etiquette to wearing a cowboy hat. I included some old cowboy superstitions in there as well. Let me know if I forgot any!

[@albriseno2428]

Guess I am old-fashioned but I was taught to always take off my hat when indoors, regardless of the building. The best example of this was Bum Phillips, the Houston Oiler's head coach. Even though he wore hats he never had one on during a game when it was played indoors. Seems like a nice and respectful tradition to keep honoring.

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

He didn’t even wear his hat in the truck either🤠

[@albriseno2428]

@@Dstrbrdgrnd yep.

[@scoper04]

I agree 100%. It's not that you're old fashioned it's that these young people try to change the rules just like they do with everything in their lives.

[@Hue_Hue_Coyotl]

I was taught it was acceptable to keep it on inside if there was no where safe to leave your hat

[@bigtruckbrad]

When you go into a crowded cafe at dinner time and there is no where to safely put a $300.00 hat, the best place for it is on your head.

[@chrisjones9115]

Being from Texas , I was taught to take it off when I meet a lady or someone respectable, I was taught to never wear my hat indoors period, and yea, touching someone else hat (or worse knock it off their head) is something you just don’t do, unless you’re ready to get your ass handed to ya!

[@andrewboos-nm8os]

There isn't much hesitation after a move like that if it's a stranger. It's basically the equivalent of grabbing his ass and saying aye bitch what's shaking! Only the man's woman can realistically do it regularly and get away with it.

[@Doc.Holiday]

Just attended the Saddle Horse Auction at the Irma in Cody Wyoming yesterday. Nobody removed their hat in the bar or restaurant. I always remove mine when I sit down, not when I come through the door.

[@danamcreynolds9456]

I'm educating an acquaintance about not touching my hat. He's done it twice...

[@wudubora]

@@danamcreynolds9456 It sounds like an ass kickin' is in order. NOBODY touches my hat, except my wife, unless I hand it to them. My hat and my boots are connected as touching my hat will cause my boot to touch your ass.

[@GUNMETALGUYUSA]

That last part sounds good to me 💯

[@OceanDriveSpeeder]

I always take off my hat in the shower and in bed. Now if you're just snoozing in the back of the truck, it's OK to leave your hat on.

[@michelecraig9658]

That Randy Newman song, "You can Leave Your Hat On."

[@desperateambrose5373]

My understanding has always been that leaving your hat on in the common areas of business and gummint buildings (lobbies, e.g) is acceptable; but the hat comes off upon entering a private area, such as someone's office. The hat comes off immediately upon entering a home. Hats off when eating at table, but may be left on at a bar or lunch counter. If a lady takes your hat off your head and places it on hers, she is propositioning you. Do not handle someone else's hat if your hands are not clean! I once had the Devil's own time getting out an oily fingerprint when someone manhandled my chapeau.

[@adelarsen9776]

100% right. Also, when you meet a woman for the first time at the house fence you push your hat up a little to show your face and show you are not a threat. Once invited into the yard the hat stays on until the front door then it is taken off for going inside.

[@nohillforahighstepper]

Up here in Wyoming, it is said that if you wear a straw before Memorial Day, you'll make it snow. Also, ALWAYS take off your lid before you pass into a building.

[@justuh5625]

do you wear your around your house?

[@viking7558]

My Grandpa, born in 1897 was the Real Deal. He, his Dad and his Grandpa owned and operated one of if not the largest cattle operation in the state and sold beef to the US Army during WW1. All three were 6 shot revolver carrying cowboys. He taught me to NEVER wear your hat through the door of any building, especially a church. He didn't wear his hat driving his truck in his later years either. If someone wore their hat inside you could count on him asking them if their head was cold.

[@GUNMETALGUYUSA]

Let's hear it for real Men and real GrandPas. Unfortunately both are lost arts in today's culture.

[@Bronco-1776]

Sorry to inform you but I've been working the big outfits all horseback work since 1973 and cowboys pretty much all of them wear their hats indoors all the time depending on what type of building you are in. You won't see cowboys drinking in a bar with their hats off and neither a lot of the time in a restaurant. You'll see more cowboys taking their hats off in buckaroo country than cowboy country. Same with your spurs. Buckaroos will take them off when they get off their horse for the day. Other parts of the country you'll wear them into town. I've worked both traditions.

[@HaydinJSau]

My great grandmother would take the hat off your head and cut it up if you wore it in her house, she did it to my grandfather.

[@lswen7737]

@@HaydinJSau the biggest problem anymore is there isn’t anywhere to put your hat when indoors anymore. Don’t have hooks to hang a coat or hat,😂

[@ModernMountainLiving]

@@Bronco-1776 I am with you on the spurs, wear'm when you need'm. It's Dimestore to wear'm just to jingle.

