If you’re just getting started with hats or you already have a strong collection, American Hat Makers has dozens of great styles at affordable prices.
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After moving to Texas last year, I quickly realized that I would need to change up my style game. My typical city-boy aesthetic of slim apparel and sneakers just wouldn’t cut it in the South.
In Texas, fashion is unironically a lot of leather boots, rugged jeans, and intricate shirts. While, to be honest, I’m not super keen on wearing thick-n-heavy boots or changing my simple t-shirts, a cowboy hat is something I can get behind.
Cowboy hats are a little bold and unique, but also not so ridiculous that you stand out like a sore thumb. They also serve a truly functional use case: all-around skin protection. When the temperature starts heating up (and oh boy does it) and the sun is staying out for longer, you need to be covered.
American Hat Makers is a brand that has been around for over 50 years, making all types of hats for men and women. They sent me a few styles to try hands-on for my honest, unbiased, and unsponsored review.
Sheri, The Modest Man’s Content Manager, gives her feedback on some AHMs hats she received as well.
In this article, I’ll give background on the brand, talk about some pros and cons, and deliver you a verdict on whether or not their hats are worth a try.
QUICK TAKE
I tested the Hollywood, Cattleman, and Blizzard styles. Here’s what I thought overall:
PROS
- The weight and build quality are top-of-the-line
- A good portion of the styles are made in the United States
- The prices seem reasonable for the materials and construction
- They offer unlimited free exchanges to get the sizing just right
CONS
- I don’t care as much for the small details and accents
ABOUT AMERICAN HAT MAKERS
American Hat Makers is one of the largest makers of hats in the world, and it all started over 50 years ago. Founder Gary Watrous started making leather goods after he purchased $20 in leather and $20 in leather-working tools and sold the goods out of his 1963 Chevy station wagon.
Eventually he made himself a leather hat which ended up becoming so popular with customers that he shifted the focus of the business to be entirely hats.
American Hat Makers was originally started under a different name, Head n Home Hat, and they have sold different styles of hats by different brands, but today everything is marketed as American Hat Makers.
In addition to hats, they sell some accessories to pair with your hats.
WHAT I TRIED
American Hat Makers sent me three popular styles. Here are my in-depth thoughts on each one:
HOLLYWOOD | MEN’S LEATHER COWBOY HAT
For my first cowboy hat, I wanted to try something classic. It’s hard to beat something that looks like it came straight out of an Indiana Jones movie.
If you’re looking for your first cowboy hat like me or want to upgrade the one you already have, the Hollywood Leather Cowboy Hat could be the right choice.
It’s made of 100% cowhide leather that ensures durability and comfort, while its moldable sweatband traps moisture for a sweat-free feel. Additionally, there are a total of six holes that offer breathability in warmer weather conditions.
Available in three colors, including a stylish shade of copper, this hat can become your best companion at everyday work on the ranch or to stay cozy during those cold winter days.
If your concerns involve the right fit, the Hollywood comes with two adhesive size adjusters to ensure it won’t be too loose, and AHM provides a useful step-by-step guide on its website to find the right match for online shopping.
To describe the Hollywood in a few words, it’s kind of like your favorite leather belt or cowboy boots in the form of a hat. It smells incredible and is (pretty much) completely made of high-quality cowhide leather.
I’m not sure if it’s the pliable leather or the interior, but after a few minutes of wearing the Hollywood, you don’t even notice you’re wearing it it’s so comfortable. I can foresee this lasting years, if not decades, with proper care and maintenance.
CATTLEMAN | MEN’S FELT COWBOY HAT WITH WESTERN HAT BAN
Whether it was the last country album by Beyoncé or the popular drama Yellowstone that inspired you to get into Western fashion, the Cattleman Felt Cowboy Hat features a signature design for those who want to look like a real cowboy.
Crafted in felt wool with midweight materials for a durable build, the Cattleman provides the perfect fit with four available sizes and invisible pull straps inside to find the right size.
I found this one to be a little stiffer compared to the leather Hollywood style above, but there’s something nice about how sturdy it is. I ordered a large in every model, and the Cattleman was a hair bigger than the Hollywood, which fit pretty well.
If your wardrobe calls for colors different from the usual blacks and browns, you’ll find the Cattleman in additional colors like Gunsmoke, Sand, and Olive or White (though they’re currently out of stock).
Since American Hat Makers are there to meet all your needs regarding hats, the brand offers a 90-day return policy to make sure you have enough time to try out your new hat before making it truly yours.
BLIZZARD | MEN’S WHITE LEATHER COWBOY HAT
Finally, I tried the Blizzard in white leather for a bolder look and feel.
Although cowboy hats are usually manufactured to meet your needs for doing heavy work, this doesn’t mean that they can’t be elegant. The soft and durable Blizzard offers an excellent option for men who want a versatile hat they can showcase from a busy day at the ranch to a line dance at the local bar.
Made with 100% cowhide leather and featuring an adjustable wired brim to shape it just the way you like it, this hat is crafted to last with its high-quality materials, water resistance, and UPF 100 coating.
As with the previous American Hat Makers models, this hat comes with adjustable features to find the perfect fit, plus a detachable sweatband to clean it whenever needed. Available in a luxurious shade of white and four different sizes, the Blizzard will get you the compliments you deserve.
