Tag Archives: hat

An Intriguing History: Stampede Straps on Cowboy Hats

We received a question from Mark F. on our website: “…When did stampede straps begin to be used?…” Stampede straps, or bonnet strings, are decorated strips of leather that going around the back of the hat, through holes behind the ears, and around the neck. The purpose is to keep a cowboy’s hat on as […]

John B. Stetson: The Master Hatter

When you think of a cowboy hat, one brand comes to mind. Every cowboy needs a Stetson hat. But where did the name come from, and how did it become so iconic? It all began in 1865. A man named John B. Stetson rented a room for $100, bought tools and $10 worth of fur, […]