Montana’s Cowboy Hat Etiquette You Need To Know

Cowboy Hats: A Montana Style Staple

If you go anywhere in Montana, there’s no doubt you’ll spot someone wearing a cowboy hat. It’s practically part of the state’s unofficial dress code.

You’ll see them at the grocery store, at the doctor’s office, and even in places you wouldn’t expect, as Montanans will proudly wear a cowboy hat to both weddings and funerals without thinking twice.

Yes, There Really Is Cowboy Hat Etiquette

But while cowboy hats are a common sight, wearing one correctly is a different story. Believe it or not, there’s real etiquette involved.

Seriously, here in the Treasure State, if you don’t follow those unspoken rules, you can bet at least one gruff-sounding cowboy will pull you aside and let you know exactly what you did wrong.

Montana folks may be friendly, but they’re also honest, and they won’t hesitate to help you avoid looking like you just wandered in from out of state.

Cowboy Hat “Commandments” For Everyone

And let’s be real: being corrected in front of a crowd is never fun. So to spare you some secondhand embarrassment (and maybe prevent a few side-eyes from seasoned ranchers), we’ve put together a list of basic commandments every cowboy hat wearer should know.

These guidelines aren’t about gatekeeping though, and they certainly aren’t reserved for longtime ranch hands. They apply to everyone, because under the Big Sky, anyone can wear a cowboy hat proudly. You just want to make sure you’re doing it with a little Montana know-how.