Cowboy hats have long been a part of the American culture and heritage, a symbol for masculinity and toughness. For many decades, they have remained a top favorite headwear among men who does not only adore the rugged tough look it gives but also know of the functionality it serves. But aside from making men look tough and strong, there's still indeed a lot more to know about cowboy hats.

History of cowboy hats

For one, most of us hardly know where cowboy hats have originated. But historical records point out that the first ever cowboy hat was created by a hat maker named John B. Stetson in 1865. The first cowboy hat was a stetson cowboy hat which gradually found its way into the attire get-up of the people living in the western part of the United States .

Functions

Because of its diverse functionality, the cowboy hat became popular in no time. Its wide brim provided shade from the scorching heat of the sun, making it a useful part of a cowboy's everyday attire. Other than that, the hat's wide brim was also used to fan a camp fire or wave to other people at a distance.

Care tips

One important care tip about cowboy hats is that they must always be air-dried. Never expose a hat to a heat source such as a heater, fireplace or stove because this can damage the hat's material.

Second, you should take note that cowboy hats that are made of felt or fur are more prone to staining. But it's not advisable to rub off muds or drips from the hat because this will only cause for the substance to seep deeper into the material. Instead let the mud or drip dry off completely than scrape it off after it has solidified.

Third, regular brushing is required for hats made of different materials like shag. It's not recommended to wash these hats with water because this causes for hair fall.

Fourth tip is regarding storage which is a significant part of maintaining your hat. It is not suitable for hats to be kept in their original boxes because they take up a lot of space. Either store the hats on a hat rack or if you're not going to use it for a long time, keep them in cloth bags.

Cowboy hats of today

Today, many people still don this symbolic hat but not anymore for the functionality or the symbolism that it represents but because it has evolved from being a headgear of function to a fashion item to wear during social events and gatherings. Not only is it a symbol of culture and tradition but also has become a popular fashion statement.

People may wear cowboy hats for functionality or maybe because of its symbolic representation. Some may wear it because it's the fad or that it looks cool. However way any of us wear the cowboy hat, the fact still remains that it is indeed an integral part of the American culture which will stay with us eternally.

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