Evolution of Iconic Corral Cowboy Hats: A Look at the History and Styles

The History and Evolution of Corral Hats

Cowboy hats have long been a symbol of the American West. Wide-brimmed felt hats provided cowboys protection from the harsh desert sun and weather. Over the years, cowboy hat styles evolved to become icons of Western fashion. One of the most recognizable cowboy hat brands today is Corral Boots.

Corral got its start in 1987 in the boot-making business. Based in El Paso, Texas, the company aimed to combine quality materials with fashion-forward Western styles. It wasn't until the 1990s that Corral expanded into making hats to complement its popular boots. Since then, Corral hats have become staples in Western wear.

Origins of the Cowboy Hat

To understand Corral hats, we have to go back to the origins of the cowboy hat itself. Hat historians believe the wide-brimmed hat worn by cowboys was adapted from the sombrero. During the 16th century, Spanish vaqueros (cowboys) wore these large, round hats to protect themselves from the sun.

When English and Irish immigrants came to the Americas in the 19th century, they began ranching and developed their own cowboy culture. These cowboys adapted the sombrero style into a new cowboy hat with a tall crown and wide brim. The new design provided shade for cowboys' faces and allowed rain runoff from the brim.

These early cowboy hats were made from felt, ideal for repelling water. Felt hats were durable and could maintain their shape. Different areas of the country developed slight variations on the cowboy hat style. But the basic wide-brimmed felt hat remained the standard through the end of the open range era.

Evolution of Cowboy Hat Styles

While the classic wide-brimmed cowboy hat is still popular today, hat styles have continued to evolve:

• The Ten Gallon Hat - This term came from the Spanish word "galón" for braided hat band. Cowboys incorrectly translated it as "gallon." These hats had tall crowns to allow cooling airflow.
• The Montana Peak - Also called a pinch front hat, this style has a tall tapered crown pinched into a peak. It became popular in the early 20th century.
• The Telegraph - This lighter hat style has a low crown suited for wearing indoors. The name comes from telegraph messengers wearing them.
• The Gambler - With its flat brim and narrow indented crown, it got its name from gamblers who didn't want a big hat brim obstructing their view of the table.
• The Tombstone - Also known as the Doc Holliday style, this low-crowned hat became popular in the 1880s after the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

But even with new spins on old styles, the classic wide-brimmed cowboy hat remains an iconic staple of Western wear.

The Birth of Corral Hats

Corral gained success through the 1980s and 90s by combining quality leathers and detailed craftsmanship into fashionable cowboy boots. In 1991, looking to expand their Western products, the company decided to start designing cowboy hats.

Corral designer Dee King aimed to make hats as meticulously crafted as their boots. They focused on high-quality natural materials like premium felt and leather. The hats combined classic cowboy shapes with more modern embellishments and details.

The first Corral hats made their debut in 1993 at the Las Vegas National Rodeo. Their hats received positive feedback from fellow cowboys. Corral credits this enthusiastic response with inspiring them to pursue hat-making.

The Corral hat line officially launched in 1995. Their commitment to quality and unique style built the brand's reputation in Western wear. While they started with basic cowboy hat styles, Corral continued innovating new designs each year.

Combining Classic Style with Modern Details

Even though Corral drew inspiration from historic Stetson designs, they didn't want to just rehash the same old cowboy hats. Corral aimed to give traditional hats modern upgrades tailored to the times.

For example, their straw cowboy hats wove in vibrant colors and fabrics. Early felt hat styles experimented with varied brim shapes and crown heights. Unique conchos and decorative studs replaced standard hat bands.

Another way Corral updated classic hats was through collaborations with other Western brands. Teaming up with well-known boot companies like Ariat, Corral designed co-branded hats to match popular boot styles.

These joint products allowed cowboys to sport perfectly coordinated hats and boots. The collaborations also attracted new audiences who followed the other brands but hadn't worn Corral hats before.

Focus on Quality Materials & Construction

Even with contemporary updates to styles, Corral never swayed from their commitment to quality craftsmanship. All their hats continued to be made from premium materials:

• Fur Felt - Made from rabbit and hare fur blended with wool for softness, strength, and water-resistance.
• Premium Straw - Woven from long-fiber paper straw or shantung for natural breathability.
• Top Grain Leather - Used for hat bands and accents, these are soft, durable, and age well.
• Conchos - Decorative metal pieces often of nickel silver or pewter made by expert craftsmen.

In addition, each Corral hat is handcrafted for shape and finished by expert hatters. These quality elements enabled Corral to stand by their products with lifetime guarantees on materials and workmanship.

Notable Corral Hat Styles Over the Years

While Corral started with traditional cowboy hat shapes, they've introduced hundreds of new styles over the past 25+ years. Here are some standouts that demonstrate Corral's evolution:

Valley Dun

One of Corral's first big hits was the Valley Dun, launched in 1996. The name came from the color "dun," similar to a light tan or greyish-brown. It had a classic wide brim and tall tapered crown.

