The Run Down
You don’t want a hat that’s forgettable. You want one that gives you the full cowboy look without weighing you down.
The Jute 4 ½" Brim is a step up in presence — the classic cowboy brim size that throws shade and looks sharp in the saddle or in town. Built from natural jute fibres, it’s tough, breathable, and always ready to ride.
This isn’t just about looking the part. It’s about feeling like it.
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Not sure what will suit? Click on your face shape below.
Crown
Brim Front
Brim Shape
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.
Hi Millie, I picked my hat up this morning. It looks great and fits great! Thank you so much. Once I'm back, I'll be keen to order a straw hat aswell.
Twister Twisted Weave Straw Hat
Honestly my hat....fits like a bloody glove!!!
The Hook Halter Custom Order
Cannot recommend these halters enough
The Hook Halter Custom Order
Millie at Bar M was a pleasure to work with and created a superb quality custom rope halter for me using the colours from a crown leather beaded breastplate that I treasure. She was easy to deal with and the finished procut exceeded my expectations. My favourite feature is the quick fastening hook to make it easy to put on and take off the halter especialy for children or people with hand mobility issues. No more knots!! I will be looking at getting more rope halters in the future from Bar M!
10% Beaver Fur Felt Hat Black
I got a new show hat from Millie at Fieldays. She is such a professional. She really listened to what I wanted.
The Hook Halter Custom Order
I have the hook halter in both foal/pony and full size, and they're my first pick off the wall no matter who I'm going to catch!
The Cowboy Bridle
I got mine at Equifest last year and I cannot recommend these enough!!! So light and comfy on my horse, get yourself one asap!
The Hook Halter Custom Order
They are amazing quality rope halters. They are perfect for your ground work. NZ owned and operated, the best quality and handmade to fit my horse.
One flat rate shipping fee covers everything
Covers your FIT KIT, pre-paid return to sender bag to send your measurements back to us + your hat shipped in a protective box.
Safety is key
For New Zealand orders, we always send signature required—because your brand-new custom hat is no good sitting on a dodgy doorstep.
One Time Shipping Price
Domestic (NZ) - $119NZD
(FIT KIT, pre-paid return to sender + hat delivery included)
International - $199NZD
(FIT KIT, pre-paid return to sender + hat delivery included to anywhere in the world)
We're not in the business of 'close enough'
Your Bar M hat will fit like it was made for you — because it is. That’s why we send you a Fit Kit before we even order the hat.
Our Gaurantee
If, for some reason, your hat isn’t a perfect fit when it arrives (rare, but we’re human), send it back and we’ll make it right.
Our sales are final
Because each hat is custom-built for you, all sales are final — no refunds. The only time we’ll take a hat back is if it’s damaged in transit. We check every hat top to bottom in the workshop before shipping, so you can bet your boots it’s leaving here in perfect condition.
Once you’ve paid your deposit, we’ll send your Fit Kit straight to you. After you send it back, your hat will be built, shaped, and shipped within 8 weeks. (Usually faster, but we allow wiggle room so you’re not left guessing.)
It will fit—because we use your Fit Kit to size it perfectly. But on the rare chance it needs tweaking, send it back and we’ll make it right.
Custom hats are non-refundable due to their one-of-a-kind nature. The only exceptions are if your hat is damaged in transit. We triple-check every hat before it leaves the workshop, so you won’t be sent anything faulty.
Easy—just write your ideas in the comments section when you order. Millie will get in touch to go through the options with you, from understated to bold.
Say no more. A Custom Workshop Session is the best fit for you. Pop that in the comments section and Millie will talk you through the options—whether in person near Queenstown or online if you can’t travel. We’ll make it happen.
Yes! For $15 you can make your mark forever with branding. This is a hot-iron brand where letters or symbols are carefully burnt onto your hat. It’s bold, permanent, and unapologetically you.
