Western Cowboy Hats and Boots

Cowboy Hats
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Getting the right fit with western cowboy hats
In order to get the best fitting cowboy hat, it is necessary to measure your head to determine the best hat size for you. The best way to do this is get a tape measure and wrap it around your head around 1/2" above your ears and across your forehead. The tape measure should be held straight and snug, but not tight. Use this measurement (to the closest 1/8") to determine your cowboy hat size.

Caring for western cowboy hats
The top of your head should touch the inside top of the hat. This provides the best fit and will help ensure your hat doesn't blow off during moderate winds.

You should regularly brush your hat with a hat brush - this will help remove dust and dirt and keep it in excellent condition. The hat needs to be brushed in the same direction on both the crown and brim.

Be gentle when putting your hat on and taking it off. Excess handling will cause the brim or crown to flex and bend, and this will gradually weaken the hat. Severe bending or flexing will cause your hat to lose its original shape.

When taking off your western cowboy hat, you should bear in mind the following suggestions:
- Always put your hat crown down (upside down). If you don't do this, the brim can eventually flatten out which will change the look of the hat. If you aren't going to be wearing your hat for some time, we recommend you support the hat by the inside of the crown. If you don't do this, the felt on the outside of the crown can get a little flattened after being rested on for a length of time
- You can also hang it on a hat stand or coat rack. You should ensure that there are no obstacles that put pressure on the brim
- Always store cowboy hats in a cool and dry environment. Leaving them in the back of a hot car or in direct sunlight can cause them to lose shape
- When drying out a wet cowboy hat, you should support it from the inside of the crown.

Western Cowboy Hat Etiquette
There are a few unwritten rules to bear in mind when wearing a cowboy hat. These include:
- When you enter a building you should always remove your hat. However, if it is an informal event or venue, then you may put your hat back on again. The only buildings that you don't need to take off your cowboy hat are in public buildings (such as a post office or railway station), in entrance halls (such as a hotel lobby), and in elevators of public buildings or offices.
- When sitting down to eat at a table, you should remove your hat (as long as there is somewhere safe to put it). However if you are sitting down to eat at a counter, you may leave your hat on.

Times when you should remove your hat outdoors:
- when you are being introduced to someone or saying good-bye
- when you greet someone that you know
- when talking with older men or women
- during the national anthem
- during a funeral or near a funeral procession

Tipping of cowboy hats is done on a few occasions by slightly lifting your hat off your head by the crown. You should tip your hat on the following occasions:
- when walking with a friend and the friend passes a women they know
- when any lady who is a stranger asks you for assistance
- when you excuse yourself to a woman who is a stranger to you
- when asking directions from a woman or elderly man
- when a stranger shows a courtesy to a woman that you are with (such as holding a door open for her)

You should never interfere with anyone else's western cowboy hat - it is considered a very personal possession.

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