Cody James Western Hats

Tips, Reviews, and Everything Else You Need to Know Before Buying a Cody James Hat

Cody James hats are a staple of the Western and cowboy fashion world. With high-quality materials, stylish designs, and durable construction, it’s easy to see why these American-made hats have been a top choice for over 30 years.

But with so many styles and options to choose from, it can be tricky finding your perfect Cody James. That’s where this buying guide comes in! Below you’ll find a deep dive into everything you need to know before purchasing one of these iconic Cody James Western Hats, from materials and sizing to care instructions and comparisons with other brands.

Whether you’re looking to buy your first Cody James or add another to your collection, read on for tips to find your ideal fit.

What Materials Are Cody James Western Hats Made Of?

One of the standout features of Cody James hats is the premium materials used. Most styles are made from high-quality 100% wool felt or premium fur felts. This gives the hats their classic Western look and feel, while also making them highly durable.

Cody James uses wool from rabbits, beavers, hares, and other animals with soft, flexible fur to make their fur felt. This creates a smooth, consistent texture. The wool fibers are tightly woven together in a process known as felting, creating a dense, stiff material perfect for holding hat shapes.

Other Cody James hats use wool felt, which uses wool fibers that are pressed and shrunk to mat them together. This creates firm, durable felt. Both the fur and wool felts are usually at least 3/4 ounce in density, making them thick and long-lasting.

Some Cody James hats also feature leather bands or decorative leather elements. This leather is sourced from cowhide, providing supple, premium texture and appearance.

Overall, you can rely on the materials used in Cody James hats to be top-notch and built to last. The natural fibers make the hats breathable and comfortable to wear, even in hot climates.

Where Can I Buy Cody James Western Hats?

Cody James hats are sold through authorized retailers online and in store. Some of the best places to buy authentic Cody James Western hats include:

• Direct from the Cody James website: Browse the full range of styles and buy directly from the maker. CodyJames.com offers free shipping and returns.
• Boot Barn: With over 270 stores across the U.S., Boot Barn stocks a wide selection of Cody James hats in-store and online. Free shipping is offered for online orders over $75.
• Cavender’s: This specialty Western wear store has over 90 locations carrying Cody James hats. You can also shop online at Cavenders.com with free shipping.
• Sheplers: Sheplers specializes in Western fashion, with 25+ stores and an online store filled with Cody James hat options.
• Amazon: Search for Cody James hats on Amazon to find many of the brand’s most popular styles, often at discounted prices. Free shipping is available for Prime members.

The best selection and new season styles will always be found by shopping directly from CodyJames.com or authorized retailers. This ensures you get an authentic hat. But Amazon and other online marketplaces can be good sources for deals on classic Cody James designs.

How Do Cody James Western Hats Fit?

Cody James is known for making comfortable, well-fitting hats shaped specifically for the Western lifestyle. Here are some tips on getting the right fit:

• Cody James hats come in standard hat sizes ranging from 6 3/4 to 8. Measure your head circumference to determine your size.
• If between sizes, consider sizing up for the best fit. Cody James hats should fit snugly but not be too tight.
• Try the hat on and assess the overall feel. It shouldn’t pinch but also shouldn’t be loose or wobbly.
• The crown should sit centered on your head with the brim tilted slightly down in front to shield your eyes from sun.
• For a personalized fit, many Cody James styles have adjustable headbands or sweatbands that can be tightened or loosened as needed.
• The brand’s fur felt models will conform more to your exact head shape over time. Wool felt keeps its shape but softens up gradually.

With the right size and a little wearing in, a Cody James hat will feel like it was custom made for you. Ask sales associates for fitting advice if you’re torn between sizes.

Are Cody James Western Hats Waterproof?

While Cody James uses premium, high-quality materials, most of their Western hats are not fully waterproof. The wool and fur felt materials naturally absorb moisture. However, the hats are specially treated to be water resistant.

Light rain or accidental splashes won’t ruin your Cody James hat. But the hats are not designed for heavy rain. If caught in a downpour, the brim and crown will slowly become saturated with moisture over time.

Prolonged soaking can cause permanent dents, deformities, and other damage. So always take care to keep your Cody James Western hat sheltered from heavy wet weather.

