Whether for Father’s Day, a birthday, or just because, you may want to get your dad the ultimate cowboy hat. Whether it’s a black cowboy hat
made of fur felt or a pastel straw cowboy hat, there are some
considerations you should take into account before giving him the gift
of a premium cowboy hat.
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| Black Cowboy Hat |
Straw or Fur Felt Cowboy Hat?
The first consideration is a question you should ask about when your dad
will use the cowboy hat. Will he be doing work on the ranch in the hot
summer sun, or during the cold winter? Generally, your dad will want to
wear a fur felt hat after Labor Day and through Easter due to the colder
weather, and a straw cowboy hat
when the weather is hotter. Some exceptions apply, such as straw hats
seeing more use in Texas, where it is warmer for longer, and fur felt
hats in Montana, where it’s cold more often.
Buy a Hat That Fits Dad’s Face Shape
Once you have decided on fur felt or straw, the next consideration is
your dad’s face shape. He will look best in a hat with a medium crown
height if he has a thin, elongated face. Tall or short crowns will make
his face appear longer, which is less flattering. If your dad has a
full, round face, choose a hat with a low crown height. A crown with a
slight forward angle to the crease, combined with a low height, is
flattering for fuller faces. Oval faces benefit from having a medium
brim, as a smaller brim can make his face look larger.
Choose the Right Crown Type for His Style and Needs
Choose a crown based on your dad’s needs and style. A cattleman crease
is the most common, and is the traditional cowboy crease, keeping wind
and rain from pulling the hat off. The telescope, or gambler, is a
crease that prevents hot air from gathering in the hat. There are a
number of creases to choose from, each with different benefits.
Buy a Cowboy Hat Made with Premium Materials
If you are getting your dad a fur felt cowboy hats,
make sure it is made with premium materials that are durable. From
rabbit to wild hare to beaver, make sure the fur used is high-quality.
For straw hats, you want a high-quality lacquer that will last the
season. Look for hats of at least 8X quality.
Consider What Dad’s Idols Wear
Draw inspiration from his idols. You can find hats inspired by country
singers George Strait, Cody Johnson, and Jason Aldean, or rodeo legend
Tuff Hedeman. Use their hats as inspiration for what your dad might
like.
About Resistol
Resistol, since its founding in 1929, has supplied anyone who does
things the cowboy way with the highest-quality cowboy hats and apparel
for men and women. From a fur felt hat to straw hat, their cowboy hats
are meant to be worn while working on the ranch, singing on stage, and
riding into the rodeo ring. The cowboy hats, true to the brand name, are
built to resist all, regardless of what challenges you face or the
weather outside. Resistol takes pride in making their hats from fur to
finish in the United States, using authentic materials like rabbit, wild
hare, beaver, and more. The brand offers cowboy hats and apparel for
those who live the Western way of life. Just like their customers, the
Resistol team lives it every day, too. Resistol offers everything from
fur felt cowboy hats to straw cowboy hats, including signature
collections created with help from your favorite rodeo cowboys and
country artists.
Find the perfect cowboy hat for your dad at Resistol.com
In modern life, old-fashioned etiquette is often forgotten, but showing
proper respect is a mark of character. Living the Western lifestyle
means knowing the proper cowboy hat etiquette. When do you tip it? When
do you take it off? Here are four tips you need to know about proper
cowboy hat etiquette.
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| Black Cowboy Hat |
When to Doff the Hat
An easy way to follow etiquette is when you enter a building, doff the black cowboy hat.
There are finer details for when to take off the hat, however. For
formal occasions, leave the hat off, but for informal occasions, you can
keep it on. This includes visits to bars. If you are sitting down for a
meal at a table, take the cowboy hat off unless there is no safe spot
to lay it. If you are eating at a bar, rather than a booth or table, you
can keep it on. If you are eating outside, such as at a campfire, keep
it on. Doff the cowboy hat during the Pledge of Allegiance, the Passing
of the Flag, in church, during prayer, at an indoor wedding or funeral,
or the passing of a casket during a funeral procession. You should also
remove your cowboy hat when you’re being introduced to a lady.
Generally, hold the hat in your left hand if you are right-hand dominant
in case you need to hold your hand over your heart or shake hands.