[@alanpeterson4205]

When I bought my first hat at a good local Western store, the older lady who had been the owner for years told me when handing a hat to me to handle it like a record. I was looking at Resistol hats and the color was called Crystal which was a beautiful light gray which could pick up a fingerprint in a heartbeat. After we found my size and brand she stated out loud "Resistol 7 5/8" as though from this day forward this was my hat brand and size! Then I paid for the hat and she says "never store your hat flat on a table with the brim down because you'll deform the shape of the brim". I had a buddy who tended bar at a pub I used to drink beer at, and he told me never, EVER let anyone try on your hat. He said this after I allowed a lady to try mine on, and then she proceeded to hand it to the next person who wanted to try it. It passed down the bar to 4 people by the time it got back to me.

[@Joel_Mullins06]

My friend told me that if a woman wears your hat: "if you wear the hat, you wear the cowboy." Now that doesn't have to mean sexually, but if a woman is sitting next to a man and she's wearing his hat, they ought to be dating or married.

[@TheBushwizard]

Most of the superstitions come from keeping lice out of your hat, don’t let people wear it don’t ever set it on the bed

[@user-ph3wr3hz5t]

@@Joel_Mullins06 - it's like wearing your letter jacket or class ring - but not quite as committed as wearing a fraternity pin or driving your vehicle.

[@Joel_Mullins06]

@@user-ph3wr3hz5t lol

[@robertelliott8886]

I love the way you break down what to do and what not to do

[@cedricwe]

Just moved to Texas from another European country. Thank you for letting me know the rules. Now I'm feeling prepared. Not kidding 👏

[@fullmoonconcepts]

You may wear your hat in a bar at the bar or lunch counter, but if you are sitting down at a table to eat a meal it should be removed (because any situation where you might say grace or give thanks is valid, unless you are in uniform). if you are running errands; feed store, bank, mercantile, keep it on. if you are drawn into a conversation with someone who deserves respect, then you remove it. It's sort of a situation by situation judgement of acknowledging respect.

[@christophergraham3160]

To this day, unless I'm eating outside, I cannot sit at the table with a hat on. Just can't do it. But outside or inside, hats come off for grace. Only exception is war.

[@ej2953]

@@christophergraham3160 I can do it, but i'm far more comfortable taking it off if I have some place to set it. On the other hand, it seems rare to see anyone take their baseball cap off while they eat.

[@drwisdom1]

Back 60+ years ago everyone wore hats causing the rules in this video. But hats fell out of favor and most became cheap and inferior. I am happy when people wear a nice hat nowadays and don't care if they comply with etiquette rules.

[@tomtroy3792]

Everyone wears their hats backwards these days unless if you're a dweeb

[@groth3395]

@@tomtroy3792 I guess I'm not everyone. But I don't think of myself as a dweeb. To me a "dweeb" is the piss ant who wears his ball cap backwards because he fancies himself "cool". Of course then you have the super-dweeb who mistakenly wears his cowboy hat backwards...

[@TheWartHawg]

@@tomtroy3792 "Dweebs don’t wear their hats backwards." Yes, rendering the bill of the hat obsolete and requiring one to use his HAND to block the sun from harming one's eyes is SO much more intelligent.

[@tomtroy3792]

@@TheWartHawg your comment tells me you're a dweeb sometimes I like the sun on my forehead and sometimes I like to block the Sun out of my eyes you're so worried about how you look to others you should just live your life the way you want

[@tomtroy3792]

@@groth3395 your comment tells the whole world all about you you must be the pissant

[@powellmountainmike8853]

Having been in the Navy back during the Vietnam War, (yes, I'm THAT old) I was taught to ALWAYS remove my "cover" as soon as I pass through the door coming inside, unless one was wearing it to denote that one was on duty, such as guard duty, a habit to which I still adhere. When I was young that was also how one behaved in polite society, and wearing a hat indoors marked a person as an ill bred, manner-less rube. In restaurants, bars, and saloons there were usually either a coat check if it was a fancier place, where one would check their hat and outer coat, or at least hat racks and places to hang an outer coat in less fancy places. Often one saw a pole with hat and coat hooks attached to each pair of seats along the booths in diners and bars.

[@TheWartHawg]

USAF during the Gulf War and it makes me crazy to see men walking around with their has on inside. ESPECIALLY veterans. I even saw a man who was seated with the faculty at a graduation recently who didn't remove his cap for the Anthem or the invocation. The speaker asked veterans to rise and he did. I get that the cap was part of the graduation regalia, part of the costume and therefore acceptable to wear inside, but I wanted to slap it off of his head for not removing it during the anthem.

[@danielbeck9191]

You should wear your cover when "under arms".

[@dinkelheit88]

Still do it in the army

[@CactusLuver77]

Yep, as an Army vet it’s still automatic that I take my hat off when entering a building

[@55StudebakerSpeedster]

When I was runnin the rodeo dances or the dance clubs chasing girls I always used put a fan of tooth picks in the the front left side of my hat band. Just kind of got to be a trademark

[@geoffreylowery1337]

In Australia if you wear a hat in a bar (hotel/pub) you are offering to buy a round of drinks for the whole bar.

[@StartupCowboy]

Now that’s a cool tradition!

[@chrisgreene9745]

U.S. army tradition also..

[@shankarbalan3813]

That’s an excellent insight

[@timnorth7524]

Not true for any where other than an RSL

[@misatobestgirl7230]

That's in RSLs and its not an offer, its in order to make up for the disrespect of wearing a hat in such a place.

