Top 10 Best Black Cowboy Hats for Women 2026

When it comes to timeless Western fashion, nothing quite matches the sophisticated allure of the best black cowboy hats. Whether you're heading to a rodeo, enjoying a country music festival, or simply embracing your inner cowgirl for everyday wear, a classic black cowboy hat remains the ultimate statement piece that transcends seasons and trends.

Black cowboy hats have evolved far beyond their origins as practical headwear for cattle herders during cattle drives. Today, these iconic accessories represent a perfect blend of classic style and modern sophistication, making them essential pieces in any fashion-forward woman's wardrobe.

Browse the full lineup of women's western hats to see the silhouettes covered in this guide before reading further.

We'll explore the top 10 best black cowboy hats for women in 2026, featuring premium options that combine high quality craftsmanship with stunning design. Whether you're searching for a wool felt cowboy hat for cooler months or a breathable straw cowboy hat for summer adventures, you'll discover the perfect hat to complete your Western look.

Why Choose a Black Cowboy Hat?

The versatility of a classic black cowboy hat cannot be overstated. Unlike other hat colors that may limit your styling options, black effortlessly complements every outfit in your closet. This neutral yet powerful shade pairs beautifully with everything from denim and cowgirl boots to elegant dresses for special occasions.

Black wool cowboy hats and black felt options offer year-round wearability, providing warmth during chilly evenings while maintaining breathability for comfortable all-day wear. The color black also has a slimming effect and adds an air of mystery and sophistication that other hat styles simply cannot match.

When you invest in one of the best materials available, your black cowboy hat becomes a timeless piece that will serve you for years to come.

The Heritage Behind Western Cowboy Hats

The cowboy hat as we know it traces to John B. Stetson and his "Boss of the Plains" design, which he created in 1865 after observing the makeshift hats worn by ranch hands and trail drivers across the American West.

Stetson's innovation was practical, a wide brim for sun and rain protection, a tall crown for ventilation, and a felted construction that held shape through hard daily use. The original Boss of the Plains sold for ten dollars at a time when most working men's hats cost a fraction of that, and the design defined what a cowboy hat would look like for the next 160 years.

Traditional cowboy hat felt was made from rabbit, hare, and beaver fur materials prized for tight, water-resistant felting and long durability. The "X" rating system that still appears on Western hats today (3X, 5X, 10X, 100X) originally indicated the percentage of beaver fur in the felt blend; higher X-counts meant more beaver fur and a denser, more weather-resistant hat.

The system has loosened over time and now varies by manufacturer, but the principle holds: more fur content, longer lifespan.

For women specifically, the cowboy hat moved from working ranch wear to mainstream fashion through several distinct cultural waves, first through Hollywood Westerns of the 1940s and 1950s, then through the country-pop crossover of the 1990s, and most recently through the contemporary "coastal cowgirl" and Western fashion revival that has dominated since the early 2020s.

The result is a category that now lives equally in two worlds: working ranch wear, and fashion accessory worn far from any horse.

For a deeper look at the silhouettes that define this category for women, this guide on types of cowboy hats for women covers crown shapes, brim variations, and how to pick the right silhouette for your face and lifestyle.

Top 10 Best Black Cowboy Hats for Women in 2026

This list is curated from the Eric Javits Western and felt fedora collections, the silhouettes that combine cowboy heritage with the brand's hallmark of hand-blocked construction, sustainably-sourced wool, and the patented Squishee® material that has defined the brand for thirty years.

Each hat is matched to a real use case so you can pick by purpose, not just by silhouette.

1. Wool Western: Best Overall Black Cowboy Hat

Best for: Year-round daily wear, the buyer's first quality cowboy hat

Material: Hand-blocked wool felt, crocodile-embossed calf leather lacing

Made in: United States, from sustainably sourced multi-use wool

The Wool Western is the brand's flagship cowboy silhouette and the strongest single-purchase recommendation for most women.

Hand-blocked using a centuries-old millinery technique by skilled artisans in the United States, the hat features a sculpted crown, a rolled brim, and crocodile-embossed calf leather lacing at the crown.

The wool is sourced from small farms raising multi-use sheep under humane conditions, a quietly sustainable position that distinguishes the hat from mass-market alternatives. Comfortable elasticized inner band fits most adult head sizes.