Using waterproofing sprays or treatments on your hat can help reduce moisture absorption and prevent stains. Just be sure to test them first on an inconspicuous area as some chemicals may discolor or dry out the felt.

With proper care, your Cody James can handle the occasional sprinkle. But serious waterproofing requires waxed canvas or oilskin hats.

What Styles of Cody James Western Hats Are Available?

With over 30 years of hat-making under their belt, Cody James offers a wide range of classic and contemporary Western styles. Some of their most popular designs include:

• Cattleman Hats: The Cattleman is the quintessential high-crowned cowboy hat with a wide brim. It comes in short and tall crown varieties.
• Gambler Hats: Distinguished by their teardrop creased crown, gambler styles have a vintage Old West look.
• Plantation Hats: These wide-brimmed hats are elegant and provide ample sun coverage. Think Kentucky Derby.
• Center Dent Hats: The indented center crown adds unique flair. Center dents come in short and tall shapes.
• Pinch Front Hats: With pinched crowns and narrow brims, these deliver a sleek, distinguished silhouette.
• Tom Mix Hats: Tom Mix styles have narrow flat brims and wide crowns, perfect for casual wear.

Cody James also makes women’s Western hats in styles like cowgirl, summer, and ranch hats with feminine shapes and details. Plus they offer straw Western hats for warm weather.

There are plenty of colors too like classic black, brown, and tan as well as statement-making shades of pink, blue, and more. The range of styles means you can find a Cody James for any outfit or occasion.

How to Clean a Cody James Western Hat

Keep your Cody James hat looking its best by cleaning it regularly using these tips:

• For light dust and dirt, simply brush the hat with a soft brush or microfiber cloth to remove surface debris.
• Spot clean minor stains by gently dabbing with a damp sponge or cloth. Let the hat fully air dry before wearing again.
• For deeper cleaning, use a hat-safe cleanser and lukewarm water to gently rub the felt crown and brim. Avoid soaking the hat.
• Dry Away Sweat and oil by sprinkling corn starch or talc powder inside to absorb moisture. Allow to sit overnight then shake out.
• Steam away dents or odors using the steam from an iron or kettle. Hold about 12 inches away to avoid moisture damage.
• Store your hat on a wide brim hat stand to retain its shape when not wearing.

Avoid harsh chemicals, hot water, or scrubbing too hard during cleaning which can damage the fibers. With proper routine care, your Cody James hat will stay looking fresh.

What is the Price Range for Cody James Western Hats?

As American-made hats constructed from premium materials, Cody James Western hats range in price from about $100 to $500.

The most affordable Cody James styles are wool felt hats and simply-shaped classic silhouettes like the Short Crown Cattleman. Expect to pay around $100 to $200 for these entry-level options.

Mid-range hats like tall crown gamblers and center dent cowboy hats made from fur or wool felt generally cost $200 to $300.

High-end Cody James hats handcrafted from the finest quality fur felts or featuring intricate details or leather bands run from $300 up to $500.

The brand’s specialty exotic hides and one-of-a-kind designs can sometimes exceed $500.

While Cody James commands somewhat higher prices than lower-tier brands, the superb craftsmanship and materials make them well worth the investment for serious Western wear aficionados. With proper care, these hats deliver enduring value and become beloved wardrobe staples.

Do Cody James Western Hats Come in Women’s Sizes?

Yes, Cody James offers an extensive selection of hats made specifically for women’s sizes and styles.

Most of their fur and wool felt cowgirl hats use lighter, more flexible materials engineered for a woman’s head shape. These have tapered crowns with smaller brim circumferences for a flattering proportion.

Inside hatbands are usually a bit longer to accommodate a ponytail. Some feature decorative hatbands with feminine details like crystals or floral motifs.

Popular Cody James women’s styles include fashion cowgirl hats, summer cowgirl hats with wired brims, and ranch hats in ladies’ sizes and colors.

Their sizing accommodates women’s smaller head measurements, ranging from 6 3/4 down to 6 1/4.

So whether you’re after an exquisite wool cowboy hat for the ranch or a casual cowgirl hat for weekends, Cody James has stylish Western options made for women.

Can I Find Cody James Western Hats on Sale?