[@ioofmoore5940]

I've had the same hat, made for my head, by hand, for over 40 years. It's endured below 0° and over 100°, my horse has been fed and watered out of it, it stayed on my head even when the boat turned over and we made it back to shore together! Rules? I tip it meeting a lady, I hang it up when I get home and I never go out without it, even to a wedding. It comes off during the anthem, at grave sights and during a wedding I'm not performing.

[@droneeaglephotography468]

I was always taught to take my hat off inside, I went to a cowboys funeral in Walla Walla and was told before I went in to leave my hat on out of respect for the cowboy, at first it felt weird but I looked around and every cowboy did have their hats on. It was a custom for respect and definitely a when in Rome do as the Romans do.

[@porcupineparty8598]

Heck yeah!

[@med77m26]

Than you for doing this video .. there are so many guys that do not know hat etiquette!

[@edwinmacias3980]

In Mexico we've got a saying, "There are three things you never lend someone in this world; your lady, your car, and your cowboy hat" Also if you're at an event and have your hat tilted to represent your single, straightforward covering your eyes show a man of serious intentions and it's also tradition to take it off when meeting a woman or someone older.

[@r.f.pennington746]

Thought I'd come back for another vid. Thank You for saying you place a hat upside down on the crown. Anyone who has stood at a tea kettle steaming just the right crease appreciates it when they're hat is placed on a table, etc, CORRECTLY. Had a girlfriend many decades ago who kept placing my felt incorrectly on a table, ground, etc. I kept telling her not to. She said she thought I like that hat more than I liked her. Haven't seen her since... And, yes, grabbing someone's hat--unless you're five years old and we're related--is like grabbing someone's bee-hind. Just is.

[@juanarocha8629]

My grandfather was a ship captain, he always wore a hat and placed it on the table upside down. When I got into wearing hats, my mom always corrected me everytime I placed it the wrong way on the table

[@robertphillips4155]

Nice job on the video. Thanks for the thoughts and input. I appreciate that you mention what you believe is tradition and then your experience. Culture does change so it’s good to stay in step with the times.

[@STARMedic28]

To addend hat wearing or removal during the national anthem. Veterans and active service members may keep hat on and render hand salute while the national anthem is playing.

[@Doc.Holiday]

The reason the for no hats on beds evolved because in the old days cowboys had lice in their hair when they came back from herding or a long extended ride. So, putting your hat on the bed while you were gettin cleaned up amounted to infestation of the clean bed. I put my hat on the bed all the time and I’m very fortunate.

[@wisdomthroughaworldofwords1412]

Ok...I can appreciate true old west and cowboy etiquette for the real cowboys out there. But I do have to interject that if every Urban Cowboy didn't wear his hat indoors at the Dance Hall and/or other Western-ish establishments...then there never would have been a Gilley's or the electric Bull riding machine would have never been invented. So glad to see Bum Phillips name came up with his standard of not wearing his hat indoors (in the comments)...especially in the "Dome. But then he was deff not an Urban Cowboy. For those who are still down on 'ol Urbans...even after this many years. You should hang on to your Grandma's learnings: "Imitation is a high form of flattery." Loved watching this vid. Thanks for helping get the cowboy hat etiquette out to everyone.

[@commmarine9547]

Can definelty wear a hat indoors at a bar. I was in the Marines and hats were never allowed on inside a bar. However, the one exception was those who wore cowboy hats. Why, well, in my time, we ironed our Wraglers (crease down the center) and shirts and wore a belt ( as is required). Being we didn't have our hats on backwards and pants sagging, they let us in. However, they would stop others who were dressed the aforementioned way until they fixed themselves.

[@Breezy.Anderson]

I was taught not to take my hat off unless eating at a table or hanging it up because the day is over. As far as church it comes off and sits on my left knee. When standing for prayer in my left hand then back to the knee . Also never put your hat upside down or on the bed.

[@tommycarotenuti3901]

Ive been told to lay the hat upside down on the crown as to not bend the rim if it were flat on a table.

[@LadiesBlvd]

I've seen the some women on KZbin who consider themselves "Real Cowgirls." They would argue it isn't a fashion statement, because they have done their due diligence on the farm and culture-wise. 😂💪🐴 Technicalities aside, it's a fashion statement for many women. You are correct. 🤠

[@TheMarcopolomusic]

Hat etiquette does NOT require removal indoors, it depends: Indoor hats: Public spaces worn, intimate spaces off. In a bank; in lobby on, in the bankers office off. Hotels, lobby on, interior "intimate spaces" such as elevators, off. On when in motion; cars, trains, walking. Off when stationary; dining, cocktails in private, seated in private spaces. Church: entry, lobby, vestibule on is fine, in the sanctuary off. During prayer of national anthems, off, held over heart. The " always take your hat off indoors" is for the lazy and uncouth that can't be bothered. A polite young man lifts his hat to an older man, however, and an abbreviated hat-tip (more like a loose salute) is always a friendly gesture from one man to another.