2. Gunslinger: Best Wide-Brim Statement Hat

Best for: Festivals, photoshoots, statement evening dressing

Material: Hand-blocked wool felt

Brim character: Extra-wide, dramatic

The Gunslinger is the hat for the woman who wants the cowboy hat to do the loudest visual work in the outfit.
Extra-wide brim, structured felt construction, and a silhouette engineered for cinematic impact rather than subtle daily wear.

Best paired with simpler clothing, a slip dress, an oversized blazer, fitted denim that lets the hat hold the focal point.

3. L'Avenue Wool Felt: Best Travel Cowboy Fedora

Best for: Urban travel, transitional weather, the buyer who wants a fedora that reads Western-adjacent

Material: Water-repellent wool felt, pig suede band 

Packability: Rollable and packable

The L'Avenue Wool Felt sits at the intersection of fedora and Western, a rakishly angled brim, sumptuous pig suede band, and water-repellent finish that handles rain, sleet, and travel without losing shape.

The 4-inch brim provides Western-scale presence without the dramatic wingspan of the Gunslinger, and the packability makes it the strongest option for women who travel frequently and want one structured felt hat that survives the trip.

4. Dakota: Best Versatile Black Cowboy Hat

Best for: Buyers who want one hat that pairs with everything

Material: Premium wool felt

Brim character: Medium width, balanced for most face shapes

The Dakota is the moderation pick of the lineup, neither a statement hat nor a conservative one, but a confidently proportioned wool felt cowboy hat that adapts to nearly any outfit.

Medium brim width that flatters most face shapes, balanced crown height, and the kind of finishing details (clean stitching, refined inner band) that distinguish a real designer hat from a mass-produced one.

Pairs equally with denim and cowgirl boots or with a flowing midi dress.

5. Squishee® Bayou Fedora: Best Black Straw Cowboy Hat

Best for: Hot-weather Western dressing, summer festivals, beach-to-bar styling

Material: Patented Squishee® straw, made from recycled fibers 

Sun protection: UPF 50+ (blocks 95% UVA/UVB)

The Squishee Bayou Fedora is the strongest black straw cowboy hat in the collection. Hand-blocked from Squishee®, the brand's patented woven synthetic that mimics fine raffia but won't crack, splinter, or melt when wet, the hat carries a UPF 50+ rating from independent testing.

Untrimmed silhouette reads laid-back Western rather than formal cowboy, which is exactly what summer Western dressing calls for. Packable, lightweight, and built to last more than a single season.

6. Western Straw Hat: Best Adjustable Summer Cowboy Hat

Best for: Beach trips, hot-weather travel, women who want summer Western styling without committing to a stiff brim

Material: Squishee® straw with calf leather lacing, antique brass eyelets

Brim feature: Wired, adjustable

The Western Straw Hat brings cowboy aesthetics into a fully summer-ready package. Wired brim allows you to adjust the shape, flatten it for sun protection, curl it up for a more playful silhouette and the antique brass eyelets add ventilation for hot days.

Calf leather lacing finishes the crown with authentic Western detail. Ideal for women who want one hat that handles a beach week, a summer festival, and a desert resort weekend.

7. Camp Jav: Best Modern Cowboy Hat

Best for: Contemporary Western styling, women who want cowboy aesthetics without traditional formality

Material: Squishee® straw

Brim character: Shapeable, relaxed crown

The Camp Jav reads more "modern Western" than "traditional cowboy", relaxed crown, shapeable brim, and a lightweight Squishee® construction that disappears in weight after a few minutes of wear.

Best for women who want the Western reference without the full traditional silhouette. Equally at home at upscale events or weekend adventures, which makes it the most versatile Squishee® piece in the lineup.

8. Ms Cool Wool Felt Fedora: Best Compact Felt Western Fedora

Best for: Daily urban wear, smaller-framed wearers, the buyer who wants a felt fedora with Western styling potential

Material: Water-repellent wool felt with lamb leather band

Brim span: 3 inches

Made in: United States

The Ms Cool Wool Felt Fedora is the most wearable everyday felt fedora in the lineup with cowboy-adjacent styling.

The 3-inch brim sits at the practical limit for daily urban wear without requiring outfit-level commitment, the lamb leather band adds quiet luxury, and the sustainable wool sourcing aligns with the brand's broader material philosophy. Packable, water-repellent, made in the USA.

