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Nothing looks more dashing than a fine top hat. But which kind to wear? There are so many to choose from – the beaver top hat, the stovepipe, the collapsable? Or, what about that short-lived trend in the early 1800s – the Wellington Top Hat?It’s sometimes called the “Mad Hatter”, due to it being the type of hat seen on the character of the Mad Hatter in both the Alice in Wonderland novel illustrations and the inspirations for subsequent films (particularly the bizarre fever dream that was Tim Burton’s 2010 adaptation).

M&F Western Products, Inc., is the leading distributor and manufacturer of western wear accessories. They have the best brands and the latest fashions in western apparel and accessories.

The John B. Stetson Company, founded by John B. Stetson in 1865, was the maker of the Stetson cowboy hats, but ceased manufacturing in 1970. Stetson hats are now being manufactured in Garland, Texas, by Hatco, Inc., who also produce Resistol and Charlie 1 Horse hats.Stetson resumed manufacturing in the 1980s, but the company went bankrupt in 1986. The factory equipment and the license to manufacture Stetson hats was purchased by Hat Brands, a company owned by Irving Joel.

Stetson sales declined dramatically in the 1950s and 1960s. Between 1947 and 1968, revenues sharply dropped from around 29 million dollars to about 8 million dollars. Members of John B. Stetson’s family eventually decided to sell company stock, Ira Guilden, who controlled Ramco Enterprises Inc., came into conflict with the Stetson family although by 1968, he would have majority interest in the Stetson Company.

The Philadelphia factory, incorporated in 1891, produced dress hats for both women and men. Employing over 5,000 workers in various departments, the company turned out more hats than any other during the early 20th century.In the early 1970s, the factory in Philadelphia shut down. Even though the clock tower, gymnasium, auditorium, and fitting room were saved from destruction, they burned down in 1980.One of the most anticipated events at the Company surrounded the Christmas holiday. Employees gathered at the factory auditorium for an annual celebration that featured speeches from the Company President or Santa Claus, and a distribution of awards, bonuses, and gifts. These gifts and awards varied according to one’s position at the company. Women received candy and gloves, married men received a Christmas turkey, and unmarried men were given hats.The John B. Stetson Company was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1865 when John B. Stetson decided to mass-produce a hat like one he had fashioned for himself out of necessity during a lengthy Western expedition. Stetson’s Boss of the Plains, with its high crown and wide flat brim, became the prototype for all other cowboy hat designs. A factory in St. Joseph, Missouri produced Stetson hats until parent company, Hatco Inc., closed it in 2004. The second factory in Galveston, Texas, continue to turn out the “Boss of the Plains,” along with over 100 variations for men and women.

John B. Stetson quickly gained a reputation as an employer driven by religious morals. He ran the Stetson Company in a paternalistic fashion designed to provide benefits for workers, increase profits, and discourage unionization. The Stetson Company provided many benefits for the time such as prizes, Christmas bonuses, shared stock, pensions, and membership to a building association as well as access to Stetson facilities. These facilities serviced several aspects of an employee’s life. In the early 1900s, Stetson added a company library, dentist, hospital, auditorium, and athletic fields for recreational use. The John B. Stetson Building Association assisted over 1,000 employees to purchase homes, and over 2,000 children of employees attended Sunday School or Kindergarten on company grounds.The Stetson Company was considered especially innovative for its time. The production of high-quality hat boxes became associated with the Stetson name. These hat boxes depicted Christmas imagery or famous Philadelphia institutions. The company also spread its reputation using marketing techniques and the recording of industrial films promoting its process and product. Hats and copies of the film Birth of a Hat, produced by the Company itself and showing the hat-making process, were distributed to merchants and popular conventions where feedback was recorded and used to make future product.

Many Stetson employees were immigrant hat-makers with reputations of moving around where work was plentiful. The Stetson Company, to encourage yearlong work and a high retention rate, offered immigrants a portion of annual earnings as a Christmas bonus, increasing each successive year. Some of these immigrant workers were able to become U.S. citizens, partly due to the “Americanization” classes the Company offered that offered English among other subjects.

Highly specialized positions in the factory utilized the apprentice system. Those recruited to an apprenticeship signed contracts valid until they had reached eighteen years old or completed three years of work. While under contract, they agreed to abstain from gambling or marriage. Pay was two dollars per week with an additional dollar for every week worked after the contract was fulfilled. Many apprentices became full-time employees and had the potential to become a foreman due to their loyalty to the Stetson brand. John B. Stetson’s tradition of providing annual bonuses, Christmas gifts, and facilities for employees were an active attempt to dissuade unions. However, there was a sizable number of union workers at the Philadelphia factory during the early 1900s. They were ordered to leave the factory by their union and work at shops instead. Some of these workers demanded to stay on until Christmas when they received their bonuses and this was generally allowed. However, the attraction of an end of year bonus was so great that many returned to the factory as non-union workers. The cowboy hat is a high-crowned, wide-brimmed hat best known as the defining piece of attire for the North American cowboy. Today it is worn by many people, and is particularly associated with ranch workers in the western and southern United States, western Canada and northern Mexico, with many country, regional Mexican and sertanejo music performers, and with participants in the North American rodeo circuit. It is recognized around the world as part of Old West apparel.

