We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Fashion

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Stetson Hat?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 17,173
Share

A Stetson hat is a special type of cowboy hat manufactured by the Stetson Hat Company, today based in the American state of Texas. The distinctive design of the Stetson hat has become so iconic that many people use the term generically to refer to any sort of cowboy hat, although the Stetson company works hard to protect its trademark. Most hat stores, especially stores which offer Western-style hats, carry Stetsons, and they can also be ordered directly from the company.

This hat is named for John Batterson Stetson, a hat manufacturer who lived from 1830-1906. In 1869, Stetson founded a hat company in Philadelphia which started producing the distinctive high-crowned, wide-brimmed felts hats, and also revolutionized the hat making industry, becoming one of the first hat companies to mechanize.

There are a number of myths about the origins of the Stetson hat, most of which focus on the American West. In fact, the Stetson design was developed by a hat manufacturer in England, and licensed to Stetson. Christy's Hats, the original manufacturer, may have failed to capitalize on the design, but Stetson more than made up for it, developing an iconic hat which continues to be worn by cowboys and Western aficionados today.

Classically, the Stetson hat is made from felt which includes a high concentration of beaver fur. The felted design makes the hat waterproof, ensuring that the head and shoulders of the wearer will stay dry during inclement weather. The broad brim protects the eyes and face from the sun, and in a pinch a Stetson hat can be inverted and used as a water bowl for people or horses. The lining is often waterproofed to ensure that it will hold water securely.

Modern Stetson hats come in a range of colors and sizes, and they may be plaited from straw in addition to being felted. The company manufactures both dress and casual hats, along with made-to-order hats for organizations like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which has historically used Stetson hats in formal uniforms for some divisions.

When selecting a Stetson hat, it is important to try the hat on to make sure that it is a good fit. Stetsons can be cleaned with damp cloths and soft brushes, and in the event that a hat stains, talc or cornstarch can be used to absorb the stain and then gently dusted off. Stetsons should not be exposed to extreme heat or humidity, and they should be stored on their crowns so that the brim does not flatten. It is also extremely unwise and impolite to wear someone else's Stetson hat, as the hats conform to the heads of their wearers over years of wear, and an unfamiliar wearer may stretch the hat out of shape.

Share
BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a BeautyAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By danosteve — On Oct 26, 2012

I have an old Stetson cowboy dress hat. What is it worth?

By anon85722 — On May 21, 2010

I inherited my grandfather's Stetson about 15 years ago. I had it professionally cleaned and shaped. I was told it was of high quality, and worth about $600.00. How can I find out the true value of this hat?

By green55forty — On Jan 21, 2009

I have an old black derby hat. It is in very good condition and the interlining indicates that it is a stetson. Do you know of any way to find out when it was manufactured?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-is-a-stetson-hat.htm
Copy this link
BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.