There was a time when the fashion industry went crazy over bucket hats.

This time, it is the cowboy hat that has captured the spotlight, bringing a touch of western flair to contemporary style.

It began last year, when runways were awash with the unmistakable silhouette of wide brims and high crowns – from luxury labels adding a polished twist to the classic to avant-garde designers reinterpreting it with bold colours and embellishments.

It’s an eye-catching accessory and several designers have featured it in their collections.

Ralph Lauren, for example, sent out several models wearing cowboy hats in his Autumn/Winter 2024 show.

The headgear was paired with modern designs like chic dresses and sophisticated suits. No denim jeans or riding spurs could be seen anywhere.

For men, the headgear can add extra swagger to a street look. Photo: Willy ChavarriaRead more: Era of the Frankenshoes: Why are hybrid footwear becoming so fashionable?

Both Philipp Plein and Willy Chavarria included cowboy hats in their Autumn/Winter 2025 runway presentations.

Plein’s collection is inspired by rapper Post Malone, whose latest album, F-1 Trillion, features country music. Hence, the American country western vibe.

For Chavarria, it was about diversity. His designs ranged from workwear to sportswear – and reflected a mix of styles, including elements drawn from ranch life.

The cowboy hat is such a hot fashion item right now that Miu Miu even came up with a hybrid design.

It takes the form of a bucket hat, but with two opposite sides of the brim secured with buttons. This transforms the silhouette into that of a cowboy hat.

The design was a favourite at the recent Coachella music festival. Singer-songwriter Teyana Taylor wore one for a glitzy event on one weekend.

Other celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Sydney Sweeney are said to be early adopters of the Miu Miu hat. They have freely shared snaps of themselves wearing it on Instagram.

Perhaps Beyonce had a hand in turning cowboy hats into this crazily trending fashion item.

She pretty much made it her go-to accessory after the release of Cowboy Carter last year.

It has to be pointed out though that Beyonce was already wearing cowboy hats during her Renaissance tour in 2023.

The Cowboy Carter concert tour (which started April 28) will definitely keep the momentum going.

It doesn’t have to be part of a costume. The hat will look just as good paired with knits or a nice jacket. Photo: Ralph LaurenSneakers and a long overcoat work well with a cowboy hat too. Photo: Philipp Plein

Read more: What is a firefighter jacket and why has it suddenly become fashionable?

Another performer who became associated with the hat is Taylor Swift.

Her fans often wore it to her Eras Tour (2023–2024), even though Swift herself didn’t really include it in her performance looks.

Perhaps it is an association to her country western musical roots.

Chappell Roan did wear one during her performance of Pink Pony Club at the Grammys this year. She then went on to win “Best New Artiste” that very night.

So, cowboy hats won’t be going anywhere soon. As a fashion must-have, it is here to stay – ready to top off just about any look.