Corral added vintage details like a multi-colored hat band and antique metal conchos. The Valley Dun became popular for its simple, versatile design that worked well with any Western wardrobe.

Troubadour

Embracing the vintage boom of the late 90s, Corral introduced the Troubadour in 1998. This throwback design took inspiration from hats worn by Old West cowboys and ranchers.

The Troubadour had a tall rounded crown and wide flat brim. Corral decorated it with a tooled leather hat band and old-fashioned small conchos. For an authentic finish, they treated the fur felt with special steaming techniques to make it look worn-in.

Matte Black Collection

Cowboys have to adapt to changing times, and so do cowboy hats. Responding to the growing demand for blackout hats in the early 2000s, Corral created their Matte Black Collection.

This line took iconic Corral styles like the Troubadour and Valley Dun and reimagined them in black. The matte fur felt absorbed light while the mottled textures hid dirt and scuffs. Perfect for working the ranch by day and hitting the town at night.

Buckaroo

Recognizing the pop culture cowboy trend, Corral aimed to make hats cool for a new generation. The Buckaroo fused old and new aesthetics when it launched in 2009.

This low-profile straw cowboy hat had a trimmed down brim and shorter crown suited for modern lifestyles. Corral updated it with unique details like mosaic straw textures and bandana-print hat bands.

Boho Cowgirl Collection

In recent years, Western wear has embraced bohemian styles with floral prints, tassels, and crochet accents. For the boho cowgirl, Corral created hats to complete the look.

Launched in 2020, their Boho Cowgirl line offers hats in canvas, raffia, and paper-braid straw. Bolder prints and crochet or suede details give these hats a freewheeling ranch vibe.

Why Corral Hats Stand Out Today

While countless other Western brands have come and gone, Corral continues thriving after over 25 years. Their hats remain go-to choices for cowboys, ranchers, and country music stars. Here's why Corral still stands out in today's cowboy hat market:

Trustworthy Craftsmanship

Each Corral hat is individually crafted and passes through many expert hands before completion. They use time-honored techniques like steam shaping and hand creasing to achieve the perfect silhouette.

With improving technologies, Corral could cut costs by automating production. But they stay committed to quality handcrafting. Customers trust Corral hats are made to last.

On Trend but True to Traditions

While Corral frequently rolls out new styles with innovative materials and embellishments, they balance fashion and function. The details give their hats personality without going over the top.

Underneath the trendy touches, each hat still delivers what's expected from a cowboy hat - protection from sun and rain. Corral succeeds where other brands fail by understanding cowboys' changing yet constant needs.

Versatile for Work and Play

A good cowboy hat pulls double duty on the ranch and on the town. Corral designs hats for today's cowboys who need multi-purpose headgear. Styles like the Buckaroo work all day in the saddle then transition to a night on the dance floor.

Corral also makes different silhouettes suited for ranch activities or street wear. Yet all their hats maintain authentic Western styling in durable materials.

Stays True to Roots

Even after becoming a global brand, Corral keeps operations in the Western heartland of El Paso. Their headquarters and factory remain close to the cowboys and culture inspiring their designs.

Corral also gives back to rodeos and Western heritage groups. They understand the roots of the cowboy lifestyle essential for making authentic, lasting hats.

Corral Hats for the Modern Cowboy & Cowgirl

Since galloping onto the scene in the 90s, Corral Hats hasn't slowed its pace. Their hats continue evolving with the times but maintain the quality and spirit of the Old West. Their robust catalog offers cowboy hats to suit every personality and occasion.

Corral's wide selection ensures you can find the perfect hat to complete your Western look. Whether you need a rugged ranch hat or uptown urban cowboy style, Corral has a look you'll want to don year after year. Backed by outstanding craftsmanship, these hats become lifelong companions on all your adventures across the modern frontier.

FAQs

What materials are Corral hats made from?

Corral uses premium materials like fur felt, straw, and leather. The felt is a blend of rabbit and hare fur with wool. Straw options include paper braid, shantung, and bangora. Leather details are made from top grain cattlehide.

Where are Corral hats manufactured?

Corral hats are handmade at the company's factory in El Paso, Texas. Keeping production in the USA allows Corral to oversee quality and construction.

How do you care for a Corral felt cowboy hat?

Avoid getting your Corral felt hat wet. For light dirt, gently brush with a soft hat brush. For deeper cleaning, use a stiff brush and stiff sponge with cold water and mild soap. Shape the hat as it dries. Store in a hat box or on a rounded surface.

What is the difference between a straw cowboy hat and a felt cowboy hat?

Straw hats are lightweight and breathable, ideal for hot weather. Felt hats are heavier, warmer, and more water resistant. Felt holds its shape better while straw is more flexible. Straw creases and dents more easily than sturdy felt.

What style of Corral hat is best for a cowboy boot?

Corral's shorter-crowned styles like the Buckaroo, Stubbs, and Panhandle pair well with cowboy boots without overwhelming your proportions. Make sure to coordinate hat band and boot colors for a sleek, put-together ranch look.