Working Ranch Magazine Summer 2025

BY TERRYN “T” DRIELING Terryn’s RANCHWEAR REVIEW

Hats Off to You

APPAREL FOR THE WORKING RANCH

These days, with the rising popu larity of Western wear, it’s getting tougher to tell who’s been horseback since they were knee-high to a grass hopper and who just bought their first pair of boots. And honestly, that’s okay. Because whether you’re work ing cattle or working up the courage to try something new, your hat ought to fit you and your lifestyle. Tom’s Take Aside from my 4-H and college equestrian team horse showing days, I’ve never been much of a cowboy hat wearer. My go-to lids are my wool hat in the winter and my ball caps in the summer. So, it’s Tom’s Take on the topic this time around. Twister Hats Back in the summer of ’22, Tom made the switch from the palm leaf hats he’d worn (not the same one of course) for a dozen years or better back to straw. He was looking for something lighter weight and a hat that wouldn’t hold onto sweat (and stink) quite as bad as his palm leaves had. The brand he went with was Twister. He went with the Twister Twisted Natural Weave to be exact. Full dis closure, what initially drew him to the Twister brand was the price tag. Stepping back into straw after all those years, he wasn’t too keen on spending a whole lot on a hat he may not like or that may not work out. He was also he cowboy hat has long been more than sun pro tection — it’s a state ment. A shape, a style, a silhouette that once told you where a person was from and what kind of work they did.

Tom in the Twister Twisted Natural Weave

drawn to the free shaping they offered in-store when he bought it. Last I reviewed hats, Tom had his hat for a year, so we couldn’t really speak to longevity. But now, he’s headed into his fourth straw season with the same hat. His hat has not only held up to the wear and tear he puts it through, but it also still looks nice. So, the bet on Twister — it did work out, it didn’t break the bank, and he’s been really pleased with the shape and how the hat’s held up. He hasn’t tried one yet, but in addition to their wide variety of straw options, Twister also has some options in felt as well. Tom purchased his Twister hat from The Fort at their brick-and-mortar store in Lincoln, Nebraska. Twister Hats can also be found at various other retailers, like Cavender’s, Boot Barn, Sheplers, and Capital Hatters. Reader’s Choice One brand and one custom hatter stood out when I took it to the readers. American Hat Company When I think of straw hats, the brand that pops immediately into my head is American Hat Company. So, it came as no surprise that this brand was

AMERICAN HAT COMPANY, INC.

American Hat Company was one of the top reader-recom mended hat brands.

one of the reader recs this time around. What I wasn’t aware of, though, is that American Hat Company also has a wide selection of felt hats. When I ask readers what they love about American Hats, it’s always the quality. All American Hat Company hats are made by hand in Bowie, Texas. Their felts are made from high-quality furs blended to American Hat Company specs and are finished by hand. Their 1000X felts are made of pure belly beaver blended with mink. Their straw hats are double-lacquered and double-pressed, which helps them withstand the elements, hold their shape, and last a good long while. Learn more and find a retailer at www.americanhat.net

22 I SUMMER 2025 WORKING RANCH audited readers run 21 million head of beef cattle.