When to Tip the Hat
Tipping your hat is a simple gesture of politeness when wearing any hat
but it is especially important for cowboys. Generally, only men tip
their hats. Lift the hat off your forehead, by the crown, when greeting a
lady you’re already acquainted with, saying hello, thanking someone,
saying “excuse me,” when you are leaving, or saying “you’re welcome.”
While many may simply touch the brim of their hat, a proper hat tip
lifts the cowboy hat off your head. You can also do a half-tip during
the National Anthem, a common cowboy gesture where the hat is held to
one side of the head, crown out to the side.
Don’t Touch Another Cowboy’s Hat
Do not touch another cowboy’s hat. Many cowboys will not even hand the
hat over even if the owner specifically asks, as it is considered bad
luck to touch another cowboy’s hat. Do not grab a cowboy hat off of
someone’s head, and do not try on another cowboy’s hat.
When to Wear Fur Felt vs. Straw Cowboy Hats
In most cases, you will want to wear your fur felt cowboy hat after
Labor Day and through Easter, when the weather is colder. In warmer
weather, don your straw cowboy hat
to stay cool. There are exceptions, however, such as wearing straw hats
in Texas for longer thanks to the heat, or fur felt hats year-round in
Montana thanks to the cold. Fur felt hats are also preferable for formal
occasions.
About Resistol
Resistol, since its founding in 1929, has supplied anyone who does
things the cowboy way with the highest-quality cowboy hats and apparel
for men and women. From a fur felt hat
to straw hat, their cowboy hats are meant to be worn while working on
the ranch, singing on stage, and riding into the rodeo ring. The cowboy
hats, true to the brand name, are built to resist all, regardless of
what challenges you face or the weather outside. Resistol takes pride in
making their hats from fur to finish in the United States, using
authentic materials like rabbit, wild hare, beaver, and more. The brand
offers cowboy hats and apparel for those who live the Western way of
life. Just like their customers, the Resistol team lives it every day,
too. Resistol offers everything from fur felt cowboy hats to straw
cowboy hats, including signature collections created with help from your
favorite rodeo cowboys and country artists.
Find the perfect cowboy hat to tip at Resistol.com
Whether this is your first black cowboy hat or you are a seasoned ranch hand, it’s still possible to make mistakes with your hat. A cowboy hat can be an investment, and anything from wearing your hat out in the wrong weather to storing it incorrectly can damage your hat.
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| Felt Cowboy Hats |
Mistake #1: Taking Your Cowboy Hat Off Wrong
Instead of gripping the brim, as you might with a baseball cap, you take a cowboy hat off by the crown. Taking it off by the brim can warp it, and many cowboy hats have been painstakingly shaped into specific styles and for specific purposes.
Mistake #2: Wearing Your Cowboy Hat in the Wrong Weather
If you are wearing a fur felt cowboy hat on a blustery day, herding cattle across the ranch, chances are you can pull your hat on tighter and tilt it down a bit in case it starts raining. But on a hot summer day, the fur felt might get too hot. In the heat, it’s time to break out a straw cowboy hat to keep your head comfortable and shaded without getting too hot.
Mistake #3: Not Wearing Your New Cowboy Hat Often Enough
If you have a cowboy hat collection and have recently added a new hat, you might not be ready to rotate out an old, reliable hat. However, you need to give your new hat time to flex and contour to your head, making it fit better. To do that, you need to wear your new hat more than the others. High-end cowboy hats should have a leather sweatband. However, if you don’t wear your hat enough, the leather can dry out, making it shrink and not fit as well. Wear your cowboy hat frequently, especially in the months after you get it, and it will break in nicely.
Mistake #4: Cleaning Your Cowboy Hat Improperly
You can remove dust and dirt from your straw hat by wiping it with a clean, damp cloth. For fur felt cowboy hats, use a soft brush. Start at the left side of the hat and brush counterclockwise toward the back and around to the front. Spots can be removed with a small amount of baby talcum powder or cornstarch, but never use liquid cleaners. You can shake water off your straw hat, but for fur felt and fur, you need to turn down the leather sweatband. Stand the hat on the sweatband to air dry. Don’t rest the hat on its brim while wet or expose it to heat as it can warp. You should occasionally turn down the sweatband on a straw hat, as well.
Mistake #5: Storing Your Cowboy Hat Incorrectly
Store your hat on its crown, in a box or on a clean surface. Storing it brim-side down on a flat surface can cause the brim to warp.