Like most apparel brands, Cody James occasionally offers sales and deals on select hat styles. The best way to find a Cody James Western hat on sale is:

• Check the company’s official website where discounted hats may be featured seasonally. Signing up for email alerts will notify you of upcoming sales.
• Look for promotions from authorized retailers who carry Cody James. Stores like Boot Barn, Cavender’s and Sheplers often run sales or discounts.
• Browse Amazon and e-commerce sites for Cody James hats marked down from full retail price. Size selection is limited but discounts can be significant.
• Visit stores during annual or holiday sales events. For example, many retailers offer discounts around rodeos, county fairs, Labor Day, Black Friday, etc.
• Consider becoming a VIP member at stores like Boot Barn to gain access to special member-only deals year round.

While rare or limited edition Cody James hats likely won’t go on sale, paying attention to sales can allow you to score popular styles for $50 to $100 off retail. Sign up for newsletters and check frequently for discounts on your dream Cody James.

What Are the Reviews for Cody James Western Hats?

With decades of experience and dedication to quality, Cody James Western hats consistently receive outstanding reviews and high ratings from customers.

In general, buyers praise the comfort, durability, and authentic American craftsmanship of Cody James hats. The hats score points for staying true to traditional Western styling while also offering innovative modern designs.

Specific positives often mentioned in reviews include:

• Superior fit and feel – many mention Cody James as the most comfortable cowboy hat brand they’ve worn. The materials shape to your head nicely over time.
• Handcrafted quality – the meticulous construction is obvious in the details, with no corners cut.
• Soft, premium materials like lush rabbit fur felt that only improve with age.
• Great customer service from the Cody James team in helping find the perfect hat.
• Standout looks that generate frequent compliments and double takes.
• Long-lasting durability thanks to sturdy, high-density felt and rugged stitching.

The few critical reviews occasionally cite higher pricing or report minor issues like decorative elements loosening over time. But the vast majority of reviews reflect outstanding satisfaction with buyers proud to wear Cody James hats for years.

How Do Cody James Western Hats Compare to Other Brands?

Cody James stands tall against competitors as a premium quality, authentic American hat brand. Here’s how they stack up against other popular names:

• Stetson – Similar American heritage and reputation for expert craftsmanship. Stetson offers comparable or even higher pricing, especially on fur felts.
• Resistol – Resistol specializes in low-cost imported hats, while Cody James focuses on domestic construction for better quality control.
• Bailey – Bailey relies more on overseas manufacturing, while Cody James has an American-made focus.
• Lucchese – Known for boots, Lucchese hats lag behind Cody James when it comes to selection of Western styles and natural materials.
• Outback Trading Co. – While cheaper, hats from Outback lack the premium details and pedigree of Cody James.
• Tillman – Tillman has a workwear focus, while Cody James excels at both casual and formal Western wear.

Thanks to their specialized expertise crafting American-made Western styles, attention to quality, and premium materials, Cody James hats deliver better value and ownership experience than competitors. You get what you pay for with these hats made to stand the test of time.

Are Cody James Western Hats Good for Sun Protection?

Definitely! A high-quality Cody James Western hat will provide excellent sun protection for your face, neck, ears, and beyond.

The classic wide brims of cowboy hats create ample shade from the sun’s rays. Brims measuring 3 inches or more cast optimal shade coverage. The stiff crown also shields the top of your head.

Cody James uses dense, thick felt that naturally blocks UV radiation better than thinner or synthetic materials. Dark rich colors like black or brown block more sun than paler shades.

For all-day sun shielding on hot summer days, choose Cody James styles with extra wide brims of 4 inches or more. Make sure the crown sits low enough to cast shade on your ears and neck.

The best Cody James hats for sun protection include the Plantation, Rancher, and Center Dent gambler designs. Look for UPF ratings of 30+ for guaranteed protection.

With proper, snug fit and tilt angle, a Cody James hat allows you to enjoy the outdoors minus sunburn or squinting. The company’s top-caliber materials and classic silhouettes deliver rugged defense against damaging UV exposure.

Where Are Cody James Western Hats Manufactured?