Modern cowboy hats are made of fur-based felt, straw or, less often, leather. They are sold with a tall, rounded crown and a wide flat brim. They have a simple sweat band on the inside to stabilize the fit of the head, and usually a small decorative hat band on the outside of the crown. Hats are customized by creasing the crown and rolling the brim. Hats are also sold pre-creased and pre-rolled. Often a more decorative hat band is added. In some places, “stampede strings” or “wind strings” are also attached. Hats can be manufactured in virtually any color, but are most often seen in shades of beige, brown and black. Beginning in the 1940s, pastel colors were introduced, seen often on hats worn by movie cowboys and rodeo riders. “Today’s cowboy hat has remained basically unchanged in construction and design since the first one was created in 1865 by J.B. Stetson.”

Another theory is that the term “ten-gallon” is a corruption of the Spanish term galón, which means “galloon”, a type of narrow braided trim around the crown, possibly a style adapted by Spanish cowboys. When Texas cowboys misunderstood the word galón for “gallon”, the popular, though incorrect, legend may have been born. According to Reynolds and Rand, “The term ten-gallon did not originally refer to the holding capacity of the hat, but to the width of a Mexican sombrero hatband, and is more closely related to this unit of measurement by the Spanish than to the water-holding capacity of a Stetson.”The cowboy hat as known today has many antecedents to its design, including Mexican hats such as the sombrero, the various designs of wide-brimmed hat worn by farmers and stockmen in the eastern United States, as well as the designs used by the United States Cavalry.

The first American law-enforcement agency to adopt Stetson’s western hat as part of their uniform was the Texas Rangers. The Texas Legislature designated the cowboy hat as the official “State Hat of Texas” in 2015.Early print advertising by Stetson showed a cowboy giving his horse a drink of water from a hat. The Stetson company notes that a “ten-gallon” hat holds only 3 quarts, not even one gallon (about 3 L instead of 38 liters).

The Calgary White Hat is a white felt cowboy hat which is the symbol of both the Calgary Stampede annual rodeo and the city of Calgary. Created by Morris Shumiatcher, owner of Smithbilt Hat Company, it was worn for the first time at the 1946 Stampede. In the early 1950s, Mayor of Calgary Donald Hugh Mackay began presenting the white hat to visiting dignitaries, a tradition that the office of the mayor continues to this day. Thousands of tourists and groups also participate in “white hatting ceremonies” conducted by Tourism Calgary and by volunteer greeters at the Calgary International Airport. In 1983, the Calgary White Hat was incorporated into the design of the flag of Calgary.

The original “Boss of the Plains”, manufactured by Stetson in 1865, was flat-brimmed, had a straight sided crown, with rounded corners. These light-weight, waterproof hats were natural in color, with four-inch crowns and brims. A plain hatband was fitted to adjust head size. The sweatband bore Stetson’s name. While only making one style of hat, they came in different qualities ranging from one-grade material at five dollars apiece to pure beaver felt hats for thirty dollars each. J.B. Stetson was the first to market the “Boss of the Plains” to cowboys, and it has remained the universal image of the American West. The charisma of the West was carried back East when adventurers returned in the expensive “Boss of the plains” style hat. In the 19th century and first half of the 20th century, a hat was an indispensable item in every man’s wardrobe. Stetson focused on expensive, high-quality hats that represented a real investment for the working cowboy and a statement of success for the city dweller.The durability and water-resistance of the original Stetson obtained additional publicity in 1912, when the battleship USS Maine was raised from Havana harbor, where it had sunk in 1898. A Stetson hat was found in the wreck, which had been submerged in seawater for 14 years. The hat had been exposed to ooze, mud, and plant growth. However, the hat was cleaned off, and appeared to be undamaged.

