The History of Cowboy Hats (Continued)

Made of fur felt, this original cowboy hat was called “The Boss of the Plains” and was an instant hit with cowboys of every region. This cowboy hat was much more durable than its soft, flimsy predecessors. Cowboys were impressed with how beautifully this new cowboy hat maintained its shape and resisted the wind, rain, and intense sun of the plains.

While the basic style of cowboy hats stayed the same, small changes occurred from region to region. The size of the crown and brim of cowboy hats differed depending on the weather. For example, cowboy hats worn in sunnier regions had larger brims than cowboy hats worn in cooler, cloudier regions. The placement of creases and the roll of the brims also varied by location across the country. In fact, a stranger’s home area could often be identified by the style of his cowboy hat. While the styles of cowboy hats have changed a little, the uses and purposes of the cowboy hat have remained the same for over 100 years.