The Iconic 4 Brim Cowboy Hat and Its History in the American West

The Iconic 4 Brim Cowboy Hat

The cowboy hat is an iconic symbol of the American West. With its wide brim and tall crown, it's recognizable around the world as the hat worn by cowboys as they herded cattle across dusty trails. One unique style of cowboy hat that stands out is the 4 brim cowboy hat.

What is a 4 Brim Cowboy Hat?

A 4 brim cowboy hat, also known as a 4X beaver hat, has an extra-wide brim that extends 4 inches from the crown on all sides. This provides excellent protection from the sun and rain. The tall rounded crown, usually over 5 inches high, allows for plenty of airflow so the head stays cool.

The 4 brim cowboy hat gets its name from the measurement of the brim. Traditional cowboy hats have brims around 3 inches wide. The wider 4 inch brim provides more coverage and style.

History of the 4 Brim

The 4 brim hat evolved from the early sombreros worn by vaqueros, the cowboys of old Mexico. These extreme sun hats provided much needed shade for life outdoors on horseback. When the cowboy tradition migrated north, hat makers began offering 4 inch brims.

Cowboys spending long days under the western sun and rain welcomed the extra protection. The wider brim also offered a bit of extra style. Through the cattle drive era and into modern rodeo, the 4 brim cowboy hat remains an iconic look.

Why Choose a 4 Brim

A 4 inch brim provides several advantages over a standard cowboy hat.

First, the extreme width shades more of the head, neck ears and shoulders from the sun. Less direct sunlight means cooler wearing even during an entire day outdoors. For cowboys who still spend their days riding fences and moving cattle across pastures, this protection helps prevent sunburn.

Second, the longer brim increases shelter from rain. Wide brims allow raindrops to run off the front and back rather than dripping down onto the face and neck. This helps the rest of the body stay drier as well in a rainstorm.

Finally, the 4 inch brim has an undeniable style. Its eye-catching width around the crown makes it stand out from standard cowboy hats. For rodeo competitors and ranch hands who want a hat that's uniquely their own, the 4 brim sets them apart.

Choosing Your 4 Brim Cowboy Hat

When choosing a quality 4 inch brim cowboy hat, you'll want to consider a few important factors.

Material - High end 4 brim cowboy hats use fur-felt, woven straw or leather. Felt holds its shape well but can show creases. Straw breaths exceptionally well for hot, humid weather. Leather has a polished look that pairs well with formal ranch wear.

Crown Height - Crowns today typically range from 4 to 6 inches high. The taller the crown, the more airflow it allows. However taller crowns also increase the overall hat size and cover more peripheral vision.

Crease - Many high crown cowboy hats have a crease down the center of the crown. This helps the hat hold its shape and can allow it fold up easier when stored. However creased felt hats tend to develop permanent crease marks over time.

Brim Edge - Braided leather or ribbon edging is common on quality cowboy hats. This covers the stitching between the crown and brim for a polished finished look.

Finding Your Perfect 4X Beaver

From classic silverbelly felt to intricately woven straw, there's a perfect 4 brim cowboy hat for every cowboy and ranch hand. Big names like Stetson, Resistol and Lucchese have offered exceptional cowboy hats for generations.

Beyond the major brands, many smaller custom hat makers craft excellent 4 inch brim cowboy hats as well. In fact, visiting a specialty western wear shop for getting personally fitted allows finding that one hat made just for you.

The iconic 4 brim trusts its wide brim to provide protection from sun, rain and wind. And its big crown presents the western style that cowboys take pride wearing every day. Whether working cattle across thousands of acres of ranch land, or competing in the rodeo arena, this hat tips its brim to the western lifestyle.

FAQs

Why are 4 brim cowboy hats called 4X?

The 4X name comes from the 4 inch wide brim that extends around the crown on all sides. The X represents the multiplied width compared to a standard cowboy hat.

Are 4 inch brims better for sun protection?

Yes, the extremely wide brim provides more shade for your head, neck, ears and shoulders from direct sunlight.

Do 4 brim hats come in different materials?

Yes, high quality 4X cowboy hats come in materials like fur felt, woven straw, and leather. Each material has its own properties and style.

Where can I buy an authentic 4X beaver cowboy hat?

Specialty western wear stores with custom hat shaping services will offer the best selection. Many smaller custom hat makers also craft excellent quality 4 brim cowboy hats.