There are many distinct styles of cowboy hats, each with unique crown shapes and brim designs. Some of the most popular cowboy hat styles include:
- Cattleman: The most traditional style, featuring three top creases on the crown and a slightly curled brim. Known for its practicality and classic Western look.
- Brick: A variation of the cattleman, characterized by a squarer crown and a rectangular dimple in the middle.
- Gambler: A hat with a large, rounded brim and a flat, wide crown, traditionally worn by gamblers in Old West films.
- Derby: Features a round, dimple-free crown and long, slightly up-curled brims, similar to a traditional derby hat.
- Pinched Front: Has a sharp V-shaped crown with two pinches at the front, offering a distinctive silhouette.
- Gus: Noted for its high crown sloping forward with three deep dimples on the crown.
- Tom Mix (Ten-Gallon Hat): Larger and more dramatic than the Gus, often associated with theatrical cowboy images.
- Open Crown: Typically rounded and free of dimples, popularized by Stetson, allowing for custom creases by the wearer.
Additional styles include the Montana Mix, Low Rodeo, and the original Boss of the Plains by John B. Stetson, which has a large brim and felt construction resistant to water. These styles vary in crown height, brim width, and crease shapes, catering to different functions, aesthetics, and regional preferences in cowboy culture.