Reads as "considered black hat" rather than "obvious cowboy" which is the right read for most everyday wardrobes.

9. Tyler Felt Fedora: Best Refined Western Fedora

Best for: Cocktail dressing, evening Western styling, occasions that need a more polished hat than a true cowboy silhouette

Material: Hand-blocked super felt, grosgrain band with fringed bow knot

Brim span: 3 inches

The Tyler Felt Fedora is the most refined option in the lineup, hand-blocked from luxurious super felt with a grosgrain band finishing in a fringed bow knot.

Reads dressier than a traditional cowboy hat, which makes it the right pick for women who want Western-inspired headwear that pairs with a tailored coat, a wool dress, or a cocktail-appropriate ensemble rather than denim and boots.

10. Jamie Felt Fedora: Best Hat for Most Face Shapes

Best for: Women uncertain about cowboy hat fit, or who want a downward-sloping brim for added face flattery

Material: Hand-blocked, water-repellent wool felt with gold-plated chain detail

Brim span: 3.5 inches

Made in: United States

The Jamie Felt Fedora is the most universally flattering hat in the list. The downward-sloping brim creates a softening line across the face that flatters round, square, oblong, and heart shapes a wider range than the typical structured cowboy silhouette, which tends to favor specific face geometry.

The gold-plated chain detail adds polish without crossing into ornate. Water-repellent, packable, made in the USA.

Choosing the Right Black Cowboy Hat for You

Selecting from the best black cowboy hats involves considering several factors to ensure you find your perfect fit. Understanding these elements will help you make an informed decision that you'll be happy with for years to come.

Material Matters

The choice between a wool felt cowboy hat and a straw cowboy hat depends largely on when and where you'll wear it. Wool felt hats offer warmth and structure, making them ideal for cooler weather and formal occasions.

The finest materials like rabbit fur or beaver fur create felt that's both durable and luxurious to the touch.

Straw hats excel in warm weather, providing breathability that keeps you cool during summer activities. Modern straw cowboy hats can be surprisingly durable when crafted from the best materials, and many feature black straw or black-painted finishes that maintain the sophisticated look of felt options.

For a deeper read on choosing between fibers, this guide on choosing the right wool or felt hat covers the differences in material grade, weight, and finish.

Brim Width and Crown Height

The brim width of your cowboy hat significantly impacts both its functionality and appearance. A wide brim offers maximum sun protection and creates a dramatic look perfect for special occasions.

Medium brims provide versatility for everyday wear, while narrower brims suit those seeking a more subtle Western accent.

Crown height and shape also play crucial roles in how a hat complements your face shape and personal style. The open crown design allows for custom shaping, while pre-shaped crowns like the cattleman or open road styles offer immediate wearability.

 Consider your face shape and styling preferences when making your selection.

Sizing and Fit

Getting the right hat size is crucial for comfort and appearance. Most quality hat companies provide a size chart to help you determine your measurement. Measure your head circumference about an inch above your eyebrows, and compare that measurement to the manufacturer's sizing guide.

A properly fitted hat should sit comfortably on your head without pressure points or gaps. The interior sweatband should make contact all around without feeling tight.

For full measurement methodology and the difference between fixed-size, adjustable, and stretch-fit construction, this hat sizing guide walks through the specifics.

Quality Indicators

When shopping for the best black cowboy hats, look for signs of great quality craftsmanship. Check the stitching along the brim and crown for evenness and durability. Examine the interior construction, including the sweatband and liner materials. High quality hats will feature smooth felt without thin spots or irregularities.

The Western hat band should be securely attached and made from quality leather or fabric. Look for reinforced stitching at stress points and a well-constructed brim that holds its shape. These details separate great hats from mediocre ones and justify the investment in premium pieces.

Styling Your Black Cowboy Hat

The classic black cowboy hat offers endless styling possibilities, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.

Here are expert tips for incorporating this iconic piece into your everyday looks and special occasion outfits.

Casual Western Chic

For a relaxed yet put-together look, pair your black cowboy hat with fitted jeans and cowgirl boots. Add a flowing blouse or a graphic tee depending on the vibe you're creating. Belt buckles add authentic Western flair, while simple jewelry keeps the focus on your hat.

