Common Types of Cowboy Hats CREATED BY FRANK RODRIGUEZ
CATTLEMAN Cattleman is the most popular style of cowboy hat you will see. It is the oldest and most traditional type. The style began when ranch owners wanted to differentiate themselves from rodeo riders. It has a taller yet narrower crown, around four to five inches. The crown has a single crease down the middle with two creases on either side.
GUS The Gus crease is quite similar to the Cattleman style. It is an old-style hat that has a more Outback appearance to it than the traditional Cattleman. Like the Cattleman, the Gus has a high crown with a single crease down the middle, with two creases on the side.
PINCHED FRONT The Pinched Front, also called the Pinch Front Crease, is another classic western style. It combines two common crown styles, the tear-drop crown, and the diamond crown, with partial dents on the sides. The Pinched Front style tends to accentuate delicate jawlines. It is a popular choice among women and you will see this style come in many different designs and colors.
MONTANA/TOM MIX The Montana hat is also similar to the Cattleman, but does have a few distinct differences. It does have three creases on the crown, however, on the back, the creases are smaller and less pronounced. The Tom Mix set the standard for most fashionable hats in the 1920s and 1930. It was commonly worn among movie stars in old westerns. It is also similar to the Gus, but it has a larger crown.
GAMBLER The Gambler crease, or Telescope crease, comes from Mexican cowboys, known as Charros, who traveled from South America to Mexico and Nevada for ranch work. The hat is ideal for hot climates, as the lower crown prevents hot air from accumulating and the wide brim offers excellent sun protection.
OPEN CROWN The Open Crown cowboy hat has a completely round crown and does not have any creases. It has a similar appearance to a sombrero, but does not have as large of a brim.
BRICK The Brick hat is very similar to the Cattleman style. It is a particularly great style to wear in high winds and rains, while also being a sharp-looking hat for formal events. The main difference between the Brick and the Cattleman is that the Brick has a crown that is more square.
AMISH The Amish cowboy hat has a flat, smaller brim which is much different compared to traditional styles such as the Gus and Cattleman. The crown is typically slightly rounded.
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