[@kennethdickinson2591]

That’s how I remember it, too: Public spaces, my hat stays on; private spaces, the hat comes off. Like your example of the bank, the lobby is a public space so I leave it on. When I step into a private office, or even an individual desk in a lobby, it comes off. In a restaurant, it stays on until I get to my table, then it comes off when I sit down. Inside someone’s home, it comes off, but sitting on their front porch it probably stays on. An exception to this is a bar. If I’m sitting at the bar itself, or maybe even at a table, I typically leave it on, though if I am in a booth I usually take it off. I live in Texas, and Texans seem to think it’s fine to leave their hats on pretty much anywhere except church. I can’t believe the number of times I’ve seen grown men, even men who are old enough to know better, and especially men who are proudly sporting their “[Conflict/Branch of Service] Veteran” caps sitting in a restaurant with their hats on their heads. 🤦‍♂️

[@PW.6060]

Best comment in this whole comments section. And best reply. The sad truth is that a lot of places, people don't wear hats or if they do, they don't know what they're doing.

[@CundaliniWantsHisHandBack]

Very informative. Glad you mentioned the importance of avoiding handling the crown. Perhaps in the future, a segment of putting on and removing the hat - a lot of those new to real hats squeeze the front of the crown that eventually deforms it. Good content.

[@karieltheone]

General rules for all hats: never wear them indoors. Most certainly never sit at the dinner table covering your head. When outside, if you have to show respect, like a funeral, or when greeting an elder, or anyone of a higher social standing, always remove your hat.

[@matttackel997]

"higher social standing" lol, hilarious.

[@Bronco-1776]

There is no "never" It depends on the indoors. You sound like a townie not a cowboy. And it depends on the "dinner table" or whose it is, where you are, if its at a restaurant it depends on who you're with and whether a coat & hat rack is provided.

[@robertsimonds4284]

Higher social standing. That's some of the dumbest shit I've ever read in my life. You must be one of those people who thinks their last name can get you out of trouble

[@dwaynewarren2590]

If you take it off indoors, does that mean you just have to carry it the whole time?

[@matttackel997]

@@dwaynewarren2590usually yes, unless the location you are at has a hat rack or somewhere to sit it down.

[@KutWrite]

When I lived in Texas, I noticed men wore their hats when eating in restaurants. I lucked out. Just got a new straw hat, added a band, and added a feather on what I now know is the correct (left) side. I have another hat I wear while hiking. It has two fine feathers I found in the wild. I put one on each side. Thanks for all the other tips. I came here to find the best way to handle a hat without spoiling the brim. The woven palm one I just replaced had a hole worn by my fingers when doffing the hat.

[@99dsm1]

In 34 years of daily wear never owned or wore a straw hat. Old timers find it impolite to show the inside of a hat, I shape mine to be fine set on the edge of a surface crown up. As long as the front of the brim can hang off, think fedora shaped brim.

[@wesleybarrett9502]

Military teaches that "Cover" or hat that Amy significant threshold of any building to remove it, unless there is a ceremonial reason to such as promotions or change of command and other ceremonies. I do not know the original meaning of that. However, basic hat etiquette I had researched was based on public and private spaces is when hats are removed and replaced. As a guest in another house typically it was custom to remove boots, hats, and excessive clothes at the mud room or atrium/entry room. An indoor stadium or a shop or store as such was ok to wear a hat in there.

[@robgriz72]

Love all the “my granddad did this” and “my great uncle said this” comments. Those gentlemen grew up in a different time where people didn’t mess with other people’s belongings. My granddad never locked his door but there weren’t a ton of tweakers running around the valley stealing everything they could get their damn hands on back then. I lock my doors and I keep my hat on my head (with exceptions) because those days my granddad lived in are long gone, unfortunately

[@geographyinaction7814]

Manners have changed too, I would ask someone to leave my table or restaurant table if they wore a hat, any hat.

[@TheWartHawg]

Ah yes. The "society has degraded into a gaggle of degenerates so what grandad did out of respect and respectability doesn't matter anymore" argument. Your grandad wore the hat to keep the sun out of his eyes and off of his head. You know...the very reason for wearing a hat. Taking it off indoors was not only common courtesy but showed he had the common sense enough to acknowledge that he didn't need it. You're wearing a costume and playing a role. THAT is the difference between then and now.

[@jameshunt5316]

@@TheWartHawgthank you for your comment. I grew up in a cowboy hat area. I use bucket hats only for the purpose of protecting my head and neck from the sun while working. Everyone judges me but I use hats for their intended purpose. I don’t wear hats at all unless I’m working long hours in the sun. No reason to go bald just to wear hats all the time.

[@jimarcher5255]

Never wear a hat indoors or at the table was the rule and one I always respected. Passed it on to my sons and grandsons with a sprinkling of success.

[@robgriz72]

@@geographyinaction7814 good for you! I’d gladly leave

[@MrDampsterdam]

Here, in Australia, fur felt hats are worn everyday, regardless of season (which is probably why they degrade faster from dirt and sweat in the hottest months)

[@jerryking6273]

Australia is badass, love it. Wish I lived there

[@dustrabbit4761]

Restaurants are tricky. They no longer provide hooks or a rack to hang your hat on. That should come back. In Texas, casual diners often keep their hats on, day or night.

