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Introduction: Felt is for winter. The sun appears and ranchers, rodeo fans and festival goers will don a palm straw cowboy hat . It's light, it breathes and it maint...
Felt is for winter. The sun appears and ranchers, rodeo fans and festival goers will don a palm straw cowboy hat. It's light, it breathes and it maintains its western shape by sweating, the wind and the occasional dribble. It is also quite affordable and is one of the reasons why customers are constantly asking the same questions as they shop: What is it made of, which brands are good, how do I take care of it and where can I purchase one in Canada or the USA? https://stetson.com/collections/hats-outdoor/products/cowhand-raffia-straw-cowboy-hat-toasted-palm
This guide is similar to a field guide. The identification, origin, manufacturing, top hat models (Stetson, Atwood, Sunbody and Kenny Chesney look), and the buying process (and more on Canada) are covered.
Palm straw cowboy hat is a western hat, which is woven from palm leaves instead of beads pressed into felt. It preserves the cowboy silhouette, a creased crown and a curved brim but replaces the warmth of felt with a lighter weave that will manage heat. It's going to be called a palm leaf straw cowboy hat, cowboy palm leaf hats, and palm straw western hats, all are referring to the same family of hats. https://www.sunbody.com/
Palm straw cowboy hat will be used anywhere that a Western style and shade are required:
A wide brim helps to protect the face and neck from the sun on long days in the ranch and farm.
They are the typical hat in western culture on holidays such as Rodeos, Fairs and Festivals during the summer season.
Concerts and country-music culture: The look is associated with country stars, about which we will discuss below.
Fishing, gardening and beach days: One design is created for lifeguards and anglers, featuring a woven palm body, side vent grommets and an adjustable chin cord.
It is very common to wear in the summertime.
Aside from the sun protection, some versions go the extra mile. The sunbody handwoven Guatemalan palm leaf hats have UPF 50+ sun protection and are finished in the USA.
It is not the Old West American cowboy hat history that begins, but with Mexican riders. The cowboy hat of the palm leaves is an association with the vaqueros, the cowboys of Mexico and the fields under a harsh sun. As mentioned earlier, Texas was part of Mexico until 1846, a noteworthy reminder that the cowboy style evolved across the border. https://sidrichardsonmuseum.org/the-evolution-of-the-cowboy-hat/
The content was appropriate to the task. The use of palm leaves for hat making has been a tradition in Mexico's rural areas, and in such areas as Guerrero, local palm has come into use for making wide brimmed hats and the traditional hat for vaqueros. Simply put, palm grows in the area, it's easy to harvest, it becomes part of a hat that is light and cool. Later the Western brand names were developed by felt hat producers, but the palm hat continued to labor during the summer. https://sidrichardsonmuseum.org/the-evolution-of-the-cowboy-hat/
The country music chapter has the modern-day pop culture. Kenny Chesney has admitted he has 3 palm leaf straw hats on stage and that's why he keeps them because they have been through the ocean, rain and sun with him. That story helped to make a working hat a fan favorite.
The leaves of palm plants are dried, split into strips and woven into palm leaf straw. People with hats on point out that there are coarse or fine palm leaves and that the palm leaf hat is a thick straw, whereas the finer straws for dress are thinner. Palm leaf straw has a naturally water-resistant, flexible, and strong properties that is used for various purposes. It's this combination that makes it an ideal choice for outdoor hats.
Some manufacturers provide a clear finish on palm hats and collectors of hats state that sturdy straws from western countries are frequently coated in polyurethane to help make them more durable. The coating makes the hat more durable, but may alter the straw's hand-feel.
The cowboy shape is created by the crown, brim and some key elements found on the cowboy hat:
Tall, centred crown with a front to back crease and pinched sides: Cattleman crease. One palm hat has a 4¼ inch cattleman crown at the front, and a 4-inch crown at the back.
Pinch front: A crown which is pinched at the front to create a slightly sportier appearance. Stetson's Sawmill features, for instance, a 3 ¾ inch ‘pinch front' crown and a 3 ½ inch brim.
