Leather is a great material for western wear items. We've recently done an article on leather chaps. This article will feature the leather cowboy hat and its uses to the western wear world.

Leather cowboy hats have continued to be a symbol of cowboys. It has been so since its beginning in the wild wild west and the days of Wyatt Earp. Cowboy hats can be made out of many materials, but back in the day leather as a popular material because there was plenty of animals around.

Leather cowboy hats were easy to shape. Leather is pliable and easy to mold things out of, so a leather hat ensured a good fit. Leather also tends to hold its shape well, so it does not wrinkle or stretch out easily.

Another benefit of a leather hat is that it is weather resistant. It works well in all types of weather, whether that be hot, cold, or humid weather. Leather is resistant to wind and rain and can be worn at all times of the year.

A straw hat was also used during the Nineteenth century, but it did not do a good job protecting cowboys from harsher weather. In the cold it did not protect the wearer from rain or snow. During the hot months, sunlight still got through the straw fibers of the hat and did not protect against the sun.

Leather, on the other hand, provides protection against the elements no matter what type of weather. During the winter time it provides protection against wind and snow, and adds warmth and durability that other materials have. During the summer time it protects against the sun and can be used to fan you off.

Leather hats provide better quality hats. Just remember to take proper care of it so it remains that way. Allow it to dry on its own when it is wet, and be sure to store your hat for long periods of time out of the sun so it does not have discoloration issues.

When cleaning leather you can ask your western apparel shop what they recommend. They should be able to recommend good cleaning agents that are safe with leather. However, test out an inconspicuous place on your cowboy hat first before jumping in and cleaning your entire hat with the product.