Complete your summer look with a custom cowboy hat
Jun 19, 2026, 5:00 AM
All Denverites know that our city is not short on sunshine. So, in the summer, when temps soar into the 90s, Mile High City residents might be on the hunt for different ways to keep those UV rays at bay. However, if straw sunhats aren’t your thing, and baseball caps don’t provide enough coverage, might we offer up a suggestion?
Custom Cowboy Hats
Not only will a cowboy hat keep you looking fabulous (and country-concert-ready for our avid music fans) but it can also help showcase your personality. Many hat shops now allow for customization, adding decorative fabrics, braids, chains, cards and even branding!
If that sounds up your alley, keep reading. We’re highlighting six shops in and around Denver that specialize in custom-designed Western hats of all shapes and sizes.
Cowboy Up Hatters
Located in Welby, Cowboy Up Hatters specializes in custom-made rabbit and beaver felt hats, as well as cleaning re-blocking, and restoring old hats. The store is appointment only, so don’t forget to book your visit ahead of time!
You can watch a video featuring Cowboy Up Hatters Owner Coleen Orr, a.k.a. “The Hat Lady,” below:
Rancher Hat Bar
Nestled away in Cherry Creek is the Rancher Hat Bar. This hat chain can be found in 16 U.S. cities, and has a wide selection of products to choose from. You can even build your custom hat online or via a virtual facetime appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.
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Gem Hats
Located in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, stylists at Gem Hats are ready to guide you through every step of creating a custom hat. Alternatively, if time is of the essence, the shop has a full collection of ready-to-wear hats available for sale. It’s recommended to make an appointment to guarantee your spot.
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Hats by Parker Thomas
Also located in Cherry Creek is Hats By Parker Thomas. According to its website, this shop offers “bespoke hats that are as unique as the individuals who wear them.” Each piece is carefully shaped by founder Parker Orms — a third-generation hat shaper — and his team.
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The Cow Lot
From Wichita Falls, Texas, to Denver, The Cow Lot has been around since 1952. Located in Montbello, the store is walk-in only and prioritizes finding “the perfect fit.”
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Frayed With Grace Mobile Hat Bar
Finally, we’re letting you know about the Frayed With Grace Mobile Hat Bar, which you might have already seen floating around Denver’s summer markets and fairs. The mobile hat bar is available for private events and also offers an “online hat bar” service for both hat customization and/or the purchase of premade masterpieces.
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Happy hat hunting!
Lead photo courtesy of Gem Hats/Visit Denver.