The width of the brim on the hat depends on the western hat and most are around 3 1/2 to 4 inches wide. Generally, collectors state that Atwood's palm leaf hats begin at 4 inch brims.
Sides which are curved up like a "taco" or flat sides in "buckaroo" style.
Sweatbands (leather or fabric) and a hatband which can be changed.
Buckaroo palm leaf hats are in the buckaroo fashion of the Great Basin working-cowboy style of hat, typically taller and rounder than the standard cattleman style, and flatter and wider in the brim. If you prefer a more rugged and old school design, then it's this look that you should request.
In the majority of listings, the two names refer to the same thing. Palm leaf is the term used to refer to the raw material, the palm leaf. The woven fiber is marketed as "palm straw. Actual difference is in grade, palm leaf may be coarse or fine, the quality, thickness and finish of the weave will determine the price.
An easy way to determine a listing:
Look for the words 100% palm leaf or palm straw, in the description.
As noted by hat collectors, toyo and shantung straws aren't palm-based, but paper.
Tight, even weaves will stay in shape longer than loose weaves.
Palm vs straw: Palm is a type of straw, so this should be Palm vs other types of straw:
Palm leaf hats:
The feel: Thick and sturdy, with a slightly rustic quality.
Durability: Good, self resisting against natural water effect
With its lower cost, it is typically the cheapest option.
Ideal for outdoor work and rodeos, working hats.
Other straws (wheat, paper, fine toquilla:
Feel: Usually thinner, lighter
Paper straws (e.g., toyo, shantung) are not as tough; fine toquilla is fragile.
When it comes to price, they're all over the board, from budget paper to high dollar fine weaves
Suitable for: dress hats and fashion.
The Stetson Sawmill Palm Leaf Hat represents one of the more common and an introduction to a bigger straw. According to Stetson's listing, this handwoven Mexican palm straw hat has a pinch front and a two-tone leather hatband with a DRI-LEX sweatband and a 3½” brim and is worth $75. Well suitable for work, events and day to day wear. https://stetson.com/
There are more than one type of Stetson Cumberland straw hats. It is sold at retail stores as a Western straw cowboy hat and Stetson manufactures a Cumberland Palm Straw Aussie Hat from Mexico. Cumberland Western hats can be found on eBay, at $65 plus $12 shipping. Before purchasing, make sure you are buying a Western or an Aussie shape. https://stetson.com/
The Kenny Chesney Palm Leaf Hat is not a one-size-fits-all item but rather a fashion. The retailer calls the Stetson Pinto palm leaf hat Kenny Chesney's trademark cowboy hat from Mexico with a cattleman crease crown, a 4 inch brim and a tooled hatband with a metal buckle. For the Chesney look, look for a cattleman-crease palm straw hat with a 4 inch brim, leather or tooled brim.
Atwood kenny palm straw cowboy hat is searched by people because Atwood is producing economical, Western-style cowboy hats in the shape of a cowboy, using palm straw. A Western retailer has priced Atwood's 7X palm straw cowboy hat at $49.97 and it has a leather band and palm leaf straw construction. The “Kenny” in the search, for the most part, refers to the crown and the brim, double check the search listing as the name often isn't a reliable indicator of a Chesney-style crown and brim. https://atwoodhats.com/cowboy-hats/
Sunbody palm leaf hats are renowned for their light straws that have a UPF rating. The line features a range of hand woven hats from Guatemala completed in the USA including cowboy, fedora and top hat. They're also seen frequently on resale sites for cheap, and from more affordable sources. The price range for used sunbody palm leaf hats on eBay has been $15 to $30.
Palm straw cowboy hat designs vary in terms of crown, brim and trim. Popular directions include:
Classic cattleman: Tall, creased crown, 4 inch brim and leather band.
Western style deeper and rounder crown, called gus crown.
Pinch front: A slightly shorter style of the crown, sportier than the traditional one.