Mistake #6: Getting a Low-Quality Cowboy Hat
Especially if you are working in the hat, go for a high-quality cowboy hat, at least 8X, that is durable and uses authentic, high-quality materials like rabbit, wild hare, and beaver fur. It will last longer and stand up to hard work in the elements.
About Resistol
Since its founding in 1927, Resistol has committed to producing the highest quality cowboy hats for anyone who does things the cowboy way. Resistol cowboy hats are meant to be worn on the ranch, on stage, and in the rodeo ring. Just like the brand’s name, the cowboy hats are built to resist all, no matter what challenges you face or the weather outside. Their cowboy hats are made from fur to finish in the United States with authentic materials like wild hare, rabbit, beaver, and more. The Resistol team makes cowboy hats and apparel for anyone living the Western way of life, and, just like their customers, they live it every day too. Resistol offers everything from fur felt cowboy hats to straw cowboy hats, including signature collections from your favorite country artists and rodeo cowboys. They also offer apparel for men and women.
Shop Resistol cowboy hats at Resistol.com
The crease of a cowboy hand can add a stylistic flair while giving each hat individual character. Practically, a crease helps the wearer doff and don the hat, providing convenient finger grips on the crown. Whether it’s for a tan, silver belly, or black cowboy hat, here is a comparison of a few of the popular cowboy hat crease styles to help you decide which is best for you.
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| Straw Cowboy Hat |
The Cattleman Crown
The most common and popular shape of the modern felt cowboy hat. This style of crown was most popular with Cattle Ranch Owners in the 1880s. There are many variations of this crown, but they exhibit the same semi-narrow center crease with large dents on both sides of the crown.
Cattle ranch owners spent lots of time off the ranch going into town to conduct business. Whether at the bank, church or other places, hat etiquette at the time demanded that a man take off his hat when indoors. Legends say that the constant gripping of the crown gave their hats the distinctive shape we call the Cattleman Crown.
The Cattleman Crown is also popular in a straw cowboy hat. While it’s the most traditional, it’s also among the most popular. It tends to be best for wearers with wide, square faces.
The Gus
Originally known as the Montana Slope, this hat became known as the Gus after Robert Duvall’s character in Lonesome Dove. The back of the crown is always higher than the front. Side dents complete the look, which works equally well on men and women
Open Crown
The Open crown is a creaseless crown and is sometimes referred to as a 10-gallon hat. It is completely rounded on top and the original cowboy hat. A hundred years ago all hats were sold as open crown. You would buy your hat and the store owner would shape the hat crown to your specifications. Resistol still sells open crown hats that you can shape yourself.
Pinch Front
The Pinch Front crease is often used with either a diamond or teardrop shape. Two pinches on either side of the crown create the bottom V-shape of either the diamond or teardrop. This shape can help the jawline look narrower and more accentuated, which can also make faces appear thinner. This has made the Pinch Front crease style more popular among women.
The Brick Crown
A wide crease shaped like a brick can be seen in the center of the crown. This crease is popular with Rough stock Rodeo Competitors.
The Brick Crown is wide and looks best on men with strong jaws.
Telescope
Also known as the Gambler, the Telescope crease originated with Mexican cowboys who came up to America for work. It’s a functional crease that helps stop hot air from gathering in the hat. It’s often paired with a wide, flat brim for providing more shade and is not uncommon to be found on a fur or felt hat. It is similar to the open crown in that it is nearly creaseless, rounded at the top with a small circular indentation in the middle of the crown. It looks like the lens of a telescope, giving the style its name.
About Resistol
Since its founding in 1927, Resistol has committed to producing the highest quality cowboy hats for anyone who does things the cowboy way. Resistol cowboy hats are meant to be worn on the ranch, on stage, and in the rodeo ring. Just like the brand’s name, the cowboy hats are built to resist all, no matter what challenges you face or the weather outside. Their cowboy hats are made from fur to finish in the United States with authentic materials like wild hare, rabbit, beaver, and more. The Resistol team makes cowboy hats and apparel for anyone living the Western way of life, and, just like their customers, they live it every day too. Resistol offers everything from fur felt cowboy hats to straw cowboy hats, including signature collections from your favorite country artists and rodeo cowboys. They also offer apparel for men and women.