This combination works perfectly for outdoor concerts, weekend brunches, or casual gatherings. The beauty of a classic black cowboy hat is its ability to anchor an outfit while allowing other pieces to shine.

Whether you're wearing riding boots or ankle booties, the hat ties everything together effortlessly.

Festival Ready

Music festivals and outdoor events call for bold styling, and your black wool or straw hat becomes the perfect centerpiece. Layer fringe vests over tank tops, add distressed denim shorts, and complete the look with statement cowgirl boots. Don't shy away from mixing textures and patterns when your hat provides a solid anchor point.

For evening festivals, swap denim for a flowing maxi dress or skirt. The contrast between feminine fabrics and the structured hat creates visual interest that photographs beautifully.

This is where your creativity can shine while the classic style of your cowboy hat keeps everything grounded.

Office to Evening

Yes, you can wear a cowboy hat in professional settings when styled appropriately. Choose a sleek black felt western hat with a moderate brim width. Pair it with tailored pants or a midi skirt, a crisp button-down, and ankle boots. Keep accessories minimal and sophisticated.

For evening transitions, swap your daytime top for something with more flair, perhaps a silk blouse or a leather jacket. The versatility of a well-made wool cowboy hat means it adapts seamlessly from boardroom to bar, making it a practical choice for busy professionals who value style.

Special Occasions

Black cowboy hats shine at weddings, galas, and other special events. A wide brim felt hat paired with a flowing dress creates a romantic Western aesthetic perfect for outdoor celebrations. Choose dresses in complementary colors and fabrics that move beautifully.

For formal Western events, consider pairing your hat with tailored separates in luxe fabrics. A black blazer, sleek trousers, and your cowboy hat create a sophisticated silhouette that honors Western tradition while maintaining modern elegance.

Add statement jewelry and heeled boots to complete the refined look.

Care and Maintenance

Investing in one of the best black cowboy hats means committing to proper care that ensures longevity. With the right maintenance routine, your hat will maintain its shape, color, and quality for decades.

For a comprehensive year-round routine across materials, this guide to maintaining your hat collection covers cleaning, storage, and seasonal rotation.

Daily Care

Always handle your cowboy hat by the brim rather than the crown to prevent distortion and oil transfer. When removing your hat, place it upside down on its crown or hang it on a proper hat rack. Never leave it in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can fade the color and dry out the materials.

Brush your wool felt cowboy hat regularly with a soft brush, working in a counterclockwise direction to remove dust and debris. For straw cowboy hats, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe away surface dirt, then allow it to air dry completely before storing.

Storage Solutions

Proper storage is essential for maintaining your hat's shape. Store your hat in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources. A hat box provides ideal protection from dust, moisture, and accidental crushing. If you don't have a hat box, place your hat on a shelf where it won't be disturbed or compressed.

For seasonal storage, stuff the crown lightly with acid-free tissue paper to help it maintain its shape. Never store hats in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and lead to mildew. Good air circulation helps preserve the finest materials used in quality hat construction.

Professional Cleaning

Even with careful daily maintenance, your hat will eventually need professional cleaning. Most hat companies and specialty Western wear shops offer cleaning and reconditioning services. These professionals have the tools and expertise to deep clean your hat without damaging the materials or altering the shape.

Plan to have your wool felt hats professionally cleaned once or twice per year depending on wear frequency. Straw hats may need less frequent professional attention but benefit from expert reshaping and stiffening treatments.

This investment in professional care extends your hat's life significantly.

Pricing and Investment: What a Black Cowboy Hat Should Actually Cost

The price range for women's cowboy hats spans from roughly $30 fast-fashion versions to $1,500+ custom beaver-fur pieces. Understanding what you're paying for at each tier helps clarify which level matches your actual needs.

Under $100.

Mass-produced wool blends, often with thin felt, machine-pressed construction, and synthetic inner bands. Best for: occasional festival use, single-season styling, buyers testing the cowboy hat aesthetic before committing. Worst for: daily wear, long-term value, anyone who cares about how the hat holds shape after one season.

$100–$300.

Mid-tier wool felt, often hand-finished but not always hand-blocked, with better inner band construction and more reliable shape retention. The Squishee® Bayou Fedora at $285 sits in this range and represents strong value because the Squishee® material is patented and unmatched in the category, the price reflects technical innovation, not just brand markup.

