Western Hat Advice

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I quit wearing Western hats years ago because they amplified gunfire noise to my ears. But, IIRC, a 4X Stetson is an economy level hat.
 
A new 4x Stetson fur felt usually goes for around a hundred and fifty bucks more or less. If it's part of their "buffalo felt" line, it goes for a lot less. The "buffalo felt" hats are the economy level.

While the 4x is not the economy level, it's not in the "champagne class" either. I usually wear a 4x or 6x as an everyday work hat, but they can still be used as dress hats, too.

The most noticeable difference between a 4x and, let's say, a 10x is the finish of the felt. The higher the x, the finer the finish...and also the higher amount of beaver fur in the blend. But, unless you get up close or actually feel the felt yourself, 8 out of 10 people probably can't tell the difference.

Of course, there are some guys like Iggy and keith44spl on this forum who can tell the difference between a 4x and a 6x from across the room just by giving a casual glance between sips from a long neck. But that takes years of experience of wearing a hat like that day in, day out.:D
 
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4X isn't what it used to be. Understand it is felt. I would go on the low end of the $40 - $60 range.
I wear a Montana,...100% beaver. It cost me $475 but it is on it's 12th yr and going strong. Rain, snow, dirt , sun,...don't matter.
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BTW,... the brim is the important part. If you can't hang a hat, lay it down on it's crown.

For those that would like a quality hat for one heck-of-a price.... Mackey hats.
http://www.mackeycustomhats.com/
 
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Then sometimes you see folks who aren't wearing hats but probably should be.
Like this young wrangler up in Utah moving some heifers.
His gear looked old, high quality and probably passed down.
I didn't know it at the time, but the nearest and almost only ranch around there is the Dugout Ranch.
This is on the Newspaper Rock Road between Monticello and Moab.
 

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Years ago I was in a western wear store when somehow the topic of 10x hats came up. A salty lady observed, "Yes, there is such a thing, but it's pure vanity."

My current headgear is a Brownell's gimme hat that I shamed them into sending me a couple of years ago.
 
Reminds me of the story

A young lady was doing her shopping with a baby in the front of her grocery cart. An older lady commented on how cute the little red headed child was.

"Was his father a red head?" she asked.

"Can't say for sure, that cowboy wasn't around long enough to take off his hat" was her answer.
 
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You see a lot of high dollar hats here in Houston but when you get out where people are wearing them for what they are intended for, not so many. When it is hot ,straw,etc. gets the nod.
 
I have a Stetson bought in about 1986-7. It gets very good care. Looks as good today as it did new. Like to other poster said set the hat on the crown.
 
I'm an admirer, but to me, geographically disadvantaged.

Here in NC, if you see 'western wear', it's usually a cheap hat and whatever shirt is on sale at WalMart or a few farm supply stores.

The most western wear I've ever seen came from working off duty security gigs at local country music concerts.
Especially recall a very long line of people waiting to get into a Brooks and Dunn concert. It was August, hellishly hot, 98% humidity.
We're talking 'shorts and flip-flops' weather.
In this line, by the hundreds, were people wearing black felt western hats, long-sleeve tight snap-button shirts, lots of tight black denim pants and of course, boots.
No shade, no breeze. Yes, a few fell out and had to be tended by EMS.

I'm at a total loss why someone would do that to themselves. Hey, I was sweat-soaked and in uniform, but at least I was being paid.
 
My Stetson open road is over fifty years old. Worn over ten years, then boxed up for thirty, and I've been wearing it for near fifteen now. That's a hat.
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(I beg forgiveness for settin it down wrong, it was just for the photo, fellers.)
 
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The Hat, Jeans, snap button shirt, boots. Make you cool!!!!!For us near 70 year old guys a Sport coat. Makes us Texas proud. The old ladies Love it !!!!!!!
 
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