| John Stetson sold the first cowboy hat about 150 | | | | they are woven, these hats let in more air than |
| years ago, and over the past century and a half | | | | the ones made of felt or leather. Despite this |
| they have only increased in popularity. In the old | | | | difference they are still good at keeping the sun |
| west, cowboy hats were not worn for fashion | | | | out of your eyes and off your head. However, if |
| but for their usefulness. This hat had many | | | | it starts to rain, you may find that your head will |
| purposes. It was good for keeping the elements | | | | get wet. |
| off your head and it could also hold water. Straw | | | | There are many types of straw that these hats |
| cowboy hats seem to be among the most | | | | can be made from, and thankfully, most of them |
| popular even since the days of the old west. | | | | are not very expensive. Still, it's a good idea to |
| In modern times, the cowboy hat has increased in | | | | check what kind of straw is used before you buy. |
| popularity. This is for one reason and one reason | | | | One of the most popular types is toquilla straw. |
| alone, fashion. The cowboy hat has become a | | | | Toquilla straw is made from Ecuadorian palm |
| fashion statement for cowboys and those who | | | | trees. Straw hats made from toquilla are called |
| call themselves cowboys. Furthermore, the | | | | panama straw hats. If you are looking for one of |
| cowboy hat is no longer just for cowboys; you | | | | these hats you should be able to find one almost |
| will see many women wearing them in fashionable | | | | anywhere. Just have a look around the garden |
| colors and patterns as well. | | | | section of your local department store; these |
| It may come as no surprise to you that cowboy | | | | hats are also pretty cheap as well. |
| hats made of straw are more popular than those | | | | Straw cowboy hats are better than felt or |
| made of felt or leather. Everywhere you will see | | | | leather cowboy hats in many ways. One, they |
| all kinds of people wearing them. You may have | | | | are cooler to wear outdoors in the heat of the |
| seen your neighbor wearing them while doing yard | | | | summer. Two they are cheaper than the felt and |
| work. You may even see the tourist wearing | | | | leather cowboy hats. Three they will still keep the |
| them while out at a theme park or at the beach. | | | | sun's harmful rays off your head and out of your |
| You may not know it, but there is a good reason | | | | eyes. |
| for cowboy hats to be made of straw. Because | | | | |