All Cody James hats are American made in Bowling Green, Missouri. The family company was founded in Bowling Green over 30 years ago and every hat is still carefully constructed by skilled artisans at their Missouri headquarters.

This sets Cody James apart from many competitors who outsource manufacturing overseas to cut costs. By retaining strict quality control through local construction in Missouri, Cody James ensures each hat meets their unwavering standards.

Their American production allows for small batch construction, customization, and ability to consistently craft hats using time-honored techniques modeled after vintage Western wear. The “Made in USA” approach has helped Cody James become a leader in authentic, high-end cowboy hats.

So when you buy a Cody James, you can take pride in sporting superior headwear designed and crafted domestically by experienced Western wear experts. Your purchase supports local American jobs and heritage.

What Are the Unique Features of Cody James Western Hats?

Beyond premium materials and American craftsmanship, Cody James hats include special details that provide enhanced comfort, fit, and style.

Some of their unique features include:

• Sweat bands/hat bands – Features absorbent lining that wicks away moisture to keep your head cool and shielded from dirt or oils. Bands are usually fully leather or leather tipped.
• Finishing – Hats undergo meticulous hand-finishing like edge binding and ribbon and feather decoration for artisanal quality.
• Shaping – Cody James hats are shaped by hand over custom made, authentic hat blocks using specialized techniques to achieve perfect form.
• Edge brims – Edges are tightly curled using steam for a distinctive silhouette. Some designs like the Cattleman have rolled brims.
• Vented crowns – Adds breathability and flexibility via small punctured holes in crown tops.
• Sizing options – Cody James hats comes in an inclusive range of standard and slim sizes from 6 1/4 up to 8 so all head shapes can enjoy a custom fit.

These thoughtful touches earned through generations of hat-making experience make Cody James stand out from typical mass-produced Western wear.

How Durable Are Cody James Western Hats?

As hats built to withstand the rugged ranch and outdoor lifestyle, Cody James Western hats deliver outstanding durability.

Made from 100% natural wool and fur fibers, Cody James felt is thick, dense, and protective. The materials hold up to years of long-term wear without falling apart or becoming threadbare. In fact, many customers report their Cody James hats lasting 10+ years with proper care.

Reinforced stitching and strong shaping resist dents, creases, and damage from accidental drops or impacts. The materials also naturally repel dirt and oil so the hats clean up nicely.

Some contributors to the durability include:

• High-quality materials – Only the best wool, furs, and leathers are used to prevent defects over time.
• Weather-resistant – Treated to repel moisture and stains from exposure to sun, wind, and rain. Won’t easily discolor.
• Dense, heavyweight felt – Thick 3/4 ounce felt prevents rips, holes from developing, and holds shape better.
• Premium sweatbands – Wicks moisture and prevents dirt and skin oils from penetrating crown.
• Handcrafted construction – Expert stitching and binding keeps seams and edges from unraveling or becoming frayed.

With proper storage and routine care, a Cody James hat will likely outlive other less rugged hats in your closet. The long-term durability ensures you get ample value from the investment.

Do Cody James Western Hats Have Adjustable Bands?

To achieve a custom, snug fit, many Cody James Western hats include adjustable sweatbands or hat bands. This handy feature allows you to slightly tweak the inner circumference of your hat for your unique head size and shape.

Common adjustable elements include:

• Snaps – Leather hat bands with metal snaps to secure the ends at different overlap points. Makes it easy to tighten or loosen the band a notch.
• Buckle closures – Adjustable leather strap tabs with a buckle closure. Lets you easily customize and maintain perfect tension.
• Elastic inserts – Added elastic in the leather delivers flexible stretch. Allows the hat band to flex as needed for comfort.
• Lace-up bands – Give a bespoke fit via lace-up leather closures similar to a corset or boots.
• Hook-and-slide closures – Makes it simple to adjust fit, especially for thicker or thinner hair styles.

These innovative adjustments allow you to adapt your Cody James over time as the hat breaks in or your hairstyle changes. Custom tuning the fit prevents a loose, floppy hat and ensures all-day comfort.

What Colors Do Cody James Western Hats Come In?