$300–$500.

True luxury millinery: hand-blocked construction, premium wool felt, suede or leather trim details, made-in-USA finishing on key pieces.

The Ms Cool ($385), Tyler ($385), Jamie ($395), and L'Avenue Wool Felt ($475) sit in this range. At this tier, the cost-per-wear math typically favors quality dramatically, a $400 hat worn 50 times a year for 10 years runs about 80 cents per wear, while a $60 hat replaced annually runs $60 per ten wears.

Browse the full lineup of felt and wool hats to compare construction and prices side by side.

$500+.

Premium fur-felt construction, fully bespoke options, beaver and rabbit-fur blends. Limited audience for women's cowboy hats, most buyers find the $300–$500 range delivers the construction quality they want without the further markup.

Cost-per-wear: the more useful math

Price tag is the wrong metric. Cost-per-wear over the lifetime of the hat is the right metric. A well-made wool felt cowboy hat from a real millinery operation should last 10 to 20 years with basic care.

A fast-fashion alternative typically lasts one to three. The math nearly always favors quality if you actually wear the hat and against quality if the hat is going to live in a closet.

Where to buy

Purchase directly from the brand or from authorized luxury retailers. Authentic Eric Javits hats carry signature rivet logos at the back of the crown, certification labels for UPF-rated Squishee pieces, and a finished interior that matches the construction quality of the exterior.

Hats sold through unauthorized resellers should be authenticated independently before purchase.

What Separates a Great Black Cowboy Hat From an Average One

Most black cowboy hats look similar in product photography. The differences become obvious only in the hand and after a few months of wear. Five quality markers worth checking before any cowboy hat purchase:

• Hand-blocked vs. machine-pressed construction. Hand-blocked hats are shaped over wooden forms by trained milliners, which produces a denser felt structure and a crown that holds its shape for years. Machine-pressed hats are stamped into shape in a single press, which is faster and cheaper but produces felt that softens and slumps within a season or two. The Eric Javits Wool Western, Gunslinger, Dakota, Ms Cool, Tyler, and Jamie are all hand-blocked.
  
  
• Felt density and X-rating. Higher-quality felt is denser, smoother to the touch, and more water-resistant. The traditional X-rating system (3X, 5X, 10X) originally indicated beaver fur content; modern ratings vary by manufacturer but generally correlate with felt density. Better felt holds its shape under rain, doesn't pill or fuzz, and develops character with age rather than degrading.
  
  
• Inner band construction. The sweatband inside a hat is the difference between all-day comfort and giving up after two hours. Look for elasticized inner bands that fit a range of head sizes, and for grosgrain or leather sweatband construction rather than thin synthetic strips. Cheap inner bands are the single fastest way a hat becomes unwearable.
  
  
• Brim wire and reinforcement. Quality cowboy hats often feature wired brims that hold a custom shape and resist deformation. The Eric Javits Western Straw Hat, for instance, uses a wired brim with antique brass eyelets, letting the wearer adjust shape over time without the brim collapsing.
  
  
• Material sourcing transparency. A hat brand willing to disclose where its wool is sourced (small farms, sustainable practices), where the hat is finished (USA vs. unspecified manufacturing), and what synthetic materials it uses (recycled vs. virgin) is generally a brand worth trusting on quality. Vagueness on sourcing is usually a sign of a manufacturing operation hiding cost-cutting decisions.

The hats covered in this list meet each of these markers, which is the practical reason the curation is what it is.

Which Black Cowboy Hat Should You Choose?

The decision usually comes down to four questions. Working through them in order narrows the list quickly.

1. Will you wear it primarily in summer or year-round?

If summer-dominant: the Squishee® Bayou Fedora and Western Straw Hat are the strongest picks, UPF 50+ rated, breathable, packable. If year-round: prioritize the Wool Western, L'Avenue Wool Felt, or Dakota in wool felt construction.

2. How dramatic do you want the silhouette?

Statement-scale: Gunslinger (extra-wide brim, dramatic). Moderate-scale: Wool Western, Dakota, L'Avenue, Jamie (medium-to-wide brim, balanced presence). Subtle: Ms Cool, Tyler, Camp Jav (3-inch brim, daily-wear friendly).

