Last Updated on December 8, 2022
Whether you enjoy western wear for fashion or ranching purposes, chances are your cowboy hat will catch some rain. For those of us living in wetter climates with year-round rainfall, it’s important to shop for products that can withstand moisture. Horse and livestock owners are frequently caught in the rain (unintentionally or from daily care during storms). We’ve compiled a list of the best cowboy hats for rain. Although they may not be your typical NFR-style hats, these cowboy hats will withstand water and keep your head dry!
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Cowboy Hat for Rain
Material
Generally speaking, cowboy hats do not fare well in rain or wet conditions. Despite their rugged associations, cowboy hats are rather fragile. How much wear and tear depends on what the wear is from, and how much of it! For example, wool-felt hats can be easily shaped and reshaped time and time again. However, straw hats can be maintained but do not tolerate reshaping as well. It’s best to follow the same lines to maintain the integrity of the hat, even with high-quality weaves. If you just love the look of wool/felt but you know you will be caught in severe weather, we recommend looking into waterproof cotton oilskin hats. Fur hats are also more tolerant than felt, although shaping may be required. Some brands are now coming out with “water-resistant” coated hats, but the coating may be affecting my regular cleaning and shaping.
On the other hand, palm straw hats tolerate moisture much better. Some even have a waterproof coating. The hat will soften when wet, but with a little brim reshaping and they can look as good as new. It is important to never lay the brim flat or let the wet crown become crushed! Although wool felt can get wet, these hats can be damaged if they get completely soaked. (The same goes for faux-felt/wool hats.) No swimming in cowboy hats, folks!
Post-Rain Care
In the inevitable event of getting caught in rainfall, felt and wool hats should be immediately patted off and allowed to air dry upside down to where the crown remains unbothered and the brim is not flat. If your hat is well kept, a felt hat brush should clean it without any water residue spots. Hats, whether brushed off or reshaped, should never be put away wet under any circumstances. This will lead to warping, odor, and likely mildew. It is important sweatbands be turned inside out to dry thoroughly.
Palm straw hats may feel slightly tacky when wet but will return to like-new condition. They need reshaping while still wet, and ensure the brim does not become flat. Once completely dry, they can be put away for future use.
No material should dry by utilizing actual heat sources. All hats should be left alone to air dry completely. Utilizing a heat lamp or dyer can cause the hat to warp in shape or even shrink! Even when sweatbands are only wet from sweat, allowing them to dry flipped outward will prevent any staining along with the hatband.
To learn more about basic cowboy hat care and shaping, click here.
List of The Best Cowboy Hats for Rain
#1 Stetson Men’s Apache 4X Buffalo Felt Cowboy Hat
Stetson is always a home run, whether cowboy hats are a part of your day-to-day workwear or for a night out on the town. Made in the USA, the American Buffalo Collection boasts 4X buffalo fur felt and encompasses western tradition. The hatband features silver hardware with a buffalo clasp. This hat is water-resistant, making it an optimal choice rain or shine.
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Stetson quality and branding
- Made in the USA
- Moderately priced
Cons:
- Water resistance may affect reshaping
#2 Stetson Men’s Powder River 4X Buffalo Felt Cowboy Hat
The Powder River is another 4X genuine buffalo felt hat by Stetson. Even with the high quality and fit of this hat, it is also water-resistant. Available in brown or mink with a hair-on-hide overlay hatband, the Powder River encompasses a classic look. It uses a classic cattleman 4.75″ pinch front crease to highlight the orange wraps and antiqued gold conchos.
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Stetson quality and branding
- Made in the USA
- Moderately priced
- Two-color choices (warmer and cooler tones)
Cons:
- Water resistance may affect reshaping
#3 MexiMart 8 Second Cowboy Hat Mexican Palm Leaf Cowboy Hat
A much more economical option may be the best choice depending on how much water you’re knowingly going to subject your hat to. This palm leaf hat has an elastic enclosure to keep everything in place even when things might get a little bronzy. It’s made of 100% palm leaf and imported directly from Mexico, handmade by local artisans. Palm leaf is extremely durable and easy to whip a hat back into shape even if exposed to a torrential downpour!
Pros:
- Handmade by locals
- Economical choice
- Extremely durable
- Palm leaf is very popular
Cons:
- One size fits all
#4 Outback Trading Company Unisex Waterproof Cowboy Cotton Oilskin Hat
Although not a style you will see rampant in NFR fashion, the Outback Trading Company makes quality and durable hats for a multitude of budgets. This Trapper Oilskin hat is a product of the USA, 100% treated cotton oilskin, and has elastic enclosures. The waterproof exterior allows water to simply run off the fabric! It offers 50 UPF protection from UV rays, has an adjustable chin cord, and a moisture-wicking sweatband for long days.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Waterproof
- Made in the USA
- UPF 50 UV protection
- Additional adjustment with chin strap
Cons:
- Untraditional overall appearance
- Will not reshape well if needed
#5 Outback Trading Company Unisex 1480 Kodiak UPF 50 Waterproof Western Cotton Oilskin Hat
We will have to classify this as more of a fedora-style western hat, but not all equestrians are western- so we won’t discriminate when looking for waterproof hats! The Kodiak by Outback Trading Company is a UPF 50 and waterproof cotton oilskin hat, with an MSRP of under $60! Available in black, tan, or brown, this USA-made hat uses elastic enclosures and has a mesh crown for increased ventilation. Authentic Australian oilskin is perfect for day workers moving animals across wet terrains, or in rainy weather. If a little Aussie charm fits your needs, you’ll love this wire-brim hat with a moisture-wicking sweatband and security pocket.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Waterproof
- Made in the USA
- UPF 50 UV protection
- Additional adjustment with chin strap
- No need to shape or maintain
Cons:
- Untraditional overall appearance
- Dry clean only
#6 Stetson Men’s Bozeman Wool Felt Crushable Cowboy Hat For Rain
Stetson, again! This crushable wool felt hat handles daily wear and tear (and more) like a champ. Available in black, tan, or brown, this fitted flat-brim hat is moderately priced for the Stetson brand and features a leather hat band and teardrop pinch crown. This western hat is completely crushable, water repellent, and made in the USA. It has a quick-dry sweatband, making this the perfect choice when traditional “cowboy hat care” may not be a priority or even possible. Stetson produced yet another win with a sleek hat that can get the job done.
