What are the most popular cowboy hat creases?
| Crease | What it looks like | Wear it if |
|---|---|---|
| Cattleman | High crown, long center crease, a dent on each side | You want the classic western look |
| Pinch front | Pinched at the front over a diamond or teardrop top | You want something softer and flattering |
| Gambler | Low, round crown, little or no crease, slightly wider brim | You’re tall or want shade on your eyes |
| Brick | Flat, rectangular crease down the middle | You want traditional with an edge |
| Gus | Cattleman with the front pinched down, sloping forward | You like a weathered, old-trail look |
| Montana | Deeper center crease, lighter side dents | You want a less traditional cattleman |
| Tom Mix | Taller crown, often a light felt with a ribbon band | You want something showy and vintage |
| Open crown | Rounded top with no crease | You want to crease it yourself later |
| Low rodeo | Lower crown, big brim | You’re headed to the arena |
Descriptions follow American Hat Makers’ styles guide.
How does the brim change the look?
The crown gets the attention, but the brim finishes the sentence. A flat brim looks modern and city. A gentle curl at the sides is the everyday western shape. A hard curl, sometimes called a taco, looks rodeo. Wider brims add drama and shade; narrower ones look tidy and fit better in a truck.
How do you choose a crease?
Start with the cattleman if you’re unsure. It’s the reference point for every other crease, and it’s the most common crown among the cowboy hats in our feed. Then try a pinch front for contrast. Most people know which one is “them” within about four seconds of seeing it in a mirror.
Can you change a crease at home?
Felt can be re-creased. Hold a section over a steaming kettle until it softens, shape it with your fingers, and hold it until it cools. Work slowly, one section at a time, and keep your skin out of the steam. For a crown makeover, a hat shop will do it neatly. Straw is less forgiving, so buy the crease you want.
What’s the best cattleman cowboy hat?
The best cattleman is the one in your size with a brim that matches your build: about four inches for most people, a bit wider for broad shoulders, a touch narrower for a smaller frame. Black or brown felt for a first hat, natural straw for summer. The cattleman is the most common crown in our cowboy hat feed, so you’ll have plenty to choose from on the cowboy hats page, and our best cowboy hats list ranks them on published criteria.
Cody’s take: if a stranger has to ask whether it’s a cowboy hat, it isn’t a cattleman.
