Cowboy Hats Nashville: 8 Best Shops, Ranked for 2026
Lunch in a fresh new hat after a morning of cowboy hat shopping in Nashville.
The best place to buy cowboy hats in Nashville is Steel & Saddle Outfitters in Marathon Village, where full hat customization costs $40 and the branding iron is free with any cowboy hat. Rancher Hat Bar, Honky Tonk Hat Bar and Rustler Hat Co. follow, while Big Time Boots handles quick Broadway purchases.
Key Takeaways
Steel & Saddle (1200 Clinton St, Suite 21) ranks first for custom work: $40 for full customization, free branding iron with any cowboy hat, open Wednesday through Sunday only.
Rancher Hat Bar (2212 12th Ave S, Suite 104) is open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is the easiest custom-hat stop to fit into any itinerary.
Big Time Boots (410 Broadway) lists cowboy hats starting at $39, which makes it the practical pick for a fast, budget-friendly purchase near the honky-tonks.
Boot Barn offers complimentary hat shaping at its Nashville stores, a useful perk for a hat bought off the rack.
Check hours before you go: several shops close by late afternoon or early evening, and Steel & Saddle is closed Monday and Tuesday.
At Underwood Manor, we host bachelorette weekends, birthday trips and family reunions a short drive from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, so hat shopping comes up in guest questions before almost every trip. Most people want a hat that looks right in the Broadway photos and still fits on Sunday morning.
This 2026 guide ranks eight shops using the same criteria for each: customization options, price transparency, location and hours, and how well the shop suits a group. Ratings come from Google Maps listings at the time of research and change often, so treat them as approximate.
Where Is the Best Place to Buy a Cowboy Hat in Nashville?
The best place to buy a cowboy hat in Nashville depends on what you want to leave with. Steel & Saddle Outfitters leads for a personalized hat, Big Time Boots leads for speed on Broadway, and Boot Barn leads for convenience and free shaping. Here is how the eight shops compare.
Rank | Shop | Area | Best for | Verified detail |
1st | Steel & Saddle | Marathon Village | Custom hat bar | $40 full customization; free branding iron with a cowboy hat |
2nd | Rancher Hat Bar | 12th Ave S | Custom hats, flexible hours | Open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Google 4.9 (about 1,100 reviews) |
3rd | Honky Tonk Hat Bar | Lewis St | Hat-bar experience | Google 5.0 (about 462 reviews) |
4th | Rustler Hat Co. | 11th Ave S | Crowd-tested hat shop | Google 4.9 (about 2,300 reviews) |
5th | American Paint Hat Co. | Canopy by Hilton, Division St | Felt or straw with embellishments | Custom bands, feathers, branding, vintage pins |
6th | Planet Cowboy | 12 South | Premium fur felt | Mentions 20X and 100X beaver hats |
7th | Big Time Boots | 410 Broadway | Fast, budget purchase | Cowboy hats from $39; three levels |
8th | Boot Barn | 2nd Ave N and West Nashville | Chain convenience | Complimentary hat shaping |
How the ranking works. Custom options and transparent pricing count most, because you can price-check them in advance. Hours and location come next. Google ratings break ties but do not decide the order, since review counts vary widely between shops.
This is an editorial ranking, not an independent test. Prices change, so confirm the current figure with the shop before you plan a budget around it.
Why Does Steel & Saddle Outfitters Rank First for Cowboy Hats Nashville Visitors Want?
Steel & Saddle is a Nashville western-wear shop with an in-store cowboy hat bar at 1200 Clinton St, Suite 21, in Marathon Village. It ranks first because it combines a clear flat price and a free branding iron with hands-on customization in one stop.
The shop lists full hat customization at $40, and the branding iron is free with any cowboy hat. Customization covers brim shaping, ribbon bands, feathers and pins. Because the fee is published, you can budget before you arrive, which most competing pages do not allow.
What are the hours and when should you go?
Steel & Saddle is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed Monday and Tuesday. A group landing Friday afternoon still has time, but a Monday arrival means waiting until Wednesday.
The downside is the early close. This is a daytime errand, not a stop after a Broadway night. Plan it for Friday or Saturday morning, then use the afternoon for lunch and sightseeing.
