Cowboy Hats and More

While most people think cowboys originated in the United States, in truth, cowboys originated elsewhere but were popularized in America.  Cowboys are of Spanish descent, and the first cowboys were herders and rangers who rode across the rolling plains of Spain with their trusty horses and cowboy felt hats.  The need to drive vast herds of cattle came to the U.S. with the westward expansion, and soon cowboys were popularized in the Southwestern United States.  While there were not as many cowboys by the 1900s, the cowboy became an idol of America and the western world. 

Cowboys were made even more popular with the coming of actors like Clint Eastwood and John Wayne, who popularized the Western movie.  Nowadays, Westerns are still quite a popular genre, with movies like 3:10 to Yuma (remake) and Appaloosa generating media buzz and significant revenues.  All this started with the classic cowboy model with their rugged appeal and spirit. 

No cowboy would be caught dead without their trusty cowboy hat, and the cowboy hat is what identifies each cowboy as unique.  Cowboy hats come in thousands of different styles, and with a unique hat, you’re sure to be recognized as an original and not just an imitator.  Custom cowboy hats are quite popular, and available from a number of places both online and in retail establishments.  When it comes to custom Western hats (one of the most popular styles) you can adjust the color, brim style, brim size, brim edge, trim, hat band, and even add a strap or make the hat look more weathered.  With these options, it’s easy to create a unique look.

You might even find yourself able to recognize a cowboy from afar by their hat alone.  Even modern cowboys will find enjoyment in personalizing their own custom Western hat; you’ll be the hit of the party, dance, or even rodeo!

Let’s have a party! That’s what I always say at least. I love planning parties, especially when they’re for my children. My youngest son has a birthday coming up next month and I plan on giving him the best party that’s been had since the times of the Wild West. Yep, it’s going to be a cowboy theme.My son is going to love the party.

He and everyone else there will be dressed up like cowboys and cowgirls. All I need to do is order some old west hats online, buy a cake and prepare some grub - and I am set.

Ever since I was a young boy I have wanted to be like one of those Australian Outback heros I used to see in the movies. Those guys were so cool. They really made me want to wrestle kangaroos and round up wombats. As I grew older I realized it wasn’t likely I would ever be one of these heros. Instead, I was destined to live out my existence here in good old Indiana.

Don’t get me wrong, America is a great place and I love to live here, but even as an adult I desire the wide-open spaces of Australia. You may not believe this, but I have figured out a way to play make believe that I am in Australia without leaving my stark Indianpolis apartment. All I had to do was buy a couple outback hats. Whenever I put on these hats I am instantly trasported to the glorious Australian desert. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my fantasy that I don’t even hear the wail of the sirens outside and the baby upstairs ceases to cry.

Without a doubt, the two actors who defined the Western film genre were John Wayne and Clint Eastwood.  Before these two hit the silver screen, the Western was only an idea in the backs of director’s minds.  John and Clint brought the Western to life with their portrayal of memorable characters in films like The Shootist and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.  Though Clint Eastwood is still alive and has since acted in and directed a number of great films beyond his Western days, John Wayne stands immortalized in bronze at the John Wayne Airport and in the hearts of millions of Americans. 

The apparel that these two wore in their films, including the traditional western hat, cowboy boots, and leather jacket has been celebrated as a central part of American culture.  While you can argue that most of America’s was popularized in other countries before it was here, the Western aesthetic began in Spain, but was made famous by America. 

Who hasn’t wanted to dress up like a cowboy at least once every so often?  Even if it’s just the cowboy hat, it’s nice to revive that classic Western look now and then.  I had this same idea at my work, and for so long we had a Hawaiian shirt day, that I wanted to mix it up with Western apparel.  It turns out my boss loved the idea, so we ended up having our entire department in cowboy apparel.  I was looking slick in my leather cowboy hat and chaps.  I also wore cowboy boots with real spurs (that managed to get stuck in a rug somewhere!). 

There were a few people from the department who even ordered custom cowboy hats for the occasion.  Though they didn’t wear much other than that, I think because of the hats alone they were the best dressed.  I’d encourage anyone who likes to have a little fun around the office to propose Western day to your managers! 

Something strange happened to me the other day. My coworker, who is usually painfully shy and bashful around the women in the office, came to work with an unfamiliar demeanor. Not only was he swaggering when he walked in the door, but he also went out of his was to tip his cowboy hat to each lady he passed on the way to his desk. What’s more, he was even wearing a chunky silver belt buckle, engraved with the words “Cowboy Cool.” When he sat down at his desk next to mine, I noticed he had a rosy glow about his cheeks and a playful winking about his eyes. In fact, half the ladies in the office couldn’t help but stare in awe at his new-found cowboy grace.

At first, I was a little shy to ask him how this transformation had taken place. When I finally got up the courage he told me it was all thanks to his Old West hat.  I should’ve known. Now all the women keep talking about whether it’s true, what they say about a big hat.

Whether for Halloween, a costume party, or just a change of apparel, cowboy clothing is a fun way to show your enthusiasm for Old West values.  However, you don’t want to look like just your standard run of the mill person in a cowboy outfit, you want to strive for authenticity!  First of all, no self respecting cowboy would be seen without his trusty cowboy hat.  Now contrary to popular belief, most cowboy hats don’t have shiny jewels or feathers on them, it’s just a simple fedora.  To be authentic, you’ll want to select a hat band that matches your style.  Hat bands are the only true diversity when it comes to cowboy hats, so make sure it accentuates your style.  The cowboy hat is all important to create a cowboy look, but you will also want a simple button up shirt, chaps, and cowboy boots.

Once you have all of the above, you’re sure to make a lasting impression on all the people you encounter!

Here are some great ideas for a Cowboy Christmas focused party. Imagine sentimental country Christmas songs playing in the background:

1.  Check out cookbooks for some delicious Tex-Mex holiday appetizers or meals. Ribs for Christmas, why not?
2. Dance to Boot Scootin’ Boogie or other fun line dancing song
3. Decorate the tree in cowboy hat and boot ornaments–the kids can even make them!
4. Use cowboy boots as a buffet table centerpiece –fill them with dried flowers and thistle stalks, tie them with a ribbon and attach a cow bell.
5. An even better centerpiece is a cowboy hat lined with clean tissue paper and filled with walnuts and fruit (oranges, apples, grapes) — A Winchester crown might work well by providing stability and comfortable capacity.

There’s a cowboy hat style for every occasion. Sometimes you want to get dressed up and go out on the town.  For that you’ve got your finest, best quality cowboy hat. But then, there are times that you just need to get out and get the job done or go out and play hard. For those times a crushable cowboy hat is best.

Crushable wool cowboy hats have the same western styling that you are familiar with,  but they are more casual and designed for more relaxed environments. Made of wool instead of felt, they can be twisted or sat upon and still return to their original shape. Crushable cowboy hats are less expensive and yet are still durable. While they wont last forever, they will last a long time.