Cowboy Hats and More

The fedora is a soft felt hat that is creased lengthwise down the crown and pinched in the front on both sides. Similar hats with a C-crown (with an indentation for the head in the top of the crown) are occasionally called fedoras. The term fedora was in use as early as 1891.

Beginning in the 20th century, the fedora came into use as an upper-class clothing accessory. Hats that resemble the soft felt version are often called fedoras even if they are made of straw or twill.

Fedoras did not start to become widespread until the late 1910s. Its popularity soared and eventually it eclipsed the similar-looking Homburg by the 1930s.

Cleaning cowboy hats using an air compressor or a vacuum cleaner can work for removing dust. It just blows away the dust. It is better and easier to use a hat brush.

But if you need to remove stains, there are stain repellent sprays specifically for cowboy hats as well as hat cleaning sponges. You really want to enjoy your hat for as long as possible, so you want to be able to prolong the life of your hat with good cleaning habits.

January 1, 1860
Langenberg Hat Company founded under the name of Gauss, Hunicke & Krausse.

1863
Mr. Krausse sold his interest account of failing health and name changed to Gauss-Hunicke & Company.

1881
Incorporated as Gauss-Hunicke Hat Company.

1885
Mr. Hunicke retired and corporation name changed to Gauss-Shelton Hat Company.

1901
Corporation name changed to Gauss-Langenberg Hat Company.

1919
Name changed to Langenberg Hat Compan