If you want to rock a cowboy hat, you’ve got to respect the rules.
As Western fashion makes its way to the mainstream, it’s essential to remember the cowboy culture behind the glamour. Cowboy hats have been synonymous with Western culture for centuries, emerging in 1865 after John B. Stetson introduced the “Boss of the Plains” hat to ranchers and cowfolk. As the new hat made its way across the West, so did the rules that accompanied them.
C&I asked Western hat brand extraordinaire Resistol for some of the most essential cowboy hat wearing rules to heed before you buy yourself a punchy new lid.
Storing Your Hat
Always place your hat crown side down.
Cowboy culture is nothing without its superstitions. In Western culture, the cowboy hat is not just a way to shade your eyes from the sun — it also stores all your luck. That’s why it’s imperative to place your hat crown side down when you’re not wearing it in order to keep the luck from spilling out. It’s also a great way to preserve the shape of the brim.
Never place your hat on the bed.
Turns out cowboys are really superstitious about where you can and cannot place your hat. This particular superstition states that placing your cowboy hat on the bed brings bad luck to it. So, unless you’re looking for nightmares, keep your lid off your bed.
Never lose your hat in the arena.
Losing your hat is a cardinal sin. So much so that it’s been written into the rodeo rulebook. With the exception of rough stock riders, most rodeo athletes can be penalized for losing or leaving their hat in the arena after competing. So, if you want a good score, hold onto your hat!
Showing Respect
When a prayer is being said, the hat comes off.
Regardless of your own beliefs, it’s important to show respect. This means taking your hat off when a prayer is being said.
When the National Anthem is being sung, the hat comes off.
When you’re at a sporting event or a ceremony and the flag is flown for the National Anthem, all hats come off until the song is over.
Fellas, tip your hat when introducing yourself to a lady.
A tip of the hat is a universal sign of respect. Men, if you want to show your chivalrous side, tip your hat to the ladies when introducing yourself.
No hats at the dinner table.
This rule can apply more broadly to any indoor activity, depending on how strict your hosts are. When you’re at the dinner table sharing a meal with loved ones, show some respect and take the cowboy hat off.
Don’t touch a hat that doesn’t belong to you.
A cowboy or cowgirl’s hat is their pride and joy. It is an extension of the self. As it stands to reason, picking up another person’s hat without their consent is just plain uncourteous.
Styling Is Key
Felt is for cold weather, straw is for warm weather. Know the difference.
As cowboy hats were initially designed to shield cowboys from the elements — both extreme heat and extreme cold — it’s important to observe the original purpose of each hat material. Straw hats are worn in warm weather as they are lighter and allow breeze to pass through while shielding from the sun. Felt hats are worn in cold weather to keep the head warm and insulated. Even if you aren’t toughing the elements, keep your hat in-season.
Make sure your hat matches something.
While it’s always fun to mix and match, it’s a good idea to make sure the color of your hat matches another aspect of your outfit for maximum cohesion. Want to wear a black hat? Pair it with some black boots, a black belt, or another black statement piece so the hat doesn’t feel out of place.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of Resistol