[@AldoSchmedack]

Got nowhere to place leave em on. Inproper to not take off. Exception is when eating with others. Always then. Rules are odd in regards to eating. Always has been.

[@danamcreynolds9456]

I have the same dilemma with restaurants. No hat racks or hooks. You think I'm going to ask a restaurant employee to keep my hat safe? They don't know how to handle a hat and I don't know where their hands have been!

[@tbjtbj4786]

If the table not full ask for a extra chair for the hats

[@travish3130]

No, we take them off inside any building. Zero exceptions

[@joshland7826]

When I can, I hang my hat on the corner of the back of the chair I'm sitting in. If I can't, I place it crown down on an empty chair at the table.

[@neh214]

Dude you are adorable and hysterical in equal measure! Thanks for the tutorial, from this lady in Chicago 💜

[@jesseostone386]

Regarding which side the feather goes on, I was reminded of the saying, “Left is right, and right is wrong.”

[@watercolorhomie146]

Dude I'm from los angeles California I really appreciate this very cool advice and just things to keep in mind

[@benwheeler6736]

When it comes to Texas weather I do not abide by the labor/memorial day thing. I wear what I want according to the weather. I live in southeast Texas and it might be 90 degrees in December and might be 30 degrees in April or September. I have seen snow in Texas on Easter weekend.

[@paulash1770]

I was born and raised in Southern California, but I wear a cowboy hat most of the time, and boots all the time. I always remove my yat when I first meet or am introduced to a lady, and during the raising and lowering of the flag. Also if I'm eating outside (at a picnic table or something) I'll leave my hat on.

[@Tunaroll1000]

Thank You. I didn't know a couple of these.

[@Radishboy]

Just got my first hat. Thanks for the heads up.

[@macktruck6407]

Nice video, good tips. Proud someone is teaching respect and manners. And spot on the time frame to wear felt and straw/palm.

[@charlesbleile5282]

I'll wear western boots without a hat but I won't wear a cowboy hat unless I'm wearing boots. Nothing looks more incongruous than a guy wearing a cowboy hat and gym shoes.

[@Zerowolf760]

Lol, I wear my straw hat with flip flops

[@SoldierAndrew]

If you're not riding a saddled horse there's no real need to wear cowboy boots. Unless it's for formal wear. I grew up cowboying, was semi-pro rodeo cowboy in Texas, now I'm almost 50 and wear my Army infantry combat boots daily with my western hat. If I'm going to ride a saddled horse I want my tony lama boots to fit in the stirrups. Tapered toe and high heel on boots is saddled horse riding specific footwear.

[@philgalvan7777]

I mostly agree..but when I got work to do, I allow for a pair of work boots

[@Zerowolf760]

@Phil Galvan we aren't related are we? Lol

[@glennmeek2718]

@@SoldierAndrew I don't know Andrew, I wear my ropers almost 24/7, need to replace them as this is the last resoling for the pair. 23 years in the Army and the last thing I'm wearing are the damn combat boots.

[@docnez8562]

Navajo way we wear our hat feather on the left too. Left side is the side we hold our bow; warrior strong. We also don’t put flat baskets on the wall for same reason; you might pour your valuables out. Baskets are for holding stuff, not displaying on walls. But I do store my hats down because spiders tend to web anything round that’s empty and dust gets in the hat.

[@charlescomly1]

In the movie Wild Bill, you could get shot for touching another man's hat. LOL 😆

[@billyhellmaker]

It's hard to take lessons from you with that hat crease you're sporting, but as a dude raised in Texas cattle country that was pretty good.

[@jpjfarm484]

My pet peeve is wearing of the hat at the dinner table. My grandma, passed away in the ‘60s, used to say, “Only sheep herders wear their hat at the dinner table.” Just put the thing on your knee until you’re done eating.

[@evangreen9430]

On your knee or on an empty chair invites dropping it on a filthy floor or having a server spill spaghetti on it.

[@LeslieGallivan-mp5qi]

Rules I grew up with , never wear a hat indoors , when eating ( even outside ) , when talking with a woman , talking to a religious leader , during a funeral or when a funeral procession is passing . Interesting side note , I went to a native funeral while back . Ten miles from church to cemetery, and the whole way I never saw a person wearing a hat . Everyone along route took their hat off , women included

[@porcupineparty8598]

What if they are wearing a cowboy hat when you're talking to them?

[@crassustheelder9665]

I worked at a ranch as a cook and some new wranglers put their hat down right side up on the pillow of a bed I thought the head horseman was about to turn them apart. I still never put my hats on my bed and always set them up side down.

[@ej2953]

A few comments: 1) I've heard of hats with the buckle on the right side, but I have never seen one. 2) I usually decide between straw and felt hat by how warm it is. Earlier this week, we had some warmer weather and I wore my straw hat. Then it cooled back off and I'm wearing a felt hat. 3) If I'm at a restaurant and have a place to put my hat, I don't wear it. I don't have a place to wear it such as at an old-style lunch counter, I keep it on my head. 4) My felt hat is a 7X Resistol that is pretty old. 5) My straw hat is a cheap hat with a hat band that I bought separately. The hat band costs more than the hat and makes the hat look like it is far nicer than it actually is. 6) I like a more or less flat brim instead of one of the brims that are curled up like ropers seem to prefer. I've had problems with sunburns to the eyes and I want the hat to keep the sun off of my eyes as much as possible.