Who is it best for?
Choose Steel & Saddle if you want a hat that looks different from the one the person next to you bought on Broadway. A band, a feather and the branding iron turn a standard hat into a keepsake. For a bachelorette group, the shared process works as a built-in activity; our Nashville bachelorette party page covers how the rest of the weekend can fit around it. Let them know you are staying at our property and get an exclusive discount!
Pro tip: confirm walk-in availability and group handling directly with the shop. The location page lists hours and pricing but not an appointment policy. If you want ideas for other stops in the neighborhood, The Space is a useful companion for planning an event-style group outing.
Custom Cowboy Hats Nashville
Which Other Nashville Hat Shops Are Worth Your Time?
Seven more shops deserve a place on a Nashville hat list, and each solves a different problem. Rancher Hat Bar and Honky Tonk Hat Bar suit custom shoppers, Big Time Boots suits Broadway walkers, and Planet Cowboy suits buyers ready to spend on fur felt.
2nd: Rancher Hat Bar
Rancher Hat Bar sits at 2212 12th Avenue South, Suite 104, behind Reformation, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The daily schedule is its biggest advantage over Steel & Saddle. Its Google listing shows 4.9 stars across about 1,100 reviews. The Nashville page gives typical service times, so read it before you book a group.
3rd: Honky Tonk Hat Bar
Honky Tonk Hat Bar is at 1343 Lewis St, Suite A, with a 5.0 Google rating across roughly 462 reviews. The small review base makes it less proven than Rancher, but the score is consistent. Call (615) 913-2982 to ask about group sizes before you commit.
4th: Rustler Hat Co.
Rustler Hat Co. is at 407 11th Ave S and carries one of the largest review counts in Nashville hat retail: 4.9 stars across about 2,300 reviews. We could not verify its pricing or service menu, so call (615) 490-6977 to confirm current hours and services.
5th: American Paint Hat Co.
American Paint Hat Co. runs its custom experience inside Canopy by Hilton at 920 Division St. You choose premium felt or straw, then add handcrafted bands, feathers, branding and vintage pins. Its hotel setting makes it convenient if you are staying in that part of town. It sits fifth because it publishes no flat price we could compare.
6th: Planet Cowboy
Planet Cowboy calls its 12 South location (2905 12th Ave S) its flagship and has a second shop in Wedgewood Houston. The site mentions 20X and 100X beaver hats and open-crown wool and beaver options. Come here when material quality matters more than a quick souvenir.
7th: Big Time Boots
Big Time Boots at 410 Broadway says it has served Nashville visitors for more than 40 years. Cowboy hats start at $39, and the store spans three levels. It carries Ariat, Corral, Dan Post, Dingo, Lucchese, select Old Gringo and Stetson. Phone: (615) 254-7797. For guests at Underwood Manor, Broadway is about 1.8 miles away, roughly 8 minutes by car, so a Broadway stop slots easily into a night out.
8th: Boot Barn
Boot Barn's 2nd Avenue store at 144 2nd Avenue North, Suite 100, is near Broadway and lists hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Complimentary hat shaping and in-store pickup for online orders are the practical perks. The West Nashville store at 6622 Charlotte Pike offers the same shaping service with later weekday hours.
Two other names come up in local searches: Redneck Legends at 311 Broadway and Nashville Custom Hats at 501 Union St. Both carry strong Google ratings, though we did not rank them because less verified detail is available.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Cowboy Hat in Nashville?
The cost of a cowboy hat in Nashville depends on material and customization. Verified starting points: Big Time Boots lists hats from $39, and Steel & Saddle charges $40 for full customization. Premium fur felt costs far more, and exact prices change by shop and season.
Separate the hat from the extras. A basic hat gets you on Broadway for the weekend. Customization such as a band, feather or branding is typically a separate line item, so ask for the total before you commit.
The price tag also reflects material. Planet Cowboy's mention of 20X and 100X beaver hats points to the fur-felt end of the market, where the "X" generally signals higher fur content and a higher price. Wool felt and straw sit at the budget end.
