The white cowboy hat is an icon of North American Western culture and is most closely related to the cowboys of the old west. This is a short overview of the history of this fascinating--and remarkably symbolic--fashion accessory.

Symbolism of the White Cowboy Hat

Calgary, Canada has a tradition of putting a white cowboy hat on every visitor that is welcomed to the city by the mayor. (Instead of a key to the city, visitors obtain the hat.)

It is a symbol of Western hospitality and every mayor of Calgary has given it to visiting celebrities, politicians and athletes since the Second World War.

The white cowboy hat is likewise a symbol for the good in people. The hero in Western movies wears a white hat while the bad guy wears a black one.

White Cowboy Hat and the PBR

Yearly the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) issues a calendar that often features their professional riders sporting white hats. The late Lane Frost loved wearing a white hat with a turkey feature in it when he rode and his best friend and fellow bull riding champ, Tuff Tedeman frequently wears a white when riding also.

2009 PBR World Champion Kody Lostroh wore the white hat all through many of his rides in his last season win as did two time PBR World Champion Chris Shivers. It is really a favorite bull riding gear accessory for the bull rider as it symbolizes everything good in a western hero.

Beginning of the White Cowboy Hat

Cowboy hats were primarily designed to protect ranch workers from the rain and sun while doing work outdoors. John Batterson Stetson was the son of an American hat maker who grew up working in the family business.

After being diagnosed with tuberculosis as a young man, he left the family business to visit the Wild West before he was too ill to travel. He met gold miners, ranch hands and livestock drovers while on his journey and saw that they were wearing top hats, coonskin caps, derbies and old military caps to keep the suns heat and rain from their heads.

Using his knowledge of the hat industry, he created a hat that had a straight-sided crown and a wide flat brim with rounded corners. In 1865 he transferred to Philadelphia were he manufactured a hat called "Boss of the plains" but soon, the people he sold it to simply called it a Stetson.

It was an essential piece of equipment for the working cowboy. The Stetson was a symbol of high quality and many Old West icons wore it. Buffalo Bill, Will Rogers, Tom Mix as well as Annie Oakley wore Stetsons, but it was the Lone Ranger who caused the white cowboy hat famous. He was never without it as he fought the bad guys and he always won.

Curious About Cardigans For Females: Several Suggestions On Buying
Women looking for info on all things cardigan-related can find it on this website. There are colors and sizes available for every conceivable body-type. This site holds a ton of information concerning cardigan brands and choices so you wind up with the best sweater.

Suits For Tall Females: How To Select The Right Ones
Just because you are a tall woman, it doesn't that mean you can't have the perfect suit. You can find many online stores that specialize in selling tall women's suits.

Who Is Shopping For Ladies's Running Clothes?
If there's anything about women's running clothes that must absolutely be present, it's these two: style and comfort. Aside from looking good, running clothes must be extremely comfortable.

Infant Halloween Costumes - 3 Prime Costumes For Newborns Halloween 2010
Are you considering buying infant Halloween costumes? In this article we are going to talk about 3 top costumes for infants Halloween 2010.

The Quest For The Ideal Evening Gown For Plus Size Women
Special dates and parties are always reasons to go rummaging in the closet for something to wear. If you are among the heavier set, you probably think you have your work cut out for you finding a decent plus size evening gown.

Making Over Tall Ladies Garments In Order That They Seem New
The summer months are perfect for "recycling" dresses you once loved. Bring tall women's clothing back to life with the introduction of a few choice accessories.

Transform Your Lifestyle And Begin Looking For Womens Clothes Online.
Ladies the time has come where we must give in and start accepting the new world of technology. Once you shop for your clothes online you will never go back to those busy shopping malls.

Related Articles

Partner Links