[@thetermintater7770]

I was wondering what the best way to store a hat. Not sure if putting it in a hat can or on a rack would be good. Also was wondering on how to care for my hats as well

[@sloth_e]

Maybe its just an Australian thing but if you hold someone elses hat you hold it by the crown upside down. Like cuping it in your hand. Otherwise you get thier head sweat on your hands. It would be disrespectful to want somone to put thier hand into your hat. Hat off in doors anywhere too.

[@j.d.7838]

I've got only four hats. I've got four. Two felt and two straw. I got a "sunday go to meetin'" "fancy" felt hat. This one is for wedding,s church, date night with the with, and I've got my "I got work to do and it's gettin' cold" felt hat. I've got two straw hats.one for it's warm but not HOT and one for it's HOT. Now I live in s/e Louisiana and hot to us may be different for other folks. I take my hat off settin at a table to eat, but I leave it on in a bar. I take it off for the national anthem and I'll put a whoopin' on ya if you touch my hat if'n you ain't a lady. That's pretty much it.

[@StartupCowboy]

Sounds like a good system to me! I have a similar routine with my hats. The other factor I have is how much wind I have to deal with. That will change my brim size from time to time. Thanks for checking out the channel! S^C

[@r.f.pennington746]

Well, a real lady wouldn't touch a hat...unless you've been too long at the bar and she's got her eye on your wallet! I agree with hats off at the table. Here in W. Tx we've got some cafes with signs up saying 'Leave Your Hats On.' Guess that's OK as there ain't no place to put them except under your chair anyway.

[@Knight192]

If you wear a cowboy hat in NY you magically turn everyone around you into the most hysterically funny comedian of all time. My all time favorite comments include: 1."Nice hat where's the rodeo huh huh huh" 2. " Whadya from Texas? huh huh huh" 3. "HEY I LIKE YOUR HAT! huh huh huh"

[@Daniels86711]

I was always taught to remove a hat indoors at all times. I don't see people doing this anymore. Even here in Wyoming... 99% of people wear their hats inside buildings. It kind of throws me off because I was raised old school I Guess. I wore my black felt hat to the junior high rodeo finals 2 weeks ago! Almost everyone had white/yellow straw or resin. I tend to wear my formal hat if my outfit is formal regardless of the weather. It's pretty rare to go out for long periods of time in the heat / sun though dressed up..

[@adelarsen9776]

Set the example and do what's right.

[@darrelljanssen588]

You give some rules that you don't adhere to. Always remove your hat indoors as I was taught. In saying that, you did give some good points. When meeting someone, I was taught I should dip my hat momentarily.

[@budpaine6222]

Back in the old days (and even on some old school ranches today) you had to earn a black hat, called earnin' your JB, by being a top hand. Today it's all about fashion.

[@StartupCowboy]

That’s a great tradition, thanks for staring!

[@PatriciaMadsen-cu7wj]

My husband was a deputy…they had plain hat bands until they passed 1 year probation…then they got a silver one.

[@subdawg1331]

in Canada a feather in left is a meaning you are attached and right side you are available

[@skidwell41]

I worked in an old courthouse several years ago and the bailiffs made men take their hats or ball caps off before the judges came in. There was actually wire brackets under the seats for men to place their hats. when all men wore hats . I was never allowed to wear a hat or ball cap inside. Where has that etiquette gone?

[@danamcreynolds9456]

I'm glad you know and made the distinction between a hat and a cap. It may not be official, but WE know.

[@richarddelasota1812]

That etiquette has not gone away. I spent almost 50 years in a courtroom as a lawyer or as a judge pro tem and the bailiff in every single one of those courtrooms would ask men - forcefully if necessary - to remove their hats or caps.

[@gregwarner3753]

Four minuets into this and my brain froze. I have been wearing western style hats for 5 decades. I find them the warm/cool and very comfortable. FWIW - I am a yankee living in the deepest part of yankee land in southern New Hampshire.

[@nohillforahighstepper]

The horseshoe nails in the hatband are for resetting a loose horseshoe on the trail...

[@joanofarc1338]

Good video….these driving moccasins are getting real popular, and they sure are comfortable. Some say they are the only acceptable alternative to boots when dressed Western. Been to several team ropings, none of the riders were wearing them, but several Western dressed spectators were as were some ropers who were done competing. Any opinions out there?

[@lazygongfarmer2044]

They sure do look good! I'd never heard of them before, had to look them up. Might have to get me a pair.

[@packersfan117]

I'm a little old school, a little new school. I was taught by my grandmother and my parents that all covers get removed when going into any building that isn't a shed or a barn. Being a northerner living in Florida, I only wear straw covers due to the near-constant heat. Plus, the law enforcement agency where I work only issues baseball caps and straw covers. Felt isn't authorized.

