As an enduring symbol of the North American West, the cowboy hat is an experience, and a popular one at that. A lot of the thanks goes to John B. Stetson, whose hat concept is celebrating its 161st anniversary this year. And while Stetson didn’t invent the cowboy hat, he sure threw his name onto the globally well-known crown, and you’ll find plenty of Texans sporting the look.
Stetson and Mexican Vaqueros
The son of a hatter, Stetson left school early to learn the trade. While traveling in The West in 1860, the Mexican vaquero 10-gallon sombrero impressed him. So, he created his own version, launching his “Boss of the Plains” hat in 1865 and manufacturing the hats in Philadelphia. He crafted them out of fine fur from beaver, rabbit, and other small animals so they would stand up to the elements. The hats were ideal for working Westerners, and they were a big hit.
The Stetson hat became the gold standard for fedoras, flat brims, and other classic styles. Over time, the word Stetson became interchangeable with the word hat. Often referred to as Stetsons, cowboy hats also have the nickname "ten-gallon hats."
The Ins and Outs of Cowboy Hats
A cowboy hat has both a high crown and wide brim that are designed to protect the wearer from the elements. These hats were originally made to shield a cowboy’s face, neck, and eyes from heavy rains and intense sun, and were usually made of materials that could weather the elements and keep him dry. A cowboy could also use his hat to offer water to his horse.
Over time, the hats underwent various changes. The brim was turned up to stay clear of ropes, and the crown was pinched to allow for better control. Modern cowboy hats are usually made of fur-based felt, straw, or even leather, with different materials depending on the weather conditions. The sweatband stabilizes the fit of the head.
A Fashion Staple and Then Some
Beyond their practical purposes, cowboy hats have become a fashion staple. The first King of the Cowboys, silent film sensation Tom Mix (1880-1940), was a Pennsylvanian who sometimes claimed to be Texan, and he usually wore a Stetson-off-white-ten-gallon hat, making Stetson a household name. It takes some guts to wear a cowboy hat. But then, that’s part of the charm. So, famous names have been rockin’ the cowboy look around the world for decades, and they include everyone from Louis Armstrong, Lady Gaga, Georgia O’Keeffe, Matthew McConaughey, and Joanna and Chip Gaines, to Beyoncé.
There’s Magic in those Crowns
As symbols of respect, possibly nothing says Texas like good ole buckaroo hats. Well over half a century ago, they became part of Texas state highway troopers’ uniforms. Plus, Texas was the first to adopt an official state hat. A 2015 Lone Star State legislative resolution designated the cowboy hat as the official hat of Texas. So it’s no surprise that cowboy hats are worn by law enforcement in Fort Worth and other towns. Beginning in 2025, Dallas police officers were allowed to wear cowboy hats on duty.
It just goes to show that some things were made to last.
Yeehaw!