{"id":640,"date":"2022-02-24T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-24T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/?p=640"},"modified":"2022-02-01T16:40:15","modified_gmt":"2022-02-01T16:40:15","slug":"cowboy-hat-brim-shapes-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/cowboy-hat-brim-shapes-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Cowboy Hat Brim Shapes [EXPLAINED]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A Cowboy and His Hat <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A cowboy hat is part of a cowboy’s identity. You could be wondering why there are different cowboy hat brim shapes. Could it be that these shapes can define you as a person? These different shapes tell a bit more of your personality. Over time, the cowboy hat evolved to the design we now know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The History of the Cowboy Hat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A cowboy hat, also known as a Ten-Gallon Hat, originated in Northwest America. It was particularly associated with ranch workers in the Western and Southern United States, Western Canada<\/a>, and Northern Mexico<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sertanejo<\/em> music performers and participants in the North American rodeo circuit were also associated with this defining piece of attire. The cowboy hat can be dated back to the 13th century in Mongolian horse riders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History did not state when the cowboy received its name. In those early days, the cowboy wore wide-brimmed and high-crowned hats. It is assumed that the design was borrowed from the Mexican Sombrero Vaqueros<\/em> before its modern modification. Its wide shape has been modified to suit certain weather conditions and make a fashion statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bowler hat was one of the first western hat styles to gain fame in the American West, prompting Lucius Beebe to refer to it as “the hat that won the west.” In 1865, John Stetson crafted the original “Boss of the Plains.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It had a flat brim and straight-sided crown with rounded corners. They were credited for their lightweight, waterproof features and natural color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the 19th century, Mexicans changed the current cowboy hat, redesigned it to have a tall crown that provides insulation, and made the brim wider to provide shade from Mexico’s hot and sunny climates. They curve the edges upwards so as not to interfere with the rope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These hats were made from fine fur from beavers, rabbits, and other small animals. They met the demand of the Western countries, making them gain popularity across the West and beyond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When adventurers who had traveled to the West came back East donning the magnificent “Boss of the Plains,” the Easterners couldn’t help but look for it, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different Types of Cowboy Hats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two kinds of materials used in cowboy hat shaping- straw and felt (they rarely come in leather material). Each material has different uses and benefits for you. So when should you wear a straw vs. felt hat?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Straw Hats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Straw hats are made from straw that has been creatively hewn together. This art originated long ago and was almost a tradition in every society in history. During the Wild West Era, communities adopted straw hats to curb the oppressive desert heat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will find some straw cowboy hat brim shapes floppy and have loose weaves. This type is more casual and is a perfect accessory for the summer. Are you going for a more distinguished look? Consider the tightly woven and detailed design of cowboy hats sealed for protection (and retain the design!) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The use of straws made the cowboy hat shaping process effortless since they are more flexible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Felt Hats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Felt hats came in handy as they served more purpose than straw hats. Imagine a hat that not only satisfies your fashion carvings but also protects you from the sun during the day and warms your head during the night when the temperatures drop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All this is possible because shaping felt is more manageable than shaping straw. It even held water for the cowboys’ thirsty horses and effectively fanned campfires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are going for a classy cowboy look, felt hats provide, they can be dressed up or down. They are made of wool or animal fur and can be dyed any color. They can protect you from moisture and cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popular Cowboy Hat Brim Shapes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Open Crown<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

All cowboy hats historically began with their “open crown.” The crown is crease-less, waterproof, and elegant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cattleman’s Crease<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A cattleman hat shape is the most traditional cowboy hat shape. This cowboy hat has a crease, with a taller and narrower crown and a curved brim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dakota<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It has a crown that’s four corners are pinched, making a square shape. Its brim is wide and has an overhanging material that wraps around the crown. The Dakota is famous among the bull riders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinch Front<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The pinch front is designed to have a wide brim that is typically large and sports the traditional cowboy hat style. The twofold pinches on the crown create a V-shape from above. Women prefer this design as the pinch front accentuates narrower and more delicate jaw lines making the wearer’s face appear thinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flat<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This cowboy hat brim shape is relatively straightforward. All cowboy hats start with a wide flat brim and no curvature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low Rodeo<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The low rodeo hat is designed with a low rolled brim and various crown shapes to protect your face and neck from the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tracker Brim<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The tracker brim has a less-than-average wide brim combined with a pinch front crown. You will notice that it’s rolled up on one side to give an asymmetrical look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n