Cowboy Hat
Stetsons
Cowboy hats have been around since 1865, when a man by the name of John Stetson crafted the very first one out of fur felt. It's been told that the felt hat came out too large, and that Stetson wore it as a joke. When the oversized hat began to grow in popularity, Stetson began manufacturing and selling them. Since then, cowboy hats have become one of the most popular apparel items around the world.
The Appeal of the Cowboy Hat
Used to protect heads from the sun and heat, swat at flies or wave at passersby, its functionality remains one of the cowboy hat's huge successes. Nowadays, cowboy hat wearers might not use it to scoop up water from a stream or fan a campfire on a daily basis, but they still benefit from the sun-shading protection of the cowboy hat.
Of course, functionality is only one part of the cowboy hat's appeal. Another obvious factor in its popularity is its appearance. Nothing says rugged and sporty better than a cowboy hat. In colors that include white, black, gray and tan, cowboy hats are often constructed of fur-felt, wool-felt, straw or leather. Cowboy hats can be custom-made to fit individual head shapes. Some companies even offer to create hats based on your own design.
Caring for a Cowboy Hat
Once you have the perfect cowboy hat atop your head, it is important to learn some care basics. For instance, you should never place a cowboy hat on its brim. When the hat is not on your head, it should be hanging on a hat rack or placed inside a hatbox. Also, be sure to occasionally turn the sweatband inside-out to allow it to dry. Moisture and heat can change the shape of the hat, so it must be kept cool and dry as much as possible.
Care and etiquette tips can be found easily on the Internet. Whether you are a genuine cowpoke or just a lover of all things western, purchasing a cowboy hat that will last for years to come is as easy as a few clicks of your computer mouse.
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