Buckaroo: A coarser and higher crown, flatter brim.
A turned up side brim for a casual look.
Palm straw is also used to make fedoras and top hats.
Details that were trimmed: Tooled leather bands, stampede strings, feathers, conchos, contrast colors for hatband.
Colors: Natural, toasted, bleached white, brown and black.
A good rule: don't overcomplicate the hat itself, give the hatband the personality as bands are easy to change.
Yes, as long as you have a realistic expectation. palm straw cowboy hats are economical to wear in the summer. They are also lightweight, breathable, and have some natural water resistance; and many are much cheaper than felt. They will not "mush" when exposed to rough conditions like a high-quality felt, and they will crush, so consider storage.
Pros:
Heat and humidity resistant for summer
Low cost as in felt
Natural water resistance
A variety of options and brands
Cons:
Will crush or crack if stored improperly
The lower grade palm can shed fibers or be misshapen.
Not as warm nor as formal as felt
One of the best options that you can get for the money if you wear a hat in the outdoors this summer is a palm straw.
With proper care, a palm hat can last twice as long. An easy exercise:
Handle by the brim and not the crown to prevent marking the top of the hat.
Spot-clean gently. Gently dampen a cloth with mild soap and don't soak the hat as this can cause the hat to lose its shape.
Dry it naturally (not direct) on a flat surface or a hat stand.
Steam the shape to eliminate slight creases and re-smooth the shape. This will help restore curve in the shape, but will not eliminate the deep crease. Form it with your hands, using a warm hand.
Store it right.Place it on a shelf, on a hat rack or in a hat box - DO NOT stack on it or fold it.
Store out of heat and sun. Straw may crack and dry out in a hot car.
Clean off dust with a soft brush and periodically clean sweatband.
Palm hats do not like to be squashed! The hatter can steam and reblock a hat if it has been distorted.
Palm straw cowboy hat (ready-made):
Designed by manufacturer
Cost: Lowest, from about $15 to $80
Uniqueness: Low
This offers an excellent level of quality.
For every day use: Ideal for everyday wear and for fast purchases.
Custom palm straw cowboy hat:
Design: It must be your own band, trim, shape or brand
Customization: Cost of the hat, typically between $60 and $150
Uniqueness: High
Turnaround: Production time, typically 1-3 weeks
Ideal for gifting, events, ranches and brands.
If you're looking for the cheapest option, it's best to purchase packaged goods. Make the hat one of a kind with go custom.
Unlike caps or felt hats, it's not as easy to customize a palm straw cowboy hat. The simplest ones are to be found on or around the hat:
Change the hatband, leather, tooled, beaded or fabric bands make the whole look.
Trim: Add feathures, pins, conchos and stampede strings.
Attach a patch (sew or tie) on to the band, not through the straw.
A hatter can reshape the brim and crown of the straw, by steaming it and shaping it to a different crease or curve.
Brand it, some hatters have the ability to mark straw, but this is done at their own risk, as not all straws can be burned.
Coordinate the gear: Custom shirts, bandanas and caps in the same colors finish off the look.
Don't sew straight through the top of palm straw. The weave may loosen and become weak.
The making of palm straw hats is a well-defined hand craft that goes as follows:
Harvest and Dry Palm Leaves – P1.
Strip the leaves and classify them according to their thickness and quality.
Bleach, dye or leave them natural.
Weave the hat, typically beginning at the top and working down to the bottom. Making a palm leaf hat involves a slow weaving operation that forms the hat, plus a separate operation to shape the hat.
When moulding straw, this typically requires heat and moisture. The crown and the brim are formed by the softening of the fibers with steam.
Press and cut off brim edge.
Sizing the hat to make it stiff and retain the shape.
Add sweatband, hatband and trim.
Check the fit, quality of wave and shape.
Quality is reflected in the weave. A tight, even weave with no loose ends means a long-lasting hat. A lot of hats are handmade in Mexico or Guatemala, and others are completed in the USA.
