How to Set Down a Cowboy Hat
Cowboy hats aren’t just accessories — they’re part of American history, pride, and personality. Whether it’s a wool felt cowboy hat or a lightweight straw design, how you wear it and even how you set it down reflects both your respect for tradition and your understanding of cowboy etiquette.
In the Western world, a cowboy hat says a lot about who you are. But one of the most overlooked parts of owning one is knowing how to properly handle it — especially when it’s time to take it off and set it down.
So today, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about how to set down a cowboy hat the right way, including expert tips, common mistakes, and why this small detail matters more than you think.
Why It Matters: The Meaning Behind Cowboy Hat Etiquette
Before learning the right way to set your cowboy hat down, it helps to understand why etiquette matters at all.
In classic Western culture, a cowboy hat was more than protection from the sun—it was a man or woman’s identity. You could tell someone’s region, ranch, or even their attitude by the way their hat was shaped and worn. An American flag cowboy hat that is worn by mostly Women in Texas
Proper hat etiquette developed out of respect — respect for the hat, for others, and for tradition. From how you wear it indoors to how you rest it on a table, each action sends a message.
That’s why learning how to properly set a cowboy hat down isn’t just about care — it’s about preserving Western heritage.
The Right Way: How to Set Down a Cowboy Hat Properly
If you’ve ever noticed an experienced cowboy or cowgirl setting down their hat, you might see them place it upside down — brim up, crown down. There’s a reason for that.
Here’s how to do it correctly:
Step 1: Choose a Clean, Flat Surface
Before setting your hat down, always make sure the surface is clean and dry. Avoid rough tables, grass, or anywhere it can absorb dirt or moisture.
Step 2: Place It Upside Down (Crown Down, Brim Up)
When it comes to how to set a cowboy hat down, this is the golden rule.
Lay the hat upside down, with the crown resting gently on the surface and the brim facing up.
This prevents the brim from flattening or losing its shape — something that’s hard to fix once it happens.
Step 3: Keep It Away From Heat and Moisture
Never set your cowboy hat near heaters, car dashboards, or windows where sunlight pours in. Heat can shrink felt or warp straw, while moisture can damage the interior band.
Step 4: Store It Properly When Not in Use
If you’re done wearing it for the day, store your cowboy hat on a hat stand, hat rack, or inside a box. Always make sure the hat’s shape is supported to avoid crown dents or brim bends.
Why You Shouldn’t Lay It Brim-Down
A common mistake people make is setting their cowboy hat brim-down on a flat surface.
This might look neat, but it’s actually one of the fastest ways to damage your hat. The weight of the hat presses against the brim, eventually flattening it or making it uneven. Over time, it can ruin the hat’s natural curve — and no amount of steaming can fully bring it back.
That’s why experts always recommend keeping the hat upside down, whether on a table or in a display case.
Hat Superstitions: Luck and Tradition
There’s also a touch of superstition behind this rule. In old cowboy lore, placing your hat brim-down was said to “let your luck run out.”
Setting it upside down, crown first, was believed to “keep the good luck inside.”
Even if you’re not superstitious, it’s a fun reminder that cowboy hats carry stories older than most modern fashion trends. So when you follow the tradition, you’re not just taking care of your hat—you’re continuing a legacy.
Different Situations: How to Set Down a Cowboy Hat Anywhere
At Home or in a Restaurant
When sitting down to eat or relax indoors, it’s respectful to remove your hat. Place it upside down on a chair beside you or on a clean surface near your seat. Avoid tossing it on the floor or hanging it on random objects.
In a Truck or a Car
Wondering how to wear a cowboy hat in a truck or where to put it when driving? Avoid the dashboard — heat and sunlight can ruin the shape fast. Instead, place it upside down on the seat beside you or invest in a small hat carrier to protect it during travel.
At a Rodeo or Outdoor Event
If you’re attending an event and need to take your hat off, hold it by the crown, not the brim, and rest it upside down on your lap or on a nearby surface. Always avoid wet grass or dusty ground.
How to Properly Handle and Carry a Cowboy Hat
Setting a cowboy hat down correctly is just one part of etiquette. Handling it properly is equally important.
Here are a few tips:
- Always hold it by the brim, not the crown. Pinching the crown over time can deform the hat.
- Never toss or throw it. It may look cool in movies, but real cowboys respect their hats too much for that.
- Keep your hands clean before adjusting or removing it — oils and dirt can easily transfer onto felt or leather.
These simple habits help your hat last for years while keeping that crisp Western style intact.
How to Store a Cowboy Hat Long-Term
If you’re not planning to wear your cowboy hat for a while, here’s how to store it safely:
- Use a hat box or storage rack.
- Keep it upside down or supported by the inner crown.
- Avoid plastic bags — they trap moisture.
- Brush off dust regularly using a soft bristle hat brush.
When you’re ready to wear it again, your hat will still look fresh, firm, and perfectly shaped.
Men vs. Women: Same Rules, Slight Differences
Whether you’re a man or a woman, the basic etiquette for how to properly set a cowboy hat down remains the same.
However, women often accessorize their hats with hatbands, feathers, or decorative pins. To prevent damage, gently remove these accessories before resting your hat upside down.
Men’s hats, especially traditional felt cowboy hats, should always be handled carefully to maintain the curve of the brim and height of the crown.
Why Quality Hats Deserve Proper Care
High-quality cowboy hats — like those crafted by Officialsartoria — are made with care, precision, and premium materials. That’s why proper handling and storage make such a difference.
When you invest in a good hat, you’re not just buying an accessory. You’re buying craftsmanship. Taking time to learn how to properly set a cowboy hat down protects that craftsmanship and extends its lifespan.
At Officialsartoria, we design hats that blend timeless style with comfort and durability. Each one is handcrafted with attention to detail — because comfort and confidence should never be compromised.
Size Chart (for Reference)
At Officialsartoria, our standard cowboy and cowgirl hats come in medium size (56 cm), designed to fit comfortably for most adults. For a more personalized fit, customers can refer to our measurement guide before ordering.
