Need advice on finding a proper Western hat from the UK

[rayp500]

Hi everyone, I’m from the United Kingdom and trying to get hold of a proper Western cowboy hat — ideally beaver felt or a good fur felt. We don’t get beaver felt hats over here, and most American companies either won’t ship to the UK or the shipping costs are extremely high.

For those of you who know your hats, especially the cowgirls who’ve worn them for years, do you have any advice on:
• brands that might ship internationally
• alternatives to beaver felt that still hold their shape
• anything to avoid when buying from overseas

I’d really appreciate any guidance. You all have far more real‑world experience with Western hats than we do over here. Thanks in advance.

 

[Big Muddy rancher]

There are the brand names such as Stetson, Resitol, and American bu there are many custom hat shops that have great hats. The higher the number of X's such as 10 X, 20X to 100X denotes more beaver fur,
As far as shipping to the UK you will just have to keep checking who will and wat charges.
A lady has opened a custom Hat shop in Verwood Saskatchewan. Circle B custom hats.

 

[webfoot]

I have no experience buying or shipping overseas. I don't think there is an alternative to beaver felt. I see some people wearing those hats and you ca spot them a mile away. A 100X hat will cost an arm and a leg. The majority of off the shelve hat by Resitol, Stetson, or American will be 10X or less. My good Stetson is 4X (went and looked). My old one long since has all the printing worn off. Back when I was riding rodeo I wore American hats. Then they just disappeared. I would buy one now if I could find one. Mainly because I knew Keith Maddox from college rodeo. He is the one who brought the company back to life. +x

 

[Puzzled]

Sheplers may carry the type of hat you are looking for.

Sheplers claims to ship international. But state that some of their vendors do not allow them to ship their products internationally.

https://www.sheplers.com/cowboy-hats/mens/view-all-hats/

 

[Faster horses]

Sheplers may carry the type of hat you are looking for.

Sheplers claims to ship international. But state that some of their vendors do not allow them to ship their products internationally.

https://www.sheplers.com/cowboy-hats/mens/view-all-hats/

I actually bought a saddle from Sheplers, years ago. (I would never do that today) but
that saddle was a Circle Y and it really was better than just ok. I rode it for a long time and it never sored a horse. Then I was able to buy a custom made saddle and it had a great ground seat. Earl Twist made the saddle and I don't know how he managed to get the ground seat narrow on a roping saddle, but he did.The cantle wasn't all that high, I think 3 1/2" and then 4" high or higher became more popular. I didn't care; I rode that saddle until I stopped riding horses.

 

[Big Muddy rancher]

I just saw an ad for hats made from Nutria fur instead of beaver.
The Nutria is and invasive water living mammal in in many southern and costal states

 

[Nicky]

I just saw an ad for hats made from Nutria fur instead of beaver.
The Nutria is and invasive water living mammal in in many southern and costal states

interesting! Maybe a good way to get rid of them

 

[Puzzled]

I would not be very happy if I found out I was wearing a hat or any other fur product made from Nutria.

https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/cowboy-hats-made-of-nutria-felt/

 

[Puzzled]

Who knows, a Swamp Rat Hat may be the look of the future.

 

[webfoot]

Back in my long line trapping day i skinned a lot of beavers and nutria. Their fur is in no way similar. And beavers are far from hard to come by. They have been going through a population explosion. Their fur value has made it unprofitable to trap the. The skinning and putting up the pelt is very difficult and time consuming.

 

[Puzzled]

At one of the OTC fur auctions an individual did a demonstration on fleshing a beaver hide. He had a knife he had had especially made for that purpose, and he fleshed out the hide in a very short time.
The underfur is very soft. Still have my beaver boards, maybe someday they will get repurposed.

 

[Faster horses]

At one of the OTC fur auctions an individual did a demonstration on fleshing a beaver hide. He had a knife he had had especially made for that purpose, and he fleshed out the hide in a very short time.
The underfur is very soft. Still have my beaver boards, maybe someday they will get repurposed.

What do you do with Beaver boards?

 

[Puzzled]

The beaver boards were a 1/2" thick piece of plywood 4'x4'. With large circles drawn on them
to stretch and dry the beaver hide. Beaver hides are usually fairly round when dry.
The circles are sort of a guide for the outer edge of the hide. Small nails were used to hold .
it in place.