Picture a cowboy in the Old West. What type of hat do you see? Many might think of a wide-brimmed Stetson. But, many cowboys actually wore bowler hats, also known as derby hats. This type of hat was common on the American frontier.
The classic cowboy look we see today is mostly from movies. In real life, rancher clothes varied a lot. Famous figures like Billy the Kid and Wild Bill Hickok often wore bowler hats. These hats were practical for windy days and fit many situations.
The bowler hat was popular among cowboys until the late 1800s. Then, the Stetson became more popular. This change shows how some historical ideas are not true, like the myth of a red hotline between U.S. presidents and Soviet leaders during the Cold War.
Key Takeaways
- Bowler hats were common cowboy accessories in the Old West
- The Stetson didn’t gain popularity until the late 19th century
- Famous outlaws and lawmen often wore derby hats
- Bowler hats were practical for windy frontier conditions
- Hollywood created the iconic wide-brimmed cowboy hat image
- Western headwear evolved from bowlers to Stetsons over time
The Surprising Truth About Cowboys’ Bowler Hats
The image of cowboys in wide-brimmed Stetson hats might be wrong. Many frontiersmen actually wore bowler hats. This style started in 1849 when Thomas and William Bowler made it in London.
The bowler hat was made to protect gamekeepers from branches while riding. It then came to America. Cowboys liked it for its ability to block wind and last a long time. Photos from back then show many people wearing these derby-style hats, not the wide brims we think of.
These hats were made from beaver fur-felt and came in natural colors. They were as good as Resistol hats in many ways. The bowler’s practical use made it a favorite among cowboys and others facing the American frontier. This fact changes how we see early Western headwear and shows not all cowboys wore traditional felt hats.
Evolution of Western Headwear: From Derby to Stetson
In 1865, John Stetson introduced the “Boss of the Plains” hat. This hat was waterproof and protected well against harsh weather. It was perfect for Outdoor Hats.
Cowboys started making their hats unique over time. The classic cowboy hat with a creased crown came later. By the 1870s, you could find hats that fit your style.
The “10-gallon hat” name might be a bit confusing. It likely comes from the Spanish word “galón,” meaning braid, not how much water it holds. This myth adds to the cowboy hat’s fascinating history.
Hollywood Westerns in the 1920s made the wide-brimmed cowboy hat famous. These movies made the cowboy and his hat a symbol of American culture. Today, Western Headwear is a key part of cowboy culture and fashion.
Diverse Headwear in the American Frontier
The American West was more than just cowboys in bowler hats. It was a place where different cultures and needs shaped the styles of Western headwear. From ranchers to rodeo riders, the hats they wore showed the variety of the land.
Cowboy accessories were not limited to the famous Stetson. Many wore flat wool caps, similar to those of early American settlers. The wide brims of Mexican sombreros protected them from the sun. Even Civil War kepis were reused, showing the resourcefulness of the time.
Native American influence was big on Western headwear. Apache men wore “The Boss of the Plains” hats, mixing traditional with practical styles. This mix showed how different cultures blended in the American West, where Spanish vaqueros and European settlers met.
Most cowboys didn’t wear the big 10-gallon hats you see in movies. They chose low-crowned hats for easier movement and safety. This choice showed how the American frontier valued practicality and individuality.
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