A decent hat holds its shape, fits without pinching, and uses a material suited to when you will wear it. For a one-weekend costume, a lower-priced hat is fine; for a hat you will wear for years, spend more on felt quality.
Overall visitor spending shows how busy this market is: Davidson County visitors spent $11.6 billion in 2026, according to Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. data, and Nashville expects about 17.8 million visitors in 2026. Busy weekends mean busier shops.
How Should You Choose Between Broadway, a Chain Store, and a Custom Hat Bar?
Choosing between a Broadway shop, a chain store and a custom hat bar comes down to time and intent. Broadway wins on convenience, chains win on shaping and pickup, and hat bars win on personalization.
Quick Broadway purchase
Big Time Boots and Boot Barn's 2nd Avenue location both sit on or near Broadway. Pick this route if you need a hat before the night starts and want to leave the shop in 20 minutes. The trade-off is crowds on weekends and less personalization.
Practical chain store
Boot Barn offers complimentary hat shaping and online ordering with in-store pickup. Order ahead if your group is arriving Friday and wants hats by Saturday morning.
Custom hat bar
Steel & Saddle, Rancher, Honky Tonk Hat Bar and American Paint Hat Co. are built around the experience. Allow extra time, since a group of 8 to 12 will not finish in 15 minutes. Because shop hours differ, confirm group handling by phone.
Getting there
Rideshare is the simplest option from Underwood Manor: Broadway is about 1.8 miles and roughly 8 minutes by car, so a drop-off beats circling for a space. Steel & Saddle in Marathon Village and Rancher on 12th Avenue South are each a short drive from downtown, and a single rideshare can link them in one morning. We do not list parking costs because they change and we could not verify them.
Can You Walk In for a Custom Hat in Nashville?
A custom hat in Nashville often starts with a walk-in, but policies vary by shop and group size. The published pages for these shops list hours and services without always stating appointment rules. Call ahead for any group of four or more, especially on Friday and Saturday.
Rancher Hat Bar publishes typical service times on its Nashville page, which helps you plan how many hats to finish before a dinner reservation. Steel & Saddle's closing time of 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. means a late-morning start gives you the most breathing room.
Custom work takes longer than an off-the-rack purchase, so build slack into the schedule. If you are planning a full weekend, our things to do in Nashville page helps you fit the errand around other plans.
What Cowboy Hat Styles Are Popular in Nashville, and How Do You Get the Right Fit?
A cowboy hat style is defined by its crown shape and brim curve, and the popular choices in Nashville are felt hats for cooler months and straw hats for heat. Planet Cowboy stocks open-crown wool and beaver hats, while American Paint Hat Co. lets you choose felt or straw and add the finish yourself.
Start with material. Straw suits summer walking on Broadway; felt suits fall through early spring. Wool felt is the budget material, and beaver or fur felt costs more and generally holds its shape longer.
Next, check the fit. A hat should sit snugly above the ears and eyebrows without leaving a red line after 10 minutes. Ask the shop to measure you, since hat sizing is not consistent across brands. Boot Barn's complimentary shaping handles a brim adjustment at both its 2nd Avenue and Charlotte Pike stores, and the custom bars shape brims as part of the process.
Then decide how much personalization you want. Ribbon bands, feathers, pins and a branding iron mark are the most common add-ons at the bars. Keep the first hat simple if you are unsure, because a band or pin can be added later.
Do Nashville Locals Wear Cowboy Hats?
Some Nashville locals wear cowboy hats, but daily wear is far less common than the souvenir shops suggest. Musicians and western-wear fans wear them most, while many residents save a hat for concerts or special occasions.
You will see more hats on Lower Broadway than in neighborhoods like East Nashville or 12 South. That does not make a tourist hat wrong. A hat you actually like wearing reads better than one bought only for the photo.
For country music fans planning a trip around the Ryman or the Grand Ole Opry, a hat is part of the outfit. If live music is the main goal, the 15 best live music venues in Nashville guide is a useful companion.
Where Should a Group Stay While Shopping for Cowboy Hats in Nashville?
A group shopping for cowboy hats in Nashville needs a base close to Broadway, 12th Avenue South and Marathon Village without the downtown hotel price tag. A private house with a kitchen and outdoor space keeps everyone together when hat appointments and dinner reservations stack up.
