Howdy folks! Javier here from The Boot Jack, and today, we’re diving deep into one of the most important parts of a cowboy hat: the felt.
If you’ve ever wondered what cowboy hat felt is, how it’s made, and which type you should choose—you’re in the right place.
Whether you're buying your first felt hat or adding to your collection, this guide will help you make a confident and stylish decision.
What Is Cowboy Hat Felt?
Felt is the traditional material used for cowboy hats, made by compressing and matting animal fibers, most commonly wool or fur. The most premium hats use beaver, rabbit, or blend furs, which create a softer, more durable hat.
The tighter and smoother the felt, the higher the quality.
This is where you hear terms like “4X,” “20X,” or even “100X”—they often refer to the quality and content of fur in the hat (though not always consistently between brands).
Types of Felt Used in Cowboy Hats
Let’s break it down by material:
1. Wool Felt
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More affordable
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Great for light to moderate use
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Not very water-resistant
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Best for fashion or mild climates
2. Rabbit Fur Felt
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Softer and finer than wool
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More durable and holds shape well
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Comfortable for long-term wear
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Mid-range in price
3. Beaver Fur Felt
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Top-tier quality
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Naturally water-resistant
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Long-lasting with excellent structure
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Often found in high “X” rated hats (100X, 200X+)
4. Blended Furs
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Mixes beaver, rabbit, and other materials
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Offers durability and style at a lower price than pure beaver
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Very common in 20X to 40X hats
When to Wear a Felt Cowboy Hat
Tradition holds that felt hats are worn from Labor Day through Easter, and straw hats are for warmer months. But hey—it’s your hat, your rules.
Felt is ideal for:
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Cooler weather
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Rodeos or formal events
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Weddings or church
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Night outs during fall and winter
👉 Tip from Javier: If it’s cold enough for a jacket, it’s felt hat season!
How to Care for Felt Hats
Taking care of your felt hat means it'll last for years. Here’s how:
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Use a hat brush to remove dust (go counterclockwise)
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Store it upside down on the crown or on a hat stand
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Avoid getting it soaked, even high-quality fur felt
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For stubborn stains or reshaping, bring it to a professional hat shaper
Top Felt Hat Brands at The Boot Jack
Here at The Boot Jack, we carry only the best in USA-made cowboy hat felt:
Stetson
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Premium fur felt with classic Western styles
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Known for 100X El Presidente and the iconic Open Road
Resistol
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Texas-made hats trusted by cowboys for decades
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Great range from 4X to 100X felt styles
American Hat Company
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High-performance and handmade
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Durable, long-wearing felt designed for rodeo life
Charlie 1 Horse
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Bold, fashion-forward designs with classic Western roots
Ready for Your Perfect Felt Cowboy Hat?
Don’t just wear a cowboy hat—make it your signature piece. Whether you’re after something practical, stylish, or heirloom-worthy, we’ve got you covered at The Boot Jack.
Visit us in-store or shop our collection online and find the felt hat that fits your lifestyle like a glove.