Shop the Resistol selection of cowboy hats and apparel at Resistol.com
Whether you’re a country and western musician, a rodeo cowboy, or just living the cowboy lifestyle, you need a quality cowboy hat. On the range, in the arena, or on the stage an appropriate cowboy hat is required gear.
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| Felt Cowboy Hats |
But should you look for a pastel or black cowboy hat?
Should it be straw or felt? How do you find one that will last? Here
are a few tips for finding the right cowboy hat for the summer that will
keep up with long hours and still look great.
How to Spot a High-Quality Cowboy Hat
The first consideration when looking for a new cowboy hat, black or
pastel, felt or straw, is choosing a high-quality brand. The best
producer will make their cowboy hats from fur to finish in the U.S.A.
without buying their bodies from overseas. Look for a brand that’s
trusted by working cowboys and PRCA competitors. You could also look for
hats built through partnerships with country music legends like George
Strait. After all, the people who trust and put their names behind a
cowboy hat say a lot about its quality.
How to Select a Summer Straw Cowboy Hat
Traditionally, professionals will wear a straw cowboy hat
during the summer. Straw is lightweight and breathable, and the general
rule holds that one should wear straw cowboy hats between Easter and
Labor Day—although if you’re up north where the summers don’t get very
hot, this may not be a rule. If you want a straw cowboy hat that will be
taken seriously, don’t look at anything with a quality rating lower
than 8X.
If you’re a fan of light-colored cowboy hats, your
summer straw hat is a great opportunity to showcase this style. If you
want something a little more rustic, go for a palm or a bangora. Not
sure if it’s hot enough for you to need a straw hat? If your head is
sweating, you need a straw hat.
How to Select a Summer Felt Cowboy Hat
After Labor Day, it’s time to wear felt hats, unless it’s cold enough
that you need a felt hat year-round. You’ll also want to keep a felt
cowboy hat on hand for formal occasions during the summer, to really put
your best foot forward. The most important consideration for any hat is
quality. Authentic fur from beaver, rabbit, or wild hare is the start.
Just like straw, fur felt cowboy hats should be 6X quality or above, and
they should be made from fur to finish in America. Felt cowboy hats are
traditionally considered a winter hat or a “going out” hat for formal
occasions, so any cowboy or cowgirl should keep one clean and ready at
all times.
How to Care for Your Summer Cowboy Hat
Whether you opt for a felt or straw cowboy hat, or both, proper upkeep
is vital to keep it looking good and in good shape. Cowboy hats should
be stored in a cowboy hat-specific box or hung on a hat rack when not
being worn. If neither is available, place your hat upside down, rather
than brim-down, to help maintain its shape. Store felt cowboy hats
in a cool, dry place, and clean them off with a hat brush when the hat
is dry. Cornstarch and talcum powder can be used to absorb stains on
felt cowboy hats. But never use chemical soaps or detergents to clean a
cowboy hat.
About Resistol
Since
their founding in 1927, Resistol has been committed to producing the
highest quality hats for the men and women living hard-working,
authentic lives. Resistol’s cowboy hats are built to resist all that a
day can throw at them, to be worn whatever the weather conditions or the
day’s challenges bring. The folks at Resistol still produce their hats
here in the United States, from fur to finish. They continue to use
authentic furs such as rabbit, wild hare, and beaver. The Resistol team
makes hats and other apparel for everyday people who live life the
cowboy way. They know how important that is since they live that life
too. Whether you need a straw or felt cowboy hat, check out Resistol’s
premium cowboy hat collections from iconic country music names, made for
professionals and independent cowboys like you.
Take a look at everything Resistol has to offer at Resistol.com
A high-quality cowboy hat, whether it’s a felt cowboy hat or straw cowboy hat, is more than a piece of apparel: It’s a symbol of hard work, respect, and passion for the western lifestyle. A cowboy hat is perhaps the most truly iconic piece of American clothing. If you’re new to the lifestyle or looking for your first true cowboy hat, remember that it’s an investment in your character.
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| Straw Cowboy Hat |
An important aspect of owning a cowboy hat is keeping it clean, in good shape, and looking at its best. Consider the following suggestions for cleaning, storing, and maintaining your cowboy hats.
