History of Cowboy Hats

The cowboy hat is a symbol of America’s heroes. It is a symbol of the Wild West. While it is fashionable to wear today, these hats have not been around for too long.

John Stetson was the man who made the cowboy hat famous. He used a wide-brimmed, high crowned hat on his tours. He made his hat out of common fur.

People soon saw the advantages of such a hat, especially cowboys that had to work out in the sun and heat all day doing hard work on their ranches and ranges. The large brim of the hat helped protect against the sun. The crown of the hat also made it easy to fetch water.

Stetson decided to make other hats. His first hats he sold were known as the ”ten-gallon cowboy hat”. Thus started the trend for cowboys to buy his hats, and they began to gain popularity starting in the 1860s.

Some people don’t agree that Stetson was the first one to come up with the cowboy hat. Many feel that ranchers in Mexico and Texas started the hat from ”Sombreros”. Regardless of who invented the hat, Stetson definitely was the one who made it popular.

The hat worn in the 1860s later became known as the pork pie. Made out of soft material, the pork pie was less expensive than other hats. It remained a popular choice to ranchers and cowboys until the later 1870s.

Other popular hats were the ”Trapper” and ”Boss of the Plains”. Each hat used a telescope crown and a brim that was usually at least 3 inches. They also used three-piece lining in their hats.

The cowboy hat is a wonderful invention. Farm hands, ranchers, and cowboys have used the hat since the time it became popular. It remains a solid symbol of the West and has continued to remain a wonderful and fun hat choice for many people across the World.

For over 50 years AA Callisters has been selling Cowboy Boots, Cowboy Hats, and Western Wear. They are Utah’s leading Western Retailer with 2 store locations as well as their online store. Visit their online store for a great selection of western products or their specials page for discounts and coupons.