A rodeo, a ranch, and an old Western movie with John Wayne in it have one thing in common—cowboys. Originally, cowboys were men who took care of cows, horses, and other cattle in ranches all over North and South America.
 
Today, cowboys are more than just workers. They have become synonymous to American individualism and ruggedness; in addition, they have become the ideal representative of American chivalry, analogous to the gallant knights depicted in the faraway European continent. Furthermore, the emergence of sports such as rodeos, the enjoyment of children’s games like Cowboys And Indians, and the introduction of gunslinger films in the world of cinema have popularized cowboys as popular icons of the West. Indeed, they have expanded their name outside the ranch and the meadows.
 
Cultural icons are usually identified by something exclusive in them. In the case of cowboys, their inimitable, rugged attire, which grew out of practical need and the environment where they originally work, gives them that unique look that speaks of American culture. And aside from leather boots, large neckerchiefs, chaps, gloves, and jeans, cowboy hats takes precedence as a defining article of clothing and primarily identifies them as a true blue cowboy. Indeed, this headgear is recognized worldwide as an inseparable aspect of cowboy lore. 
   
Styles for men and women are almost indistinguishable; any style can be worn by both sexes. The only difference is that women’s cowboy hats have a much wider variety of colors, which include bright, vivid, and pastel shades.
 
These hats were composed of elements of the traditional Mexican sombrero and the headgear that was used by the Union and Confederate armies during the American Civil War. Originally, these hats were used to protect a cowboy form the sun, rain, overhanging brush and branches, and other elements. Many styles were available, but most were initially influenced by a design called Boss of the Plains. During that time, they were better known as Stetson hats as named after designer John B. Stetson. Little did he know that his invented headgear would pave the way for a national icon.
 
Presently, these hats are mostly worn for fashion, and fans of Western fashion prize them fully. For example, these hats are also worn by popular country-western singers such as the Dixie Girls, western novelists such as Louis L’amour, cowboy movie actors such as Clint Eastwood, and numerous country-wear fashion models. Nevertheless, the hats’ practicality never left its touch. They are still considered by farm and ranch workers as indispensable headgear when they work out in the fields. In lieu of a more durable helmet, athletes in the North American rodeo circuit wear them; in fact, they are preferred over a helmet, which is supposed to give them more head protection!
 
Speaking of practicality, creative people have found other uses of this wide-brimmed hat. It can be used to fan a campfire. A waterproof one can be used to scoop water out of a stream, pond, or river. Others use it as a contraption for carrying small valuable items such as jewelries, coins, or cash. Talk about money hidden in the head! Western hats, as they are sometimes called because they are a part of Western gear, can also be used to signal other people by waving it over the head; its distinctive profile can easily be seen and recognized in the distance.
 
If you own a cowboy hat, you should realize that you own a prestigious and well-known icon. Much like your national flag, you need to give it proper care.
 
1) Do not place the brim of the hat on a flat surface. That’s because the upper weight can cause the brim to flatten, thus distorting the shape. Instead, place it upside down on its crown.
 
2) When picking up or removing your hat from your head, hold it by the brim. Avoid handling the crown; the pressure of your grip can distort the crown’s shape. Also be sure that your hands are clean when you hold the hat, especially if it’s a light-colored one. Oily or dirty ones can leave spots on the material.
 
3) Do not leave your hat in a closed car, closet, or compartment where it is exceptionally hot. While cowboy hats are durable, too much heat can cause the sweatband to shrink, and your hat will be too small for your head.
 
4) If you have a straw hat or leather hat, clean surface dirt by wiping it with a clean, damp cloth. Start from one side of the hat and gently rub counterclockwise towards the other side.
 
5) If you have a fur felt hat, remove surface dirt by brushing it with a soft hat brush. Be sure to use brushes with dark colored bristles for dark hats, light colored bristles for light-colored hats. Some of the bristles might come loose, and being of the same hue helps conceal the errant bristles. As with straw hats, rub counterclockwise from one side to another.
 
6) Bristles, fibers, and lint that remain after a brushing session can be removed using a two-inch painter’s tape, or masking tape. Wrap the tape around a couple of fingers with the sticky side facing out. Now gently pat your hat; the stickiness of the tape will remove all the remaining lint.
 
7) Sweatbands can be kept dry against moisture by occasionally removing and turning it down to dry. With the material turned out, moisture (usually sweat, hair oil, or residue from hair care products), evaporates instead of soaking into the hat.
 
By doing these general, simple, and easy maintenance tips, you are giving your cowboy hat the respect it deserves. These tips can preserve your hat’s original appearance and will give you decades of enjoyable western lifestyle and look.
 

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