Choosing Your Cowboy Hat
First, you need the right hat. How it’s made is the first important key to finding a cowboy hat that will last when it’s properly cared for. Find a manufacturer that makes their hats in the United States, and controls the entire production process. If you’re buying a felt hat, find a manufacturer that still uses fur like rabbit, wild hare’s fur, and beaver, making the hat from fur to finish.
Removing Your Cowboy Hat
There are a number of occasions during which you’ll need to remove your cowboy hat: Remember that respect and courtesy are vital for any professional cowboy. Although it’s a common theme in popular entertainment, don’t hold the brim to take your hat off. Removing a hat by the brim can warp the shape of your hat, and a quality cowboy hat will have been painstakingly shaped to a specific style. Be sure to take your hat off by the crown.
Storing Your Cowboy Hat
Hanging your cowboy hat on a hat stand or storing it in a hatbox are both fine. If neither of those is an option, lay your cowboy hat down on its crown, upside down. Never leave a hat brim-side down, it can warp the brim, and lose its shape. If your hat is wet, from rain or sweat, turn the sweatband away from the hat and allow the sweatband and the hat to dry. Never attempt to dry a cowboy hat with a heater or in the dryer. It’s particularly important that felt hats are stored in cool, dry environments, away from excessive heat and humidity.
Cleaning Your Cowboy Hat
Most importantly, when you’re cleaning your cowboy hat, never use any chemical detergents, cleaners, or soaps. Definitely never put a hat through a washing machine. Never clean a hat when it’s wet. To dust your hat, use a hat brush on the dry hat. To remove persistent bits of dust, lint, or hair, use a lint roller or the sticky side of tape. For stains on a white or very light colored hat, your best bet is using a modest amount of baby talcum powder or cornstarch to absorb it and then brush it off.
About Resistol
Since their founding in 1927, Resistol has been committed to producing the highest quality hats for the men and women living hard-working, authentic lives. Resistol’s cowboy hats are built to resist all that a day can throw at them, to be worn whatever the weather conditions or the day’s challenges bring. The folks at Resistol still produce their hats here in the United States, from fur to finish. They continue to use authentic furs such as rabbit, wild hare, and beaver. The Resistol team makes hats and other apparel for everyday people who live life the cowboy way. They know how important that is since they live that life too. Whether you need a light colored or a black cowboy hat, check out Resistol’s premium cowboy hat collections from iconic country music names, made for professionals and independent cowboys like you.
Find the cowboy hat you’ll pass down at Resistol.com
Cowboy hats are with you through it all, thick and thin, rain or shine. If you received your first felt or straw cowboy hat
when you were young as a hand me down, if American tradition runs
through your family, then you know that they’re more than just a hat.
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| Black Cowboy Hat |
Whether you’re buying your own cowboy hat for the first time, or you
want to update your look, the right hat is an investment in your style
and your character. It’s about more than just finding something that
looks good: what a hat is made of, where it’s made, and the quality of
craftsmanship all represent the authenticity of your character. What are
you investing in exactly?
Invest in Craftsmanship
What makes a cowboy hat a true investment? It all comes down to the
materials and the craftsmanship. Generic cowboy hats might look the part
if you were dressing up in a cowboy costume, but a real cowboy will
spot you from a mile away. If you plan to actually use your hat, you
need something a little better built. This means taking a little extra
time and being prepared to invest a little more into your hat.
You want to purchase from a company that makes their hats the hard way
with full control over the entire production process. Cowboy hats are an
iconic image of America, so make sure your hats are made right here in
the USA from start to finish. Some companies might purchase hat bodies
offshore, then dress and finish them. From fur to finish in the USA is
the way to go: every element of the production process should be
performed on American soil. Human hands should touch every part of the
hat from the crown to the brim, whether you’re looking for a pure beaver
fur hat for formal events or a light straw hat for working in the sun.
Invest in Durability
If you’re planning on wearing your hat daily, you want something that
will hold up and resist all weather. This is where the materials come
in. Cheap materials won’t last while premium materials will hold on. For
example, the best felt cowboy hat
money can buy is made from pure beaver fur. A high-quality handmade 6X
hat made of rabbit and wild hare fur will also serve you very well.
Straw hats can vary wildly in quality too, and the right straw hat,
properly cared for, will protect you from the punishing heat of the sun.
If you properly care for these kinds of cowboy hats, they will last
long enough for you to pass down.
