The Western cowboy hat is recognized around the world as part of "cowboy" lore. It is the defining piece of equipment in Western wear, ie: the traditional costume of rural farm and prairie workers in North America.

In the early days, it was valued for being functional, with the wide brim protecting working cowboys from the sun and rain. It could be used to signal others, fan a campfire, swat a horse or pull water out of a stream. Today, while the hats can still serve these purposes, most wear them for aesthetic value as a part of Western lifestyle. A cowboy hat even appears on the flag of Calgary, Alberta.

The shape of a cowboy hat depends very much on the region that it originated from. It is said that you can tell where a working cowboy is from just by looking at the crease in their hat.

John B. Stetson is credited with designing and marketing the first cowboy hat, which he called the "Boss of the Plains."

The name ten-gallon hat does not refer to use of the hat as a container. In Mexico, the Spanish term tan galan means "so gallant" and refers to a galan, or "leading man", who customarily wore such hats (and not the Mexican sombrero). See also Stetson

Types of Crown Creases

Hats | Western wear

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