[@porcupineparty8598]

There is no way anyone can wear a felt hat in Florida in Summer! It would be drenched with sweat in minutes!

[@Wingman115]

Great info thanks for sharing.

[@StartupCowboy]

You bet!

[@austinbayles5859]

Is your felt a 4.5" brim or 5"? Love the videos btw. Been a fan since last May. You've got good stuff going. I never miss an episode!

[@StartupCowboy]

Austin, Hey, thanks so much for sticking with us for so long. We really appreciate the interest and support! To answer your question the brim width is 4 1/2 it looks bigger because of the shape. I usually order them this way, knowing that I can always trim the brim down as the hat ages, and still have quite a bit of hat at the end. Thanks again for checking out our channel! S^C

[@blameusa7082]

Teach me Bro I know that i need to have hat etiquette, so im on the right start

[@RebelScumJack]

Godspeed and God bless!

[@JasMcKenzie]

The feather in the hat? I call it Macaroni!

[@rilloroc]

I don't know how I feel about you giving hat advice, while inside wearing a hat, at the table no less, with a whole nother hat sitting on the damn dining table.

[@huntercase9794]

I was taught in your home take off your hat and when entering a hospital room. As well as the places mentioned in the video

[@miker7933]

When did it become popular to wear your hat with the brim wider in front than in back? It always looks like you have your hat on backwards.

[@robertsimonds4284]

It is backwards. That's a Hallmark Christmas special cowboy thing.

[@jordanmorales8610]

So would you wear a felt hat to a formal event in the summer?

[@StartupCowboy]

That is a matter of preference. Felt certainly has a classy look but it might be too hot for some outdoor venues. If you are going to wear a straw, it needs to be in too condition.

[@NicholasHamel-gq3uw]

I have always been taught from Easter to Labor Day for straw

[@andrewsumner998]

If you don’t mind me asking, what carhartt jacket is that? I’m a big fan of carhartt but have not seen that design. Thank you!

[@chuckr7871]

Good idea about the horse shoe nail, I will hide a paper clip in my hat in case I end up in hand cuffs.

[@thekinginclutchtime5245]

Hey, I watch most all your videos, I’ve lived in Wyoming my whole life, and there’s certain things that I’ve always done. Like taking your hat off when you introduce your self to a lady, it’s not just a sign of respect to the women, it’s a sign of respect to the man they’re with. But I tell you what, it doesn’t matter where I’m at, if you knock my or my ladies hat off, that’s a problem. No matter what.

[@StartupCowboy]

Thanks for sticking with us and checking out all of our new content! S^C

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

That’s a fact! Take my wife, take my dog but don’t fk with my hat😡

[@gregmiller9238]

I grew up on my grandfather's ranch in New Mexico. He was born in 1914. He was also a father to me. what he taught me was my hat was a functional piece of whats now called ppe in business like a hard hat in a construction zone. It was your protection from the unforgiving sun on your head. He never wore a hat driving, not in the house, not in the church, not dancing with my grandma. He cleaned it wore it in town when not inside, In the summer with the heat he had a straw hat, when it got cold he had his felt but he didnt always have 2 hat so whatever he had is what he wore just like many cowboys before him what they had is what they wore. so changing of hats for seasons is relatively a modern thing or rich person thing back in the day. short story: i was gather cattle , chased a stry from the heard , started a lope my hat flew off and i kept going to catch up to stry, when i got back to the herd with the stray my grandfather asked me first where my hat was and i said idk it flew off, after a short cussing about never leaving my hat and get it then get the stray, i went and found my hat and learned you never leave your protection to be lost. long post my apologies.

[@drock55551]

This is very situational for me. Basically if there is risk of it getting lost or damaged it stays on my head. If I'm at a restaurant and there is no safe place to put my hat, it stays on my head. If I'm in someone's house, it comes off out of respect. If I'm in my house generally it's off if im resting, eating, or have company. Any other time it's my preference. It's my house so i basically wear it when i want. Don't go to church or pray, so can't say for that. Grocery or hardware store it stays on my head.

[@gregorycasey5486]

Love the doggo!

[@snoopu2601]

There are many different hats, caps that are worn for different reasons and have many different functions. My cowboy hat has been really abused worn hard. Rain, sun, wind, I use it for all three when I'm out doors yes I take it off when I'm going to eat and it depends on what building I'm entering to take it off. If you are entering a court house you can't wear a hat at all.

[@markgerhart4975]

Thank you.

[@CactusLuver77]

FYI, those palm leaf hats are hot! Mine (from Atwood) can hold water. I put some grommets in the crown to try to make it cooler

[@StartupCowboy]

That’s a great idea. Palm hats can be very hot!

[@christophergraham3160]

National Anthem note: If you are a military veteran, and the National Anthem is playing, you may keep your hat on and render a hand salute. Otherwise, take it off with your right hand and place it over your heart.

[@TexExpatriate1]

I was raised in west Texas and western Oklahoma and its Panhandle from 1937 through the 1950s. The hat comes off inside a house, in a restaurant, and of course church. Always. The other, you only wear a straw when it is hot as hell.