Underwood Manor is a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath farmhouse that sleeps up to 10 guests, with a 7-person hot tub, a smokeless fire pit, a BBQ grill and an 8-foot slate pool table in the speakeasy game room. The neon sign in the game room reads "Blame it on my roots, I showed up in boots," which suits a hat-shopping trip. Broadway is about 1.8 miles away, roughly 8 minutes by car, and the listing says 7 minutes.
Guests with children find the backyard handy: grill dinner, then set up cornhole or bocce while the adults compare hats. The house sits in a quiet street, and one guest noted the surrounding area is not the best but the street itself had no issues. For more on getting around, see our Nashville trip planning posts.
Need more space? Fern Unit A and Fern Unit B each sleep 12 with a 7-person hot tub and rooftop deck. Fern Unit A has the Nashvegas rooftop mural and foosball, while Fern Unit B has a glam vanity area. For 13 to 24 guests, the Ultimate Bach Pad sleeps 24 across two side-by-side homes. Confirm details on each listing before you plan around them.
What Should You Do Before You Buy a Hat in Nashville?
Before you buy cowboy hats in Nashville, check each shop's hours, call about groups, and decide between a quick Broadway purchase and a custom hat bar. Steel & Saddle remains the top pick in 2026 for its $40 customization fee, free branding iron and in-store hat bar.
Start with Steel & Saddle on a Friday or Saturday morning, then use Rancher Hat Bar, Big Time Boots or Boot Barn as backups when hours or group size get in the way. For bigger weekend planning, browse our Nashville family fun guides or the bachelorette party Nashville posts. Hat prices and shop hours will keep shifting through 2026, so verify them on each official page.
A spacious backyard entertainment area featuring a lit fire pit surrounded by rustic log seating, with a hot tub, wooden privacy fence, firewood storage, and well-maintained lawn creating an ideal outdoor gathering space. · Underwood Manor
After a day of hat shopping, Underwood Manor gives your group a 7-person hot tub and a smokeless fire pit to wind down, backed by 163 five-star reviews. You can check dates and book direct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to buy a cowboy hat in Nashville?
Steel & Saddle at 1200 Clinton St, Suite 21, ranks first for customization, with a $40 full-customization fee and a free branding iron with any cowboy hat. Rancher Hat Bar is the strongest alternative thanks to daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. hours. Big Time Boots on Broadway suits a quick purchase.
How much does it cost to get a cowboy hat in Nashville?
Big Time Boots lists cowboy hats starting at $39, and Steel & Saddle charges $40 for full customization. Premium fur-felt hats cost considerably more, and prices change, so confirm the current figure with the shop.
Do Nashville locals wear cowboy hats?
Some do, especially musicians and country fans at concerts and events. Everyday wear is less common than the number of hat shops suggests, and you will see more hats on Lower Broadway than in most neighborhoods.
How much should a decent cowboy hat cost?
A decent hat holds its shape, fits comfortably, and uses a material suited to the season. Wool felt and straw sit at the budget end, while beaver felt costs more. Spend more only if you plan to wear the hat beyond the trip.
Can you get a custom cowboy hat in Nashville without an appointment?
Many hat bars take walk-ins, but policies vary by shop and group size. Call ahead for groups of four or more, and note that Steel & Saddle is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Do bars in Nashville have cover charges?
Many Broadway bars have no cover most of the day, but some venues charge on busy nights, often anywhere from nothing to around $20. Check each venue's own page, since cover policies change.
How much are drinks in Nashville?
Drink prices vary by venue, and Broadway honky-tonks, rooftop bars and neighborhood spots all price differently. Check menus or venue pages before you go, and budget more for rooftops and weekend nights.
Are vacation rentals better than hotels for families visiting Nashville?
Often, yes, when you are traveling with children or multiple generations. A house gives you a kitchen, separate bedrooms and a private backyard. Underwood Manor sleeps up to 10 with a 7-person hot tub, a game room and a fire pit, about 8 minutes by car from Broadway. Compare per-person costs for your dates.
Written by Chase Gillmore, Owner at Underwood Manor
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