Cowboy Costume Hats
Cowboy hats have an interesting heritage – they seem to have been used by Mexican horse riders before European-Americans moved west. Then, because the wide brims and adaptable crowns offered so much flexibility and usefulness, they were adopted by people throughout the western USA.
What’s the difference between cowboy and western costume hats?
There isn’t really much difference; they’re named differently in different places. You’ll sometimes find that ‘western’ styles are more likely to have flat brims, while ‘cowboy’ styles are more likely to have upturned sides. This comes from a tradition of cowboys turning up the sides of their hats, so they don’t inadvertently knock them off while lassoing calves.
Which colours can I find a cowboy costume hat in?
Pretty much any colour of the rainbow, and a few others! While classic cowboy hats tend to come in a basic range of blacks, greys, browns, creams, navies, and dark greens, costume hats are available in a much larger range. Think pink, purple, orange, striped, spotted, or even glitter coated. Basically, whatever colour or colour combination your heart desires, there’s a chance you’ll find a cowboy costume hat to match.
Which movie characters can I dress up as in a western costume hat?
Lots of characters have worn cowboy hats throughout the years, so you have lots of choice! Some of the most notable are:
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
- Indiana Jones
- The Lady
- Doc Holliday
- Roy Rogers
- The Lone Ranger
But of course, there are lots more to pick from too!
How should a cowboy costume hat be shaped?
There’s no real right or wrong way to shape a cowboy or western hat. In fact, most people who wear them for work tend to shape them to fit their own personal preferences. In general, remember that the front and back of the brim are used to shade the eyes and neck, so they’re often left much alone. On the other hand, the sides might be turned or rolled up a little. This helps to avoid problems when cracking a whip or lassoing an animal. If you plan on taking props, keep this in mind! The crown is purely personal preference and what works for your head shape and comfort.
Remember that some materials are more easily shaped than others. If you buy a genuine leather or felt hat, you should be able to shape it easily however you want. However, felt might require some stiffening agent if it gets wet.