A straw cowboy hat is the working summer version of the felt hat: the same high crown and curled brim, in a material that lets heat escape. Ours are hand-braided from raffia, palm and toyo straw, and most have a shapeable brim, so you can set the curl where you want it and reset it later with a little steam.
Start with the material and finish you prefer. Choose raffia for visible texture, a softer body and a weathered, shaped look; it also takes more abuse. Choose toyo for a finer, more uniform surface and crisper edge, as seen in the Gunsmoke Western Toyo and Aspen Vented Toyo. For a classic natural Western profile, compare The Original Western Raffia Shapeable, Jasper or Billings. The Cheyenne Roper and Cowboy Country offer wide-brim country styling, while the Sadie, Pearl and Western Bead and Feather bring a more decorative cowgirl direction. Check each product listing for its available size: the collection includes Small, Small/Medium, Medium, Large, Large/X-Large, X-Large and One Size. To reshape a shapeable brim, use a little steam and reset the curl; raffia is the better choice for harder everyday use.
Conner's straw cowboy hats are handcrafted for temperatures above 70°F using organic raffia, premium bangora, and toyo straw. Each hat features 3.5-4 inch brims (compared to 2.5-3 inches on mass-market styles), providing measurably better sun coverage for your face, neck, and shoulders.
Ranch work in blazing sun, rodeos and western events, outdoor festivals, gardening, beach days requiring serious sun protection, anyone who values authentic western heritage with modern comfort. We still maintain our company food forest at the site and have created a hub there for other small businesses to use the location.
Straw cowboy hats are designed for temperatures above 70°F. The natural straw materials (raffia, bangora, toyo) allow airflow and keep your head cool in hot weather. For temperatures below 70°F or year-round wear, choose wool felt or leather cowboy hats instead—they're water-resistant and provide insulation. Leather works in both temperature ranges but runs warmer in summer heat.
Raffia is organic palm fiber from Madagascar, hand-braided by artisans. Palm leaves grow 60-80 feet and can be harvested without damaging the plant. Raffia is lightweight, naturally breathable, and develops character with wear. Bangora is premium Mexican straw. Toyo is a paper-based straw with extra-tight weaving. All three are lightweight and breathable.
Straw cowboy hats provide shade. Wider brims can provide more shade than narrower brims. Some Conner hats have a UPF rating; check each product page for its rating.
Keep straw hats moisture-free and store correctly to prevent damage. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt—avoid soaking, as excessive water weakens straw fibers. Store on a hat rack or in a hat box to maintain shape (never hang by the brim). Avoid leaving in hot cars or direct sunlight when not wearing, as extreme heat can cause straw to become brittle. If your hat gets wet from rain, let it air dry naturally away from heat sources. Do not use high heat or hair dryers, which can damage the natural fibers.
Some straw cowboy hats have a shapeable brim, such as the styles with “Shapeable” in their name; others hold their factory brim curve and crown shape. Check the product listing to see whether a hat is shapeable. If you want a hat you can customize by steaming and shaping, choose wool felt (shapeable with steam) or leather (shapeable when wet) instead. Many customers prefer straw hats specifically because they maintain a consistent look without needing reshaping.
Pricing varies by material and style, and the current price is shown on each product page. Every Conner hat is handmade. For purchases from connerhats.com, the Limited Lifetime Guarantee covers workmanship failure: during the first 12 months, you receive a free replacement of the same style, size, and color, with shipping included. After 12 months, a 40% off replacement code applies, with shipping not included. If your hat is lost or stolen, you receive 50% off the same hat, with shipping not included. U.S. orders over $79 ship free.
Measure your head circumference just above your eyebrows and ears using a flexible tape measure. Match your measurement to our size chart: Small (21 1/4-21 5/8 inches / 54-55 cm), Medium (22-22 3/8 inches / 56-57 cm), Large (22 3/4-23 1/4 inches / 58-59 cm), X-Large (23 1/2-24 inches / 60-61 cm), XX-Large (24 3/8-24 3/4 inches / 62-63 cm), XXX-Large (25 1/8 inches / 64 cm). Buy a hat that fits snug around the head, almost uncomfortably tight, cowboy hats expand with heat from your head and will loosen to conform to your shape. Between sizes? Order larger and use the included sizing foam for fine-tuning. Conner hats run true to size, not vanity-sized like fashion brands.
Conner uses organic raffia, which regenerates without damaging the plant, and biodegradable materials. Our original St. Augustine warehouse runs on 100% solar power; orders ship from American Fork, Utah. Reducing single-use plastic is a primary goal. Across our wider range, some hats are made from recycled plastic bottles, hang tags use biodegradable string instead of plastic connectors, and we use packaging made from biodegradable and recyclable materials, without single-use plastics. Woven labels are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton with vegetable dyes. As a family-owned brand, Conner requires its suppliers to pay fair wages.
For purchases from connerhats.com, the Limited Lifetime Guarantee covers workmanship failure. In the first 12 months, it provides a free replacement of the same style, size and color, including shipping; after 12 months, it provides 40% off a replacement, with shipping not included. Material degradation from use qualifies for a 30% off code. If the same hat is lost or stolen, a 50% off code is available, with shipping not included.
Refunds must be requested within 30 days of purchase, and exchanges or store credit within 90 days. Hats must be unworn and unwashed, have their paper tags attached and be in the original packaging. Items on the 40% Sale page are final sale. Return shipping is charged on refunds, and using your own return label incurs a $10 restocking fee.
For US orders, shipping is free over $79 and costs $7.99 at or under $79.