The comparison of the countries' purchases is as follows:
If you are buying in the USA:
The largest assortment of Stetson, Atwood, Sunbody and budget hats.
Pricing: Cheapest ranges, around $15-$150
Shipping: Free after a certain amount or $12 to $30 for used hats
For US buyers: No duties
Simplicity and low cost.
best for selection and prices.
Buying in Canada:
Strengths: Good at Western-wear shops and online, but less so with niche styles.
Pricing: Higher following currency conversion – approximately one third more
Free or low shipping from Canadian sellers, relatively high shipping from US sellers
The duties are calculated using the GST or HST and duties would apply on imports.
The easiest with which to return items is to do so through a Canadian seller.
suitable for: Purchasing a hat to try on, quick delivery, ease of return.
While it is easy to purchase a palm straw cowboy hat in Canada, there are some factors that alter the cost. There are 3 ways to get there. Canadian Western-wear shops and western boot shops, particularly in Alberta and the prairies, allow you to try on hats and typically stock a wide selection of Stetson, Atwood and Sunbody. Canadian sellers are available for sale on Amazon.ca and eBay.ca and ship within Canada. US sites will ship across the border, where the best choices and prices may be found.
Surprises for Canadian customers are encountered in cross-border orders. Include these expenses with the sale price of the hat:
The prices are normally about one third higher in Canadian dollars than in the USA, depending on the exchange rate.
It is possible to ship at a price of $15 to $40, and boxes of heavy hats will be more expensive.
Usually subject to GST or HST, may be subject to duties based on origin of hat. Many hats are produced in Mexico or Guatemala so inquire from the seller where the hat was made.
Some couriers levy a delivery fee. Pay attention to listings that have duties and taxes listed at checkout as they will not come as a surprise.
If you're not sure about size, it is better to purchase from a Canadian seller, as it is slow and costly to return a hat across the border.
Since Inkofly ships to Canada, you are allowed to buy custom shirts, caps or bandanas that will match your hat without leaving Canada.
The type of hat you purchase and when you purchase it depends on the climate of Canada. In the summers in the prairies, the sun is hot and bright, with strong sun, a 3½ to 4 inch brim and a UPF rated palm hat is worthwhile in the field, for camping, fishing and outdoor activities. Although many places experience rainfall, the natural waterproofing of palm straw can help, a wet hat still requires re-flattening and drying.
An important factor is event season. During July, many Canadians purchase a straw hat at Calgary's Stampede, rodeos, and country fairs during the summer have a large demand.Popular sizes and styles sell out early in the summer, as is the case with straw hates during July, when many Canadians purchase a straw hat at Calgary's Stampede, rodeos, and country fairs. Buy & order in Spring to get size.
When you shop across borders, size must be taken care:
Some shops in Canada will give you a size in centimeters and US shops will give you a hat size such as 7 or 7 1/4.
Communicates in the terms of circumference. One retailer lists Small (6¾) at 21.625 inches, Medium (7) at 22.375 inches, Large (7¼) at 23.125 inches, and XL (7½) at 23.875 inches. In centimeters, that is about 54.9, 56.8, 58.7, and 60.6.
Use a flexible tape to measure just above the eyebrows and ears.
If there's a size in between, select one of the choices. There are a number of palm hats which can typically be slightly shaped, however a hat that is too little will not stretch much.
When you're not using your hat, keep it away from the cold in Canada. Straw will become brittle and break easily in the winter, when the air dries out, and when temperatures drop quickly; store straw in a hat box in a closet that is not in a garage, where temperatures fall below freezing.
Amazon is a convenient place to make comparison of palm straw hats with speedy delivery and an abundance of reviews. This experience varies from country to country. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=palm+straw+cowboy+hat
Amazon.com (USA) offers the most options ranging from low priced palm straw hats to western fashioned hats. For those who like to wear hats that look like straw, look for the words 'palm leaf' or 'palm straw', as some of the straw look hats are paper. Look at brim width, crown height and size and see recent reviews for shape and stiffness comments. Typically, the U.S. buyer will receive quicker delivery and easier returns.