[@treyday5200]

Wear the hat ride the cowboy🤠

[@user-ho4nw5sf3w]

I wear my hat infoors. There once was a time when most places had either a hat check or a hat rack. Not so much any more . This applies to place like resturants. Where do you place it ? On the back of the chair, under the chair, how about on the seat of the chair ? When I enter your house, I am the perfect gentleman my hat comes off,but in a public place with no proper place to put it ! Considering how much a good hat cost, Im not placeing it somewhere that I cant keep an I on it.vDid that with a 45$ straw hat and someone walked away with it. No doing that with a Stetson hat that cost upwards of 400 dollars. I do believe in manners. Its diseplin that we very much need today and suffer a great lack of. Still to everyone out there with manners, my hats off to you.

[@rogereriksen2472]

My wife & I are not westerns, but being on vacation & going out for dinner, I wore my felt Stetson. This was in a tiny little joint in "no where" Texas. As we were being seated, we were next to an older couple and the gentleman was also wearing a hat. As we began to take our seats, I tipped my hat to the lady simply saying 'ma'am and then addressed the older fellow with a simple 'evening sir'. Being a Yankee I was trying to be polite & "fit in" How do you think I did?

[@StartupCowboy]

I think you did great!

[@AldoSchmedack]

Fantastic!

[@jamescharles4904]

You're lucky you weren't shot! Flirting with his wife and then rubbing it in his nose! My advice-- Just look another man in his eyes and nod your head. Don't say anything to, or even look at his woman!

[@dwilliams321]

If it comes from a place of respect, it's hard to go wrong. Thanks for trying to immerse yourself in our culture when you're in the area, sure appreciate that

[@porcupineparty8598]

Those of us who grew up with the culture sure appreciate that gesture of courtesy and respect!

[@kennybigmac81]

I'm from Oklahoma. I was taught. If you pass by a cemetery. You always remove your hat regardless of what style you are wearing until you pass the cemetery.

[@danielburford1441]

I put a guitar pick or feather on my hat on the left for good luck

[@nomansland4811]

Good info. However, I must comment on the hat you’re wearing. Seems the side curl of the hat shows a wider brim in the front and narrows to the rear. Gives the appearance of a hat being on backwards.

[@HonkyTonkHellraiser]

I'm Canadian and it's tradition that we wear feathers on the right hand side of the hat.

[@sammack93]

as a fellow Canadian i had no idea. is there a reason why?

[@StartupCowboy]

Very cool! I would love to know the origins of that tradition.

[@HonkyTonkHellraiser]

I'll did out and post the reason why

[@staceymiller4765]

Quick question, why did the shape go from wide in back to wide in front? In my age( 70-present) it was narrow up front, wide in back.

[@DanielMavRyan]

I haven’t started wearing hats yet, but how would you take off your hat when meeting someone new?

[@LColNick]

Wearing any hat while dining indoors is the epitome of uncouth.

[@stevemtc1]

Not as bad as it once was I work banquets and there is just not a place to keep the hat

[@healthcarethoughtleadership]

Once the food is served the hat comes off until the food is all gone.

[@denverfowler5290]

T H A N K Y 0 U .

[@healthcarethoughtleadership]

@@BravoSeven It can be a challenge for sure in a crowded place no doubt.

[@kiro1330]

Take it off eating in someone’s house especially at moms table but never a restaurant. Church always!

[@carlhicksjr8401]

So, I'm a Civil War reenactor and, worse, a former cavalryman in the US Army. This is what I was taught and I teach in my turn: [note: This is the 'common courtesy' set of rules. There are other rules for other situations, such as military regulations, worker safety, etc.] 1. Take care of your hat. They're expensive and wearing in another one is a pain the butt. 2. The only room you enter and leave your hat on is a bar... not a restaurant, a bar. In every other circumstance, the brim comes off when you step across the threshold. 3. When a woman enters the room, or approaches the table in a large room, gentlemen stand. The senior man asks the lady if she'd care to sit, the junior man offers her his seat. If you're in a bar, all men remove their hats in respect. 4. When passing a woman of whatever age or condition in the street, a gentleman removes his hat and acknowledges her. I've taken my hat off and kindly said 'Ma'am' to a homeless woman I gave my change to. 5. When acknowledging a professional minister of whatever faith, you remove your hat in respect of that faith. I've taken my hat off to a rabbi, an imam, and Buddhist monk. I expect you to do the same.

[@lond2835]

I wear my hat in saloons and if you bother me about it we can step outside.

[@randomproductions9895]

I am Canadian and although my knowledge might be lacking but I was raised with feather on the left

[@woofwoof4276]

Most people, probably don’t actually know this but the time of the cowboy was only 20 years. Like the Wild West cowboy.

[@delgado2x]

Can you male a video on how you did that to your sweatshirt!!

[@Eddiep80]

Im going to tell you right now. Ive never seen a cowboy or rancher take their hat off when indoors. Or in a bar, Maybe at the dinner table. But then I've still walked into the diner in the morning and theres guys eating with their hat on. Think those old traditions have definitely gone out the window.