Although I love how unique this style is, I found it to also be roomier compared to the Hollywood. Which in this case, I’ll just apply the size inducers the hat came with.
Out of the hats I tried, my favorite one is easily the Hollywood. I love its leather materials (amazing smell), perfect fit, and classic look. It feels like a hat that I could wear for everything from a day on the farm to going out to bars.
The Cattleman and Blizzard are still both great hats. I think that if you’re specifically looking for a felt hat, you’ll appreciate the Cattleman. It is pretty iconic, after all. I just found it to be a little big. And the Blizzard is perfect if you want a white leather cap.
SHERI’S AMERICAN HAT MAKERS REVIEW
I love a good hat. I love them for hiding my hair on no-wash days. I pop one on when I am feeling anti-social. And, when I gear up for a country concert, nothing completes my look quite like a cowboy hat and boot combo.
So, when American Hat Makers offered to also send women’s hats, I jumped at the chance.
I was lucky to sample three very different hats: The woman’s felt Cattleman, straw Marlin, and leather Gorge. I intentionally made these picks to ensure variety in this review.
Is the woman in your life asking for a new hat? Maybe you’ve been looking to buy one for a special someone? If either of these scenarios apply, this review is for you.
AMERICAN HAT MAKERS STRAW MARLIN REVIEW
I live in California, and our summers are hot and dry. I love a good hat to keep the sun off my face.
However, I always feel a bit stifled when I wear one in hot weather. The straw Marlin hat is a great option for warm weather.
It’s lightweight, extremely breathable, and certainly keeps the sun off my face with its 4 1/5” wide brim. The eyelets on each side of the hat crown add airflow while the toggled cord keeps it securely in place.
I consider myself “country light.” I certainly don’t have a 1,000-acre cattle ranch. However, goats, chickens, and trips to the horse barn require a sturdy pair of muck boots and a good hat. This hat is perfect for tossing on for farm chores, watering the garden, or for a float down the river.
This hat was my least favorite of the three I tried in terms of quality. The cord reminded me of shoelaces, and I’ve had my hands on better straw hats.
It’s also unlined. Many straw hats come unlined, but it’s something I wanted to mention so you aren’t surprised.
Additionally, according to American Hat Makers’ size chart, I am a size medium. This hat is “one size fits most”. Even though it was a perfect fit for me, it might be too snug if you’re bigger than a medium. If you have a smaller head circumference, you can utilize the sewn-in pull straps or the included adhesive size reducers.
While it wasn’t my favorite, it’s a good choice at $57 plus any discount code on the site.
AMERICAN HAT MAKERS FELT CATTLEMAN HAT REVIEW
The felt Cattleman hat was my absolute favorite out of the three. I loved the neutral grey color, soft felt, and subtle buckle detail on the matching felt band. My Cattleman hat came well-balanced and blemish-free.
AHM lines the Cattleman in a silky satin. The satin liner is important because it means the hat won’t pull or tug at your hair. Nor will your lined hat ruin the hard work you’ve put into styling your hair.
The grey Cattleman comes with a blue liner, which provides a beautifully striking contrast.
I know some people are sensitive to hats. A heavy hat can lead to neck pain and headaches. I am pleased to say that the Cattleman is lightweight, especially for how structured and sturdy it is.
When I placed my order, they didn’t have the Cattleman in my size. I sized up and ordered the size reducers, which provided a perfect fit. I would love to give this hat a try again in my correct size. Heck, I’d love to buy this hat in every available color!
This hat is priced at just under $100 without any additional discounts. It’s such a great bargain for what you receive.
AMERICAN HAT MAKERS LEATHER GORGE HAT REVIEW
Leather hats have an extensive history. They were the best option for cowboys who spent long days in the elements. A solid leather hat blocks sun, rain, and any other harsh weather.
The American Hat Makers leather Gorge is a great hat, especially for the fall and winter months. Unless you are ranching, the leather Gorge may be a bit too heavy and hot for casual wear.
The Gorge is a well-made hat. It’s made of rugged, textured leather laminated onto straw. Similar to the Cattleman, it’s lined in satin and has a sewn-in sweatband to keep sweat away.
The Gorge is a midweight hat, so it’s worth considering if you prefer something lightweight yet leather. It’s heavier than both the felt Cattleman and the straw Marlin.
I love the aesthetic of this hat. Its style is classically cowboy, with a touch of Indiana Jones’ worn-in leather fedora. It’s a notable leather hat worth wearing at its $157 price point.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a question you may have when considering American Hat Makers.
ARE AMERICAN HAT MAKERS MADE IN THE USA?
It depends. Though the name has “American” in it, not every hat from American Hat Makers is made in the USA. Some are imported from other countries; you can check this on each individual hat’s page.
WHO MADE THE HAT FOR INDIANA JONES?
The English brand Herbert Johnson created the hat that Indiana Jones wears in the franchise’s movies.
FINAL VERDICT
American Hat Makers create high-quality, durable hats that balance both form and function.
They also make finding the right hat easy for anyone to venture into buying a cowboy hat online. They offer fast shipping, free exchanges, and a generous 90-day return policy.
Not to mention, all of their prices are very reasonable and they have a 50-year quality guarantee. So, if you want to look like a real cowboy, go check ‘em them out!
They have graciously offered TMM readers a discount code, AHMGET10, for any hat purchase.
What are your favorite cowboy hats? Let me know in the comments!
