Fashion

The Art of the Winning Look: Inside Barbara’s Custom Hats

December 16, 2025 . by Cowgirls In Style . 0

In the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards, a name has become synonymous with competitive excellence and western tradition: Barbara’s Custom Hats. Specializing in the “Winning Look,” Barbara’s is more than just a retail shop; it is a destination for riders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts who understand that a hat is the finishing touch on a champion’s silhouette.

Whether you are stepping into the show ring or onto the ranch, Barbara’s blends high-end brands with bespoke shaping to ensure every crown and brim is tailored to the individual. Below, we explore the standout selections that define their current collection.
The Bailey Heritage: 7X Gravel and Black Straw
Barbara’s proudly carries Bailey Hat Co., a brand with a century-long legacy of American craftsmanship.

7X Gravel Bailey Felt
The 7X Gravel is a masterclass in understated elegance. Falling into the premium fur felt category, the “Gravel” colorway offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional silverbelly or black.
* Composition: A high-quality fur felt blend that offers durability and a soft hand-feel.
* Design: Typically features a 4 1/4″ brim and a 6″ open crown, allowing Barbara’s expert shapers to customize the crease—whether you prefer a sharp Cattleman or a modern Brick.
* Detailing: It is finished with a matching self-felt band and a sleek silver-tone buckle set, making it a versatile choice for both the arena and formal western events.
Black Bailey Straw
For the warmer months or high-intensity riding, the Black Bailey Straw provides a sharp, professional profile without the weight of felt.
Breathability: Crafted from sturdy, lightweight straw (often Bangora or Shantung), these hats are designed for maximum airflow.
The Aesthetic: While natural straw is common, the black straw hat offers a “black-tie” western feel that coordinates perfectly with dark show vests and chaps.
The Pinnacle of Quality: 100X Barbara’s Custom by Twinstone
When only the best will do, Barbara’s partners with Twinstone Hats to produce their elite 100X Custom line.
A “100X” rating signifies a hat made of the finest materials—pure beaver fur or a high-grade beaver and mink blend. These hats are the gold standard for world-caliber exhibitors due to their incredible longevity and “memory,” meaning they can be steamed and reshaped repeatedly without losing their integrity.
Signature Black: The 100X Black custom hat is a staple for judges and top-tier competitors. It features a deep, obsidian hue that doesn’t fade and a finish that feels like silk to the touch.
Customization: When purchasing a 100X through Barbara’s, customers select their specific profile—from the Sinaloa to the Texas—ensuring the hat complements their face shape and riding style.
The Classic Buckskin Cattleman
Few things evoke the spirit of the West like a Buckskin Cattleman. This hat is a perennial favorite at Barbara’s for its warm, earthy tone that pairs beautifully with almost any color of denim or leather.
The Crease: The Cattleman crease is the most traditional of all western shapes, featuring a center indent and two side tucks.
Performance: Typically found in 7X or 10X qualities at the shop, the Buckskin felt is favored by those who want a “working” look that still feels polished enough for a grand entry.
Why Choose Barbara’s?
What sets Barbara’s Custom Hats apart is the on-site shaping. Buying a hat is only the first step; at Barbara’s, the hat is steamed and hand-creased to fit your specific head shape and style preferences. This personalized service ensures that your hat doesn’t just sit on your head—it fits your personality.
Visit the Shop
Located at 140 E Exchange Ave in Fort Worth, Barbara’s serves as a hub for the “Winning Look.” If you can’t make it to the Stockyards, they are a frequent fixture at major West Coast and Arizona horse shows, bringing their mobile shaping station directly to the competitors.