Pros:
- Moderately priced
- Crushable (low maintenance)
- Made in the USA
- Waterproof
- Easy to care for
- No reshaping necessary
Cons:
- Lacks traditional western look
- Sizing runs small
#7 American Hat Makers Stockade Vegan Cowboy Hat For Rain
Although untraditional, American Hat Makers uses the finest materials for high-quality and durable cowboy hats. These hats are each handcrafted and use vegan-friendly materials for water resistance and UV sun protection. The Stockade is lightweight and can be adjusted through the company’s signature multi-sized sweatbands. Care is easy, and sweatbands can simply be washed or even replaced when other bands get grimy.
Pros:
- Handmade in the USA
- Adjustable fit
- Replaceable sweatbands
- Water-resistant
- Holds shape
Cons:
- Expensive considering the materials
- Untraditional “hip” appearance
Honorable Mention: Cowboy Hat Shop Rain Protector
Although not actually a hat, we had to include a cowboy hat rain protector. For some hats, rain can just do too much damage in excess quantities. Other situations like horse shows and rodeo queens may call for high-end yet less durable cowboy hats (especially in white). Most show organizations and rodeos allow the use of hat protectors in outdoor events, some even encourage the use. Many custom-dyed queen hats will be fragile and do not take steaming well due to the risk of discoloration once exposed to high heat or moisture.
These hat protectors are great for rain protection, as well as dust or smoke. This Cowboy Shop protector is all vinyl with an elastic closure, guaranteed to be waterproof without pulling shape from the brim. This is unconditionally guaranteed, and will not peel or crack. Unlike other competitive hat covers, this material will not discolor or yellow over time. This moderately priced “hat hack” can save you a whole lot of money, stress, and time in the future! Please also see similar hat protectors below:
What is your go-to for rainy weather? Be sure to share this article!
How to Waterproof a Felt Cowboy Hat?
It is possible to treat a felt cowboy hat so that it will repel rain and water to some extent, but don’t expect it to be completely waterproof. Felt made from natural wool fibers can be particularly difficult to waterproof.
To waterproof a felt cowboy hat, you will need to invest in the right type of waterproofing product for your hat. As cowboy hats can be relatively expensive to start with, it pays to spend a little more protecting your hat and keeping it in top condition for longer.
A good outdoor equipment store should be able to advise you on the right product to buy to waterproof your felt cowboy hat. Make sure to test the product first on a small area of felt that is not visible.
Alternatively, you can keep your felt cowboy hat dry by using a waterproof hat cover. Not the most stylish option, but a quick and easy way to protect you and your hat from unexpected rain showers!
Is it bad to get a felt cowboy hat wet?
Felt cowboy hats will not be harmed if they get slightly wet. Light rain or even a little bit of snow should not be a problem for a felt cowboy hat, but a severe downpour may ruin your precious hat forever!
The problem with felt is that the fibers can stretch or shrink if they become saturated with water. This can cause your hat to lose its shape or even shrink so much that it no longer fits you.
How Do You Waterproof a Wool Cowboy Hat?
Many people do not realize that wool has naturally water-repellent properties. This is thanks to a substance called lanolin which naturally occurs on the fleece of sheep. If wool is never washed in detergent, the lanolin will remain on the material and give the hat some water resistance.
This does not mean that a wool cowboy hat will necessarily keep your head completely dry, but most of the water should run off.
Problems can arise if the wool has been treated or washed, which will remove the natural lanolin and make the wool more porous to water. When wool becomes saturated, the fibers will become misshapen, resulting in changes to the shape and size of your cowboy hat.
To protect your wool cowboy hat from rain, use a commercial waterproofing spray intended for use on wool. This will help keep your hat in pristine condition for longer, as well as help keep you dry if you get caught in an unexpected shower.
How Do You Waterproof a Straw Cowboy Hat?
Straw cowboy hats are highly susceptible to water damage and can be completely ruined if they get wet. It is possible to waterproof a straw cowboy hat, but even after this, it is not a good idea to deliberately wear it in heavy rain. Using a waterproof rain cover is the best option, as this will keep your hat perfectly dry.
Straw cowboy hats can be sprayed with waterproofing spray which will give them some protection in case you get caught out in an unexpected shower. If your hat does get wet, the straw will not absorb as much water, and it should retain its shape once dried out.
How to Take Care of a Leather Cowboy Hat?
When it comes to durability and comfort, leather cowboy hats are the gold standard. However, your leather cowboy hat will require some maintenance to keep it in great condition.
Firstly, ensure any sweat or dirt marks are cleaned from your hat as soon as possible. Use a mild baby shampoo and a damp cloth to clean the hat, ensuring that any excess water is dabbed away with a dry cloth. Allow the hat to dry thoroughly before using it again.
Periodically it is also a good idea to treat the hat with a good quality leather conditioner. This will keep the leather supple, hydrated, and in peak condition.
Equestrian, Marine Corps vet, and Morgan horse enthusiast.
