budget

Twister

Affordable Western style for every cowboy

Est. 1969📍 Sulphur Springs, Texas

At a Glance

Material Focus
Felt & Straw
Signature Crease
Cattleman
Fit Profile
Standard (Avg)
Price Range
$30 - $150

Western Authority Verdict

Twister is your go-to brand when you need functional Western headwear without breaking the bank. They offer both felt (2X Wool and Fur Felt) and straw options (Bangora, Shantung in various X-ratings from 10x to 30x). The quality is honest for the price point—perfect for beginners, kids, or when you need a beater hat for dusty work. Their Premium Bangora and Shantung straws are particularly good summer options. Don't expect heirloom quality, but do expect proper Western styling that'll get the job done.

What We Like

  • Unbeatable value at entry-level prices
  • Wide selection of both felt and straw
  • Widely available at major Western retailers
  • Perfect for kids, beginners, or work hats
  • Good Shantung straw quality (10X-30X)

Room for Improvement

  • Not built for long-term durability
  • Limited customization options
  • Lower-grade materials than premium brands
  • Less sophisticated finishing
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The Story

Twister is a brand of M&F Western Products, founded in 1969 by brothers Mickey and Frankie Eddins in Sulphur Springs, Texas. The company started as M&F Western Novelty, originally making boot jacks before expanding into a full range of Western accessories including hats. Twister emerged as their hat brand, providing an answer to cowboys who needed functional Western headwear without the premium price tags. The brand carved out a niche by offering honest quality at accessible prices, making Western style available to beginners, working cowboys on a budget, and families outfitting kids who'd outgrow their hats. M&F Western remains family-owned and operated to this day, with the Eddins family still at the helm. While Twister hats are manufactured in Mexico, they maintain the company's commitment to value-oriented Western wear.

Craftsmanship

Twister focuses on efficient manufacturing to keep prices low while maintaining acceptable quality. Their felt hats use wool and fur blends appropriate to their price tier, while their straw options employ reliable weaving techniques. You won't find hand-blocking or artisanal finishing at these prices, but the construction is solid for the money. Think of Twister as the reliable work truck of cowboy hats—not fancy, but dependable.

“You don't survive 100+ years in the hat business by cutting corners.”
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Product Collections

Straw Hats

Bangora Collection

Bangora weave

Popular paper straw option. Lightweight, affordable, great for summer basics.

$30 - $50

Popular Models

Bangora CattlemanClassic Bangora

Shantung Collection

10X - 30X Shantung

Premium straw line with tighter weave. Better durability and refined appearance.

$50 - $100

Popular Models

10X Shantung20X Shantung30X Shantung

Felt Hats

2X Wool Felt

2X Wool

Entry-level wool felt hats. Solid construction for the price, good for occasional wear.

$50 - $80

Popular Models

CattlemanPinch Front

Fur Felt Collection

Fur Blend

Step-up option with fur blend felt. Better shape retention and weather resistance.

$80 - $150

Popular Models

Premium CattlemanRodeo
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Sizing & Fit Guide

Runs True to Size?

✓ YesStandard sizing tends to run true. Full size range available from 6 3/4 to 7 5/8.

Break-In Period

Felt hats need 1-2 weeks to fully conform. Straw hats comfortable immediately.

Head Shape Recommendation

Standard fit works for most head shapes.

Long OvalRound Oval
Intermediate / Standard
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Weather & Durability

Rain Resistance

fair

Sun Protection

good

Durability

fair

Acceptable for typical Western wear conditions. Not built for extreme weather. Straw options excel in heat; felt provides modest cold-weather protection.

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Care & Maintenance

  • Brush regularly with a soft hat brush
  • Store properly—crown up or on a hat rack
  • Avoid excessive moisture exposure
  • Spot clean with damp cloth as needed
  • For felt: use steam carefully to reshape if needed
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Who Should Buy?

Best For

  • First-time cowboy hat buyers
  • Kids and youth sizing
  • Work hats you won't cry over if damaged
  • Budget-conscious cowboys
  • Summer straw hats for occasional wear

Not Ideal For

  • Cowboys seeking heirloom-quality hats
  • Serious collectors or enthusiasts
  • Those needing superior weather resistance
  • Special occasions requiring premium presentation
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How It Compares

Twister competes directly with entry-level offerings from Ariat and M&F Western. Against these, Twister typically offers slightly better variety, especially in straw options. However, stepping up to mid-range brands like Atwood or Rodeo King delivers a noticeable quality jump for $50-100 more. Think of Twister as your gateway to Western hats—once you're hooked, you'll likely upgrade.

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Where to Buy

Boot Barn

both

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National chain with Twister inventory

Cavenders

both

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Wide Western wear selection

Amazon

online

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Convenient but verify seller authenticity

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Customization Options

Limited—sold in standard configurationsSome retailers offer basic shaping
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