The Cowboy Hat's History
A cowboy hat is considered a fashionable wear for cowboys and ranchers. It has become a symbol of the Wild West. It has also become a symbol for America's Western heroes. But where did it originate?
The cowboy hat was made famous by a man named John Stetson. He created a hat that was wide-brimmed and high crowned. His fur hats were brought with him on his Wild tours.
People saw the advantages that his hat created. The large brim of the hat protected people against the harsh sun of the day. It could also easily be used to fetch water from streams, or fan fires.
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 feel that the history of the first cowboy hat didn't begin with Stetson. Ranchers in Texas and Mexico used wide-brimmed "Sombreros", and feel the hat was an extension of this. Regardless of who actually invented the hat, Stetson was the man 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.
Farm hands, ranchers and cowboys have enjoyed the use of cowboy hats now for a century. It has remained a symbol of the west. These hats have continued to remain a popular and fun hat choice today.
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