One theory is that the term “ten-gallon” is a corruption of the Spanish modifier tan galán, which loosely translates as “really handsome” or “so fine”. For example, “un sombrero tan galán” translates as “such a fine hat”.The modern cowboy hat has remained basically unchanged in construction and underlying design since the Stetson creation. The cowboy hat quickly identified its wearer as someone associated with the West. “Within a decade the name ‘John B. Stetson’ became synonymous with the word ‘hat’ in every corner and culture west of the Mississippi River.” The shape of the hat’s crown and brim were often modified by the wearer for fashion and to protect against weather by being softened in hot steam, shaped, and allowed to dry and cool. Because of the ease of personalization, it was often possible to tell where a cowboy hat was from, right down to which ranch, simply by looking at the crease in the crown.The first western model was the open-crowned “Boss of the Plains”, and after that came the front-creased Carlsbad, destined to become “the” cowboy style. The high-crowned, wide-brimmed, soft-felt western hats that followed are intimately associated with the cowboy image.The cowboy hat is arguably the most iconic Western clothing item. It’s a personal item that tells a story and is steeped in a history. Learn more about how to wear cowboy hats, the different types of cowboy hats, and how to choose the right one for you.The Taxco hat is crafted with an innovative vegan leather made from nopal, otherwise known as Opuntia Cacti, which is a cactus plant native to Mexico. The look, texture, and durability are indistinguishable from real leather, yet it effectively eliminates the animal cruelty and harsh environmental impact of traditional leather-making processes.

In some regions, it’s believed that gifting someone a knife is ominous, that such an act will “sever” the relationship between the gift giver and recipient. To negate misfortune, the receiver should “pay” for the knife; a penny will suffice. It’s also considered unlucky to hand someone an open folding knife, and whoever opens a knife is responsible for closing it—these superstitions likely stem from safety practices. Don’t tempt fate by ignoring these rodeo superstitions: if you compete with change in your pocket, it might be all you win; shaving before a performance is fortuitous—if you clean up for Lady Luck, she’ll favor you; make sure you don’t eat chicken before an event, since you are what you eat; and never wear yellow in the arena—it’s just plain bad luck. One of the most grievous cowboy faux pas you can commit is placing your cowboy hat on a bed. At best, putting a hat on a bed is said to invite mischievous bad luck or foretell an argument; at worst, it’s a premonition of injury or death. This superstition has practical roots; back when bathing was a monthly affair, head lice were a common affliction, and placing a hat on a bed was a good way to spread the itchy nuisances. Bad luck, indeed. Placing a hat brimside-down on any surface is also considered inauspicious, as all the good luck will run out of the crown (it also ruins the shape of your hat!).Horseshoes have long been considered lucky charms—but why? In Celtic Britain, iron—what horseshoes were traditionally made of—was said to repel evil spirits. The proper way to hang a horseshoe is heels up, so that the shoe collects good luck. If the heels point down, all the good luck will run out. A horseshoe from the hind of a gray mare is particularly lucky.

Here’s the deal, I’m from northern Illinois and around here we have the pop up random western wear stores carrying the lower end hats and not real experts on shape , fit, and quality……. Ya they got a steamer but they gotta blow the dust off of it and find it as it is usually under a pile of hats nobody bought anyways…… then I found The Cow Lot….. I bought my first hat after following them in social media and looking at a ton of other hat shapers on line as well….. then we flew to Vegas to actually meet them at the Rodeo Finals and I was blown away! Bought two hats on the spot right there and numerous others in the past year because …. Well….if it ain’t broke….. don’t fix it!!! The Cow Lot is your one and done store and the people are super sweet and nice. You ain’t gotta be from Texas to wear the hat…. THE COW LOT is bringing country back with quality, style, and something that is lost in todays shopping world…… personalized service. Like I said…. There’s hats….. then there’s THE COW LOT…….. but I can’t get anything done around here cause people keep asking me” Where did you get that hat?”…….. do yourself a favor….. just call them.

By understanding and adhering to these cowboy hat etiquette guidelines, you demonstrate your appreciation for the traditions and customs associated with this iconic headwear. Show respect for others’ hats, know when to remove or keep your hat on in different settings, and embody the true spirit of cowboy hat etiquette.To Travel with a hat, some make use of Travel Hat Boxes with Handles. These are solid containers the protect the hat from physical and environmental damage, especially if it’s a more expensive hat. If I’m traveling and not wearing my relatively inexpensive hat, I simply carry it, albeit carefully, in a plastic shopping bag.

When you leave your hat on a flat surface or put it away in a hat box, set it upside down. This lets the hat air out and keeps the brim’s shape intact. (Plus, there’s an old cowboy superstition that says all the luck will run out if you set the hat brim-side down!)Beyond this crucial guideline, there are some standard points of cowboy hat etiquette that serve as a baseline for proper behavior. Whenever you enter a building, it is customary to remove your hat as a sign of respect. For informal occasions, you may put your hat back on, but for formal events, it should remain off throughout the gathering.

