What Are Cowboy Safety Hats and Can You Get Them OSHA Approved?

Common Questions About Cowboy Safety Hats

Are cowboy safety hats OSHA approved?

OSHA doesn't certify hard hats directly. It requires PPE to meet ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standards, and cowboy-style hard hats can absolutely be built on ANSI-rated shells. Full-brim western hats like the MSA Skullgard are manufactured and tested to Type I or Type II standards, meaning they've passed impact, penetration, and electrical testing depending on the class. Always check the shell's ANSI certification sticker before putting it into service. You can read more about the classification system on our hard hat types and classes page.

What's the difference between a cowboy hard hat and a standard full-brim hard hat?

The main difference is the crown shape. A cowboy hard hat has a pinched or creased crown that mimics a traditional western hat, while a standard full-brim hard hat has a rounded, uncreased dome. Both use the same brim-all-around design for sun and rain coverage. If you want to see how full-brim styles stack up against cap-style hats, check out our comparison of hard hat styles.

Can I get a cowboy hard hat with a chin strap?

Yes. Most western-style hard hats accept an aftermarket or included chin strap that clips onto the suspension system. If you're working at height, in high wind, or on a bucket truck, a chin strap keeps the hat seated properly. When ordering, confirm the suspension type (ratchet vs. pinlock) since strap compatibility varies slightly by manufacturer.

Is a cowboy hard hat Type 1 or Type 2?

It depends on the shell. Type I hard hats protect against top impact only, while Type II hard hats add lateral (side) impact protection, which matters if there's risk of swinging objects or bumping into fixed equipment. Full-brim western shells are commonly built as Type I, although Type II versions with wraparound protection exist for jobs that require it. Our safety hard hats category lists current ANSI ratings by product.

How much do custom cowboy safety hats cost per unit?

 Cowboy safety hard hats start at $54.88 each and require a minimum order of 8 hats. Pricing may vary depending on the model, color, and quantity ordered. Because of their unique molded western-style design, these hard hats cannot be custom printed or decorated. Visit the product page for current pricing and available options. 

How long does it take to get a custom cowboy hard hat order?

Standard production runs 12 business days after artwork approval, plus FedEx or UPS transit time to your address. Rush timelines may be available for larger crew orders, so confirm lead times before placing a bulk order tied to a start date.

Do cowboy safety hats hold up in hot, sunny, or outdoor conditions?

The wide brim is actually the main advantage here. It shades the neck, ears, and face better than a cap-style hard hat, which matters for roofing, oil and gas, and utility crews working full days in direct sun. The shell material (HDPE or fiberglass, as used in the MSA Skullgard full brim) is UV-stabilized to resist cracking and fading over years of outdoor use.