Cody James offers their diverse range of cowboy hat styles in just about every popular color you can imagine. This includes classic shades like:

• Brown – From light sand to deep chocolate leather shades.
• Black – Jet black for a striking sophisticated look.
• White – Clean, bright white pops against darker Western wear.
• Tan – Ideal for pairing with jeans in hues like khaki, wheat, sandstone and more.
• Grey – Comes in steel grey, silverbelly, charcoal and more modern neutral tones.

Beyond the basics you’ll also find:

• Red – Vibrant shades like cherry, crimson, and maroon.
• Blue – Navy, teal, and ocean blues look sharp.
• Green – Olive, sage, forest, and grass green.
• Purple – Royal, lilac, amethyst, and plum colors.
• Pink – From blush to hot pink for feminine flair.
• Mixes – Combinations like black and white or brown and turquoise.

The extensive color options let you match any formal or casual Western ensemble. Cody James can satisfy cowboy traditionalists and fashion-forward mavericks alike.

How to Style Cody James Western Hats With Outfits

A Cody James Western hat serves as the perfect finishing piece to pull any outfit together with rugged cowboy flair. Here are tips for stylishly incorporating your Cody James hat into ensembles:

• Match hat and boot colors to create a sleek head-to-toe look. Brown hat with brown boots is a failsafe combo.
• Complementary colors also look great – combine your black hat with brown boots or blue jeans.
• Contrasting brim colors help hats stand out against plain shirts or jackets.
• Layer neck scarves, bandanas or bolo ties under the neck band for a polished ranch look.
• Pop of color hats add panache to neutral jeans and button-downs. Don purple with your pale denim.
• Feminine Cody James cowgirl hats pair perfectly with flirty dresses or flared skirts.
• Lean into the Western vibes by wearing distressed denim and chambray with your hat for events.
• For formal events, match with an elegant sport coat or suit and polished leather boots.

With proper styling, your Cody James hat transforms every outfit into a quintessential cowboy look. Use colors, layers, and footwear pairings to make your hat the centerpiece.

Are Cody James Western Hats Suitable for Formal Events?

While created for the rugged ranch lifestyle, Cody James hats also have designs suitable forformal occasions and sophisticated settings.

Styles like the Plantation, Center Dent gambler, and tall crown Cattleman designs convey refined elegance perfect for weddings, special events, and finer social functions.

For gentlemen, pair with an upscale suit, blazer or sport coat in wool or linen along with leather boots. Ladies can don feminine dresses or skirt suits coordinated with cowgirl Cody James hats.

Finer fur felts, smooth refined shapes, and rich neutral colors like grey, black, and brown give Cody James hats polished versality. Unique band details like crystals or feather accents provide eye-catching style.

Just be sure to select designs with at least a 3” brim and taller crown. Short brimmed casual styles won’t convey the same sophistication. With a polished outfit, a Cody James hat lends Southwestern panache to formal attire.

Do Cody James Western Hats Have A Warranty?

As a testament to their utmost confidence in quality and durability, Cody James offers an impressive lifetime warranty on all their American-made hats. This protects against any defects in materials or construction.

If properly cared for, yet problems arise due to manufacturing flaws, Cody James will repair or fully replace the hat at no cost. They stand behind their products to deliver complete customer satisfaction.

Some specifics of the warranty include:

• Covers any defects like tearing of materials or stitching failures causing undesirable wear.
• Normal wear or damage from improper care are not covered. Reasonable lifespans are expected.
• Customer pays to ship defective product to Missouri for assessment.
• If deemed a defect, Cody James covers return shipping along with any repair or replacement.
• Only valid for original purchaser with proof of purchase.

With a brand like Cody James recognized globally for excellence, defects are extremely rare. But the warranty provides assurance that your investment is protected should the unforeseen occur.

In Summary

For over three decades, Cody James has handcrafted heirloom-quality Western hats from premium American materials built to last a lifetime and beyond. Their array of stylish designs accommodates cowboy fashion traditionalists and trendsetters alike.

Hopefully this buying guide provides helpful tips and answers to find your ideal Cody James. From materials and construction to sizing, styling, and care recommendations, you now have the knowledge to pick the perfect Cody James hat to fulfill your Western wear dreams. Just don’t be surprised when it becomes your new favorite accessory instantly imbuing any outfit with authentic cowboy energy and flair.