The “X” markings were first used in felt cowboy hats, and indicated how much fur content was included in the fur blend used to make the cowboy hat. The more wild fur included in the fur blend used to make the cowboy hat, the higher the “X” marking for that cowboy hat.. Generally speaking 2X was the lowest for a cowboy hat and 100X was the highest for the cowboy hat. The price of the hat is also reflected in the “X” content of the felt cowboy hat.

Wild fir in a cowboy hat consists of a blend of wild hare, wild rabbit, beaver fur as well as wool blends.

Now some cowboy hat manufacturers are including the “X” marking on their straw cowboy hats. The higher the “X” marking the better quality of the straw cowboy hat.

All natural straw materials are from plants that are grown and cultivated at the proper time. The straws need to be prepared properly before the weaving process begins. Some process include stripping, washing, cooking, dyeing, and drying.

Different woven straws include shantung panama straw cowboy hats, palm leaf straw cowboy hat, bangora straw cowboy hat, Guatemalan palm straw cowboy hat and treated Mexican palm straw cowboy hats.

So in shopping for a new felt or straw cowboy hat, remember to look at the”X” content in the hat. You will notice the difference in the felt or straw cowboy hat.