Not all cowboy hats are built equal—and those little numbers on the label? They actually mean something (if you’re buying from the right people).
At Bar M, we don’t hide behind fancy names or mystery blends. We’ll tell you exactly what’s in your hat, why it matters, and how to choose the right one for the job.
Because when it fits your head and your lifestyle—you’re unstoppable.
THE TRUTH BEHIND THE NUMBERS IN FUR FELTS
What the X is going on?
In the hat world, X-ratings started as a way to show how much beaver fur was in a felt hat. 10X = 100% beaver—at least, that’s how it used to be.
These days? It’s more like a guideline, and every brand does it differently. At Bar M, we only sell Rodeo King felts because they’re straight-up about what’s in the blend. Here’s what their X-ratings actually mean:
10% Beaver Fur | 90% Wild Hare/Rabbit Fur
Entry-level but earns its keep. Affordable, durable, and great for first-timers or ranchers on a budget. Good looks, good shape, good start.
12-15% Beaver Fur | 85-88% Wild Hare/Rabbit Fur
A step up in slick. Smoother finish, better hold, and a little more polish without going full fancy. Ride in it, dress it up—it’ll do both.
30-35% Beaver Fur | 65-70% Wild Hare/Rabbit Fur
The sweet spot. Tough enough to work hard, clean enough to show off. Great shape retention and solid longevity. Crowd favourite.
60-65% Beaver Fur | 35-40% Wild Hare/Rabbit Fur
All beaver, all business. Serious structure, elite quality, and made to be passed down—not worn out. The gold standard.
100% Beaver Fur
Premium performance. High-beaver content means better water resistance, buttery shaping, and a hat that lasts for years. Classy but cowboy.
100% Beaver Belly Fur
Like wearing a secret—only the real ones know. Made from the finest beaver belly fur—lightweight, ultra-luxurious, and shaped like a dream. Only for those who know what they’re doing.
So now you know—those Xs aren’t just fluff. They tell you exactly what kind of hat you’re getting, and at Bar M, we don’t sell anything we wouldn’t wear ourselves. Whether you’re starting out or stepping up, we’ve got a hat that’ll ride with you for the long haul.
Still unsure which hat’s right for you?
Scroll down for more on beaver vs wool vs straw—or just flick me a message and I’ll help you pick.
THE KING OF COWBOY HAT MATERIALS
Why beaver fur makes
better hats.
Beaver fur is dense, naturally water-resistant, and tough as hell—perfect for folks who don’t baby their gear. It’s warm in the winter, breathable in the summer, and tough enough for the saleyards, the saddle, and everywhere in between.
It shapes like a dream and lasts years longer than wool or synthetic blends. The higher the beaver content, the more durable and sleek your hat will feel.
If you're putting in miles, don’t skimp on the fur.
And when it's Beaver Belly? That’s the buttery-soft crème de la crème.
Featherlight, smooth, and top-tier in every way.
SOFT? SURE. TOUGH? NOT SO MUCH.
The wool truth
Wool felt is your budget-friendly intro hat. It’s warm, it looks good, and it’ll hold its shape—for a while. But the moment rain or heat comes calling, it starts to droop like… well, like a wet sheep.
I like to tell people: we all know what happens to a sheep when it gets wet—it goes droopy. Your hat will do the same.
If you want it to last, or you plan on getting it wet, you need beaver content. Full stop.
Wool’s great for light wear, fashion hats, or folks testing the waters. But if you’re working, riding, or just a bit rough on gear—it’s worth upgrading.
Perfect for fashion, light wear, or your first taste of cowboy style — just don’t take it swimming.
LIGHTWEIGHT LIDS FOR HOT-HEADED DAYS
Straws that hold their own
Straw hats aren’t just for fashion—they’re for function too. When the sun’s high and the work won’t wait, you need something breathable, tough, and built to stay put. Not all straw is created equal though, so here’s how we break it down:
Gritty texture. Great airflow. All-day wear.
Our Bar M favourite. This one brings a rugged, Western finish with a bit of flex and attitude. Breathes well, holds shape, and brings the cowboy vibes without the weight. Basic and bold.
Classic rodeo feel, clean and crisp.
Tightly woven, stiff enough to hold a solid shape, and durable for long days. Great for competition, ranch work, or looking sharp ringside. The most durable straw hat out.
Slick, sharp, and smooth to the touch.
Made from paper-based straw with a polished finish—dressier than your average lid. Great for summer events or when you want to turn heads and stay cool. The straw hat that looks the part.
Rough around the edges—in all the right ways.
Natural fibres with more grit and texture. Looks raw, feels real, and fits the down-to-earth kind of cowboy who doesn’t care for most perfect polish. Give me that Texas heat.
Lightweight, hard-wearing, and cowboy-approved.
These straws mean business.