Invest in Style
Finally, every cowboy has their preferred style, down to the details
like hat creases. Some prefer the classic cattleman while others like a
rounded brick. Pick the style that fits you and your face shape the
best. Also, the finish of the hat can say a lot about the wearer too.
Someone wearing a black cowboy hat
projects a different tone than someone with a faded straw hat. Your hat
style gives the world a hint of who you are and what you’re doing, and
it’s always best to invest in you. Try a few different styles out or
maybe even emulate a hero of yours, and find the one that fits you best.
About Resistol
Since
1927, Resistol has been committed to producing the finest quality hats
for anyone who lives authentically. Resistol hats are meant to be worn
through thick and thin and are built to resist all, no matter the
weather or the challenges of the day. They produce all of their hats,
from fur to finish, in the United States using authentic materials like
rabbit, wild hare, and beaver, among others. The team at Resistol makes
hats and apparel for people that live the Western way of life, and they
know what that means since they live it every day too. From straw hats
to felt hats, including signature collections from your favorite country
artists and riders to apparel for men and women, Resistol has all of
your Western wear needs covered.
Shop their entire selection of hats and apparel at Resistol.com
Buying a new straw or felt hat
is an investment in your style and confidence. When a cowboy hat just
fits well, feels right, and looks the part, it enhances the sense of
pride and confidence that comes with wearing one. Whether you’re looking
to buy your first cowboy hat after years of wearing a hand-me-down, or
you just want to add another to your rotation, there are a few things to
consider. From the purpose of the hat to the look and feel, here’s what
to look for.
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| Felt Hat |
When and Where Will You Wear the Hat?
Do you plan on wearing this hat daily while working, or is it going to
be more of a special occasion accessory? When and where you want to wear
your hat will affect the style and material that you select. For
example, a black cowboy hat
fits right in during formal events and after Labor Day, but you might
want something lighter for everyday wear, especially if you work in the
sun. There is also the care factor that comes into it. Wool and felt
require a bit more care to keep clean, while you won’t have an issue
throwing your straw hat around out on the range—a little dirt just adds
character.
What’s Your Climate?
Another essential factor to consider is your home state’s general
climate. The rule of thumb for most places is felt and wool hats come on
after Labor Day and through Easter, while a straw cowboy hat
is ideal for the summer season. If you live in an area with ranging
seasons, you’ll likely want to stick to this guidance, but if your home
state is either generally hot or cold all year, sticking with one
material year-round might be best. Felt and wool hats are much more
comfortable in the colder climates because they can insulate your head
while straw hats are more breathable, perfect for hot southernair. If
you plan on wearing your hat outdoors a ton, consider your climate
before selecting the material.
Find Your Size
Size is everything when selecting a cowboy hat. Unlike baseball caps,
you can’t adjust it to better fit your head. If a cowboy hat is too
loose it’ll be blowing off with any little gust of wind. Too tight and
you’ll not only look a bit funny, but you’ll also feel less comfortable.
When investing in a premium cowboy hat, you want to make sure it fits
perfectly, so step one is to make sure it’s American made. Ideally,
you’ll have your hat size measured by a professional, but when not
available, a fabric tape measure and mirror should do just fine. Compare
your measurement with Resistol’s size chart to find the hat that fits just right.
Look Into the Company’s Heritage
Finally, who you buy your new hat from matters. Cowboys hats have a
long history in the USA, and the companies that make them should as
well. Don’t go with a Johnny-come-lately that gets their bodies from
overseas, when you can shop with a brand like Resistol that’s been
making quality hats for decades in the USA. You can trust in their
reputation along with the commitment they have to be the best at what
they do.
About Resistol
Since 1927, Resistol has been committed to producing the finest quality
hats for anyone who lives authentically. Resistol hats are meant to be
worn through thick and thin and are built to resist all, no matter the
weather or the challenges of the day. They produce all of their fur felt
hats, from fur to finish, in the United States using authentic
materials like rabbit, wild hare, and beaver, among others. The team at
Resistol makes hats and apparel for people that live the Western way of
life, and they know what that means since they live it every day too.
From straw hats to felt hats, including signature collections from your
favorite country artists and riders to apparel for men and women,
Resistol has all of your Western wear needs covered.
Shop their entire selection of hats and apparel at Resistol.com