3. Will you travel with it?

Frequent travel: prioritize packable construction. The L'Avenue Wool Felt, Camp Jav, Squishee® Bayou Fedora, Western Straw Hat, and Jamie Felt Fedora all pack and roll without losing shape. Hand-blocked stationary use: the Tyler and Wool Western are best worn locally rather than packed.

4. What's your face shape?

Round faces: prioritize taller crowns and asymmetric details (Wool Western, Gunslinger).

Square and angular faces: softer silhouettes flatter best (Jamie Felt Fedora's downward-sloping brim, Camp Jav's relaxed crown).

Oval faces: nearly any silhouette works.

Heart-shaped faces: medium brims with downward angle (Jamie, Dakota).

For a deeper guide to matching hat shape to facial structure, this read on hat styles by face shape covers proportions and styling cues in more detail.

Summary: Finding Your Best Black Cowboy Hats

The journey to finding the best black cowboy hats for your collection should be exciting and rewarding. Whether you choose a classic wool felt cowboy hat, a refined felt fedora with Western styling, or a packable Squishee® summer piece, the perfect hat is waiting to become your signature piece.

Remember that the best materials, great quality construction, and proper fit matter more than brand names or trends. A well-made black cowboy hat represents an investment in style that will serve you for years, adapting to changing fashions while maintaining its timeless appeal.

Quality construction, fit to the face, and material to the season are the three things to get right; everything else is preference.

FAQs: Best Black Cowboy Hats for Women

What is the best black cowboy hat for women?

The best black cowboy hat for women is a hand-blocked wool felt hat with a medium-to-wide brim (3.5 to 5 inches), an elasticized inner band for comfort, and reinforced construction that holds shape over time.

The Eric Javits Wool Western and Dakota are top picks, combining premium wool felt with hand-blocked construction made in the United States.

Are black cowboy hats in style for 2026?

Yes, black cowboy hats are firmly in style for 2026. The Western fashion revival that began in the early 2020s has expanded into mainstream wardrobes through the "coastal cowgirl" aesthetic, country-pop crossover music, and the broader return of statement headwear.

Black is the most versatile color in the category, pairing with denim, dresses, and tailored separates equally well.

What's the difference between a wool felt and straw black cowboy hat?

Wool felt cowboy hats are warmer, more structured, and designed for fall, winter, and dressier occasions. Straw cowboy hats are lighter, more breathable, and made for summer and warm-weather wear.

Wool felt holds shape better in moisture; straw provides superior ventilation. Most women who wear cowboy hats year-round own one of each.

How do I measure my head size for a cowboy hat?

To measure your head size for a cowboy hat, wrap a flexible measuring tape around your head about one inch above your eyebrows, where the hat will sit. Keep the tape level and snug but not tight.

Compare your measurement (typically 21 to 23 inches for women) to the manufacturer's size chart.

What face shape suits a black cowboy hat best?

Cowboy hats suit oval, heart, and square face shapes most reliably. Oval faces wear nearly any cowboy silhouette. Heart-shaped faces benefit from medium brims (3 to 4 inches). Square faces look best in softer crowns and downward-sloping brims like the Jamie Felt Fedora.

Round faces should choose taller crowns and wider brims to add vertical proportion.

How much should I spend on a quality black cowboy hat?

A quality black cowboy hat costs between $300 and $500 for hand-blocked wool felt construction with premium materials and made-in-USA finishing. Mid-tier options run $100 to $300, while fast-fashion versions under $100 typically last only one or two seasons.

The cost-per-wear math favors higher-quality hats for women who wear cowboy hats regularly.

Can you wear a black cowboy hat with brown boots?

Yes, you can wear a black cowboy hat with brown boots. The intentional contrast creates visual interest and reads as deliberate styling rather than a mismatch.

The key is matching your belt to your boots, a brown belt with brown boots, which anchors the outfit and makes the black hat feel like a confident accent piece rather than an accident.

How do I clean and care for a black cowboy hat?

To clean a black cowboy hat, brush wool felt versions with a soft-bristled hat brush in a counterclockwise direction to remove dust. Spot-clean stains with a barely damp cloth. Wipe straw cowboy hats with a slightly damp cloth and air-dry away from direct sun.

Store on a hat block or upside-down on the crown to preserve shape, and keep away from heat sources and prolonged sunlight.