Hat Tricks
A 'cowpuncher' style cowboy hat.
a 'buckaroo' style cowboy hat.
Can you tell which part of the United States someone is from by the shape of their hat?
I know that sounds kind of like an odd question, but in some cases the answer to that question is; yes you can. Just like people having accents that allow you to tell if someone is from the South, the North or even the Midwest, often times the hat shape that someone wears can tell you the same story.
I am sure you have all heard the terms “Buckaroo” or “Cowpuncher” well each of these two terms are indicative of different areas of the united states an each have their own style of cowboy hat. And if you don’t believe me call a Buckaroo a Cowpuncher or vice versa and see what kind of fight you start.
The “Buckaroo” style hat has a Spanish vaquero influence and started from Mexico to California before becoming the predominant cowboy style of the great basin. This hat has a wide flat brim with a small pencil curl around the back and flat top. You can see this hat worn a lot by ranch cowboys throughout out Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana and Oregon. Although this exact style may not be worn all the time generally cowboys of this region prefer a flatter brim to give a little more protection from the snow and rain.
The “Cowpuncher” style is more often found in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona. The style of hat that you will see most Cowpunchers wear will have a higher crown with the brim turned up fairly high on the sides almost in a “taco” shape. These hats with usually have a wider brim as well. The turned up brim helps with the wind to keep the hat on your head.
Even though these are two distinct styles, you can find cowboys wearing each style all over the United States. Once again showing the style of hat you wear comes down to personal preference every time.
Until next month Happy trails and +x