The Cowboy Hat

The cowboy hat is unquestionably the most iconic icon of the Western subgenre, having been the go-to hat of former presidents, country music crooners, and one Village People member. Even space billionaire Jeff Bezos, who recently splashed down on Earth, awkwardly wore the common cap. In actuality, cowpunchers wore a variety of headgear, such as bowler hats, derby hats, and military kepis.

The first wide-brimmed hat marketed to outdoor enthusiasts was the "Boss of the Plains," which John B. Stetson unveiled in 1865. The pricey item, which was created by Stetson from animal fur, had a rounded crown and a smooth, exquisite style. The more popular variant of the "Stetson" evolved through time to better meet the demands of cowboys, including curved sides to avoid getting caught in a rope.