Amazon.ca (Canada) has many of the same styles for sale in Canadian dollars, and also offers local delivery and returns. It is better to search for anything that may be shipped from Amazon in Canada, because this means that there will be no customs delay. Some items are shipped from the US, please consult the "ships from" line or on the checkout screen if any import taxes are mentioned. Generally more expensive than on Amazon.com, delivery and returns are more convenient.
Used Stetson, Atwood and Sunbody palm leaf hats are available on eBay.com (USA) for good deals ranging from $15 to $65. Make sure to verify the size, the condition photos and the return policy, as some sellers don't accept returns. Shipping is a major factor in the price and so are the total costs, not just the hat price. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=palm+straw+cowboy+hat
eBay.ca (Canada): Canadian vendors and cross-border listings are listed. If the seller is Canadian, it will take less time to receive the order, and there will be no customs fees. If the seller is in the US, they might charge customs and import fees as well as shipping. Check the delivery date and any responsibilities prior to making payment and inquire about the shape and size of the hat if photos are not clear before purchasing.
According to Inkofly, it is a company that provides the ability to design and order custom hats, apparel and branded items using its easy online design tools, all while offering premium printing capabilities, swift turnaround and no minimums. Ships to Canada so it is a great companion for a buyer in Canada or the USA who needs identical equipment.
Of course, a woven palm straw hat doesn't make a good printing surface, but if you're looking for a custom shirt, cap, bandana or bag to match your hat's band and colors, then you should print on inkofly. All of this is done online, you can view and order one or a few pieces. Start here: https://inkofly.com/
The cost of a palm straw cowboy hat is dependent on the brand, weave and the place where you purchase:
Budget imports: About $15 to $35.
Mid-range brand hats: About $45 to $80. One retailer sells Atwood's 7X palm straw cowboy hat for $49.97 while Stetson's Sawmill sells their cowboy hat for $75.
Premium palm straw hats: About $90 to $150 or more.
Palm leaf hats that have been used are found on eBay for approximately $15 to $65. The price of used Sunbody hats were in the $15 to $30 range, while the Atwood Nevada palm leaf hat was used for $50, and the Stetson Cumberland was $65.
Shipping can cost a ton. Ebay had listings in the US that were about $12 to $30 depending on the used hat, and sometimes nearly as much as the hat itself. Consider factor shipping in comparisons.
This is one low cost summer hat to buy: palm straw cowboy hat. It has real heritage in the vaquero tradition, it is woven and steam-formed from palm leaf and it is available in styles ranging from Atwood's budget-friendly cattleman hats to the Stetson Sawmill to the Cumberland to Sunbody's UPF range. Budget imports will cost you approximately $15 to $35, solid brand hats approximately $45 to $80, and premium weaves will cost you even more. Measure your head carefully before ordering across the border in Canada, as you plan for currency, shipping and duties. Take care of the hat and it will last throughout many summers.
Looking to finish off your outfit? Put on your custom accessories and wear a custom hat with custom accessories.
Answer: Handle by the brim, spot clean with a barely damp cloth, dry flat away from heat, reshape using steam, store in a hat box brim up.
Answer: Yes, for summer. They are lighter than felt, permeable, and water repellent, and they will cost less than felt. Can be crushed when stored improperly.
Answer: Ranch wear, rodeos, festivals, concerts, fisher, gardening and everyday summer wear.
Answer: Palm is a kind of straw. This can be a thick, rugged palm leaf or a lighter to more delicate paper or fine toquilla straw.
Answer: Usually none. The material is called "palm leaf" and the trade term "palm straw. The quality is affected by grade and finish.
Answer: The Canadian Western wear stores, Amazon.ca, eBay.ca and United States sellers shipping to Canada. Don't pay until you've reviewed duties, taxes and shipping.
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