Iconic Tall Crown Cowboy Hats - History and Styles of the West's Most Famous Headwear

The History of the Tall Crown Cowboy Hat

The tall crown cowboy hat has a long and storied history in American Western culture. While many associate cowboy hats with cattle drivers of the late 1800s, these distinctive headpieces actually emerged much earlier.

Origins of the Tall Crown

Tall crowned hats first rose to prominence in the 1840s in the Spanish and Mexican territories of Texas and California. Vaqueros (Mexican cowboys) favored these crowns for their wide brims that provided shade from the harsh sun. American cowboys adopted them for cattle drives up the Chisholm Trail from Texas to Kansas.

These early cowboy hats featured tall crowns and wide brims made of beaver felt. The high crown allowed for better airflow to cool the head in hot climates. The stiffened felt brims could be shaped to provide more shade or endure long days in the saddle.

Establishing an Iconic Look

While many associates the Stetson with quintessential cowboy hats, the first models were actually produced by John B. Stetson in 1865. Stetson's innovative "Boss of the Plains" model was waterproof and had a telescopic crown that could be collapsed. It set the standard for what we now view as iconic cowboy hat style.

In the late 1800s, popular Wild West shows further cemented the cowboy aesthetic into the public imagination. Performers like Buffalo Bill Cody wore embellished versions that sparked interest in more decorative cowboy hats. This time period solidified the tall cowboy crown hat as a legendary garment.

Key Features of Tall Crown Hats

Over the past century, certain defining features have come to typify tall crown cowboy hats.

The High Crown

As the name suggests, a disproportionately tall crown sets this style apart. The crown is pinched or creased lengthwise down the center to create a distinctive look. Cowboy hats have crowns at least 4 inches high, usually more. This allows for decoration along the indentations.

The Crease

The crease down the center not only adds visual interest, but increases durability. By creasing the crown, stiffness is directed forward to maintain the hat's shape and prevent collapsing. Modern versions utilize steam, heat, and expert hand-shaping to form an elegant crease line.

The Brim

Wide brims are also signature of cowboy hats. Brims up to 6 inches create shade from intense sunlight. A very curved brim framed the face, while a flat brim provided for maximum protection. Tall crown hats usually have shorter brim lengths compared to other cowboy hats to reduce weight and bulk.

The Dents

Dimpling or dents pressed into the crown are decorative and functional. Small divots provide ventilation as well as visual appeal. Many high-quality models utilize special wooden blocks to imprint perfectly shaped indentations along the crease or top of the crown.

Modern Tall Crown Cowboy Hats

Today, these hats remain icons of country and Western heritage. They come in a variety of styles suitable for ranch work, rodeo competitions, and formal events alike.

Felt Tall Crown Hats

Beaver felt varieties are still available for their durability and ability to hold a shape under rough treatment. Felt also offers warmth in cold weather. These models are perfect for working cowboys who need reliable performance from their headwear.

Straw Tall Crown Hats

For warmer climates and seasonal wear, straw cowboy hats present a suitable alternative. Straw tall crowns provide superior breathability and moisture wicking. The highest grade models utilize palm leaf fibers such as coconut or shantung for flexibility, sheen, and comfort.

Custom Tall Crown Hats

For those who want a hat tailored to their sense of style, custom ordering remains popular. Personalized bands, crease details, brim shapes, and crown decoration allow for one-of-a-kind looks. Custom tall crown cowboy hats make for uniquely memorable souvenirs and heirlooms.

Caring for a Tall Crown Hat

These special hats require some extra care and handling to maintain their structural integrity and visual appeal over years of use.

Reshaping Periodically

Even high quality cowboy hats can lose their form with enough wear and tear. Heat steam shaping every couple years will restore dents and elegant creasing. Take care not to over-shape, as excess compression can damage fibers.

Proper Storage

Use a stiff hat box rather than hanging when not in use to prevent developing flat spots or irregularities. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light to prevent discoloration.

Spot Cleaning

Clean sweat bands regularly to prevent salt and oil accumulation from staining material. Use a damp soft cloth to gently dab dirt. For deeper cleaning, specialist hat cleaning services can provide steaming and expert brushing.

With care and maintenance, a high quality tall crown hat will last for decades as a treasured highlight of any Western ensemble.

FAQs

What is the difference between a cowboy hat and a tall crown cowboy hat?

A tall crown cowboy hat is a type of cowboy hat distinguished by, as the name implies, an exceptionally tall crown section of at least 4 inches. Other cowboy hats like gambler hats feature shorter crown areas and different shapes.

Why do tall crown cowboy hats have a dent or crease?

Creasing and dents along the tall crown provide decoration as well as improve durability. The crease helps direct stiffness forward so the hat holds its shape instead of collapsing. Dents allow ventilation to keep wearers' heads cool.

What materials are best for tall crown cowboy hats?

High quality beaver felt or premium plant fibers like coconut and palm leaf make the most durable tall crown cowboy hat materials. Felt is great for cold weather and hard use while plant fibers excel in ventilation.

How can I care for my tall crown cowboy hat?

Caring for a high crown cowboy hat involves steam reshaping periodically, proper storage like in a hat box, and prompt spot cleaning. With care a quality tall crown hat will stay in top condition for years of wear.