This iconic headwear is not only a fashion statement but also a deeply personal and often expensive item. It is considered disrespectful to pass someone’s hat around or touch it without permission. In fact, in some regions, such actions can result in severe consequences like being hog-tied to a tree. It’s a rule you simply don’t break.Nothin’ looks funnier than a fella in a hat that’s the wrong size for him. Too big, and it’s liable to blow off in a light breeze. Too small, and you’ll look squeezed into the crown (and you’ll be uncomfortable to boot). For guidance finding the right size cowboy hat, you can refer to our hat sizing chart.

When you sit down at a table for a meal, it is considered proper etiquette to take off your hat, unless there is no safe place to lay it. However, when sitting at a counter, such as in a diner or saloon, it is acceptable to keep your hat on. Not only is it impractical to wear a felt hat in the middle of summer, it’ll make you look kinda silly, too. Felt hats will leave your head all hot and bothered, and spotting a felt hat in July is an easy way to separate the tourists from the true cowboys. Stick to straw hats once the weather heats up, and felt hats when it cools off. Now there seem to be two schools of thought on handling hats. One school says when putting on or removing your hat, hold the brim near the crown in the front and the back. Another school says to never handle by the brim, to always lightly grasp the crown. Essentially it boils down to this: Any handling which causes flexing or bending of the brim or crown will gradually weaken the body of your hat. The more severe the flex or bend, the sooner the hat will lose its natural ability to maintain its shape. Personally, I usually handle my hats by the crown albeit gently. I almost never handle them by the brim except to adjust them on my head, since this is a more easily disrupted structure.

Out on the range, a different rule applies. While enjoying a meal in an open setting, it is advisable to keep your hat on. Removing it may lead to accidental damage or food spilling onto the hat’s brim, which can be messy and disrespectful.Another key to being a proper cowboy is to remove your hat when you go inside. Elevators, lobbies, and building corridors are an exception to this rule, but once you’re in a room with other folks you should remove your hat, especially if there’s a lady present.

Since straw hats are more informal, they are appropriate to wear every day. The only downside to wearing a straw hat in the winter is that your head gets cold quicker, and the rain seeps through.

When wearing one around the latter, you need to follow the cowboy hat etiquette we outline in this guide. For example, taking off your hat when meeting someone for the first time shows respect for that person. Otherwise, you could wind up offending them.

The hatband is often tied on the left. Some hats will have a knot, which will sit at the rear. Otherwise, the front is narrower than the back. Use the manufacturer’s label in the interior sweatband to determine the front from the rear.

In the old days, people used to remove their hats indoors. However, on informal occasions, they kept them on. Nevertheless, removing your hat when meeting someone for the first time is an impressive display of chivalry. In the Old West, cowboy hat etiquette meant men tipped their hats for women only.Cowboy hats themselves are legendary. They have been around so long that there are a few unwritten rules about how and when to wear them. Here’s what you need to know to wear a cowboy hat to the rodeo, beach, or two-stepping at the bar without being a poser.

And most cowboy hats styles and shapes are fairly similar. They all have wide brims, so they work well for blocking the sun or keeping you dry in the rain. Plus, they have tall crowns, so they make you look taller. Sure, anyone can wear a cowboy hat. But since real cowboys are uncommon outside rural areas, city folk wear them for their rough and rugged style, rather than practicality. Another way to show respect to your hat is to remove it by the crown. Then, hold it with the interior facing down so that no one can see the inner lining. When storing your hat, you want to place it upside down as to not affect the brim.Light colors reflect sunlight while darker ones absorb it. In temperate climates, most people wear a natural straw hat in the spring and summer and a darker felt hat in fall and winter. However, it depends on your preference and the weather.

Leather hats are warm, so it’s best to wear them when it’s too hot. Also, leather hats have a much different appearance and aesthetic, which is rugged and informal.

When taking off your hat, be sure to pull it off by the crown instead of the brim. And if you’re taking it off in a solemn situation, hold your hat over your heart.

As mentioned earlier, in the code of the Old West, men would only tip their hats to women, not other men. That said, tipping your hat can be a sign of respect.

Otherwise, a cowboy hat works for everyday use all year round. That said, there are some recommendations regarding when you should remove your hat and how to wear it in different situations.Technically, the felt cowboy hat season begins after Labor Day. However, felt hats are often worn for formal occasions. So, if you’re attending one during the summer, it makes sense to wear felt, even though the weather is hotter. Felt hat season runs until May (or Memorial Day, if you want a specific date).

For the uninitiated, it’s easy to wear a cowboy hat backward on accident, but according to superstitions, it’s bad luck. If there’s a buckle, feather plume tucked under the band, or other adornments, they should be on the left side.

But, there’s a disappearance of stereotypes and people adopting more gender-fluid norms. So, tipping your hat to a woman and not men in more progressive communities might be construed as sexist.Ideally, you’d hang your hat on a hat rack whenever you’re not wearing it. However, if you’re going to set it down for a short period, it’s best to put it brim side down.