Head to Head: Felt Hats vs. Straw Hats - Choosing the Perfect Headwear

February 22, 2024

Felt vs. straw hats isn't a battle, it's a wardrobe adventure! Both offer unique perks: cozy warmth or breezy coolness, timeless elegance or laid-back vibes. But before you grab the first one you see, let's dive into the details. Material, construction, upkeep – it all matters. We'll unpack it all to help you find the hat that perfectly complements your style and needs. So buckle up (or grab your cowboy/cowgirl hat!) and get ready to discover your perfect headwear match!

P.S. Feeling impatient? Peek at our top 3 felt and straw hat picks at the end – just don't blame us if you fall in love before you finish reading!

Jenna is wearing Salem hat from Outback Trading Co.

Material, Construction and Functionality:

Felt hats and straw hats offer unique benefits, tailored to different climates and occasions. Felt hats, made from compressed and treated wool fibres, provide insulation for colder climates. Their durability and form-holding structure make them the perfect addition to dress up an outfit.

On the other hand, straw hats, woven from natural fibres like straw or raffia, offer a lightweight and breathable option, perfect for warmer weather and casual outings.

Practical Considerations and Maintenance:

Different materials, different pampering routines! Felt hats, for example, may need thorough brushing for dust and dirt when it gets dirty and occasional reshaping to retain their form. Watch our felt-hat maintenance here.

@weiswesternwear Whether you are wearing your hat for fashion, competition or hardwork, it's important to know how to clean and store your hat. In this video we'll show you a low-level hat cleaning maintenance! Hope you like it! #cowboy #cowboyhat #fyp #weiswesternwear #cowboymaintenance #cowboyhatcleaning #hat #western ♬ BORN FOR THIS - Foxxi

While still requiring occasional cleaning, straw hats typically demand less regular maintenance than felt hats. Just one key tip: keep them away from moisture to protect their natural fibres. Consider having a Twister Hat Protector handy to shield your hat from water damage. Proper care and storage practices, such as storing them in a hat box or in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity, will also prolong their longevity and keep them looking their best.

Twister Hat Vinyl Protector

So, which hat steals your heart? Felt or straw? The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It all boils down to what kind of person you are (stylish adventurer? cozy city dweller?), what you're up to (riding into sunsets or sipping lattes?), and where you live (think Montana/Alberta or Sunshine State).

No matter which one you choose, remember this: a hat is like the cherry on top of your outfit. It adds personality, protects you from the elements, and can even boost your mood. So go forth, explore your options, and rock that hat with confidence!

And hey, if you need some inspiration, check out our top 3 picks for both felt and straw hats below!