How to Travel with a Cowboy Hat Without Crushing It
A good cowboy hat is like a loyal horse—it'll stick with you through thick and thin if you treat it right. But throw it in a suitcase without thought, and you'll end up with a crumpled mess that won't sit worth a damn on your head. Whether you're heading to a rodeo in Texas, a ranch weekend, or just traveling through Nashville to catch some live music on Broadway, your hat deserves better than that.
The truth is, keeping your western wear in good shape while traveling isn't complicated. It just takes a little planning and some common sense. A cowboy hat is an investment, and any serious rider or western lifestyle enthusiast knows you don't leave your gear to chance.
The Hat Box Method
The old-school way still works better than anything else. Get yourself a proper hat box. Most quality hat shops, including retailers around Nashville's Marathon Village area, can help you find one that fits. A sturdy cardboard or plastic hat box is made specifically for this purpose, and it'll cost you less than a single decent hat would.
Place your hat crown-down inside the box with the brim facing up. This distributes pressure evenly across the hat instead of crushing the crown.
Place your hat crown-down inside the box with the brim facing up. This distributes pressure evenly across the hat instead of crushing the crown. Stuff the interior of the crown with tissue paper or a soft cloth to maintain its shape. Make sure nothing's shifting around inside the box. A hat that moves around during travel gets damaged faster than one that's held in place.
