23 July, 2023 16:38HRS
How to Wear a Cowboy Hat: Cowboy Hat Etiquette
Explore cowboy hats' rich history, timeless style, and cultural significance. Discover why cowboy hats have become enduring symbols of rugged individualism and Western heritage, from their origins in the Wild West to their place in modern fashion. Visit Forth News to read the full story.
Wearing a cowboy hat is not just a fashion statement; it also embodies western heritage and symbolises rugged individualism. However, wearing this hat comes with its own set of etiquette and style guidelines.
Whether you are an enthusiast of this hat or simply curious about how to wear one, understanding this hat etiquette is essential.
In this article, we will delve into the art of wearing this style hat & provide valuable tips on how to wear it confidently, respect tradition, and showcase your style.
A cowboy hat, also known as a Western hat, is a wide-brimmed hat designed to protect cattle ranchers from the elements. Though people have worn wide-brimmed hats for centuries, the modern-day American cowboy hat was invented by John B. Stetson. It was designed to be durable, waterproof, and fashionable.
Moreover, this hat has since evolved into many different styles but, along with cowboy boots and belt buckles, it remains an icon of Western style.
1. The bow inside the hat band goes to the back of your head
People wearing cowboy hats for the first time could be unsure about which section of the hat is the front and which is the back. The trick is to search inside the hat for a tiny bow fastened to the sweatband. A bow should be placed in the rear.
2. Give your hat time to break in
First-time buyers might not know that cowboy hats need to be broken like new cowboy boots. A correctly fitted hat may initially feel uncomfortable to wear until you get used to it.
3. Remove hats indoors
Removing your hat while entering a public structure or a private residence is one of the most fundamental hat laws. You shouldn't wear your hat inside if you're attending a formal event. Feel free to put it back on if the event is casual.
4. Place your hat crown down when you're not wearing it
The custom is to remove your cowboy hat before eating dinner. Place it on the crown with the hat's opening facing up before you sit at the table. This prevents the brim of the hat from flattening down over time. You might also hang it from a hat rack.
1. Choose the best western hat shape
Decide about your facial form before choosing this hat. Oval-faced individuals can wear any style of this hat. The hat with a high crown and a slanted brim will look on the people with round faces.
For people with long, narrow faces, hats with a medium-height crown typically look best. Moreover, talking about hats with circular crowns and curving brims go well with square faces.
Further, make sure to choose a hat with a teardrop-shaped crown and a shorter brim if your face is heart-shaped.
2. Measure your head for the perfect fit
Although the makers have released the most trustworthy hat-size tables for this style cowboy hats, nothing beats utilising a measuring tape to get the ideal fit.
Place the sizing tape or tape measure on the middle of your forehead, right above your ears, to determine your cowboy hat size. Wrap it completely around your head while maintaining a strong grip. Choose the smaller size if your measurement falls between two hat sizes.
Wearing a cowboy hat is more than just placing it on your head. It is about embracing a tradition and paying homage to Western history. By following the etiquette tips in this article, you can ensure you wear your cowboy hat with respect and style.
Remember to choose a hat that fits properly, handle it carefully, and be mindful of the occasion and setting in which you wear it.
To learn more about cowboy hat-related things, visit FORTH News.
