Old West Hat History (short version).  There has been a long competitive history between Stetson Hats and Resistol Hats. Maybe it was preordained that they would one day combine under one roof. John B invented the broad brim hat because he was sick of getting his head and shoulders wet. Resistol figured a way to keep your head oil from staining the hat so fast by using spacers that separated the inner hat band from the felt.
 (resist oil hats). Stetson lost sales because that resist oil feature turned out to be a better sizing system than a string pulled at the back of your head.  Then Stetson developed ... then Resistol ... then Stetson again... and so the story went until they combined thoughts and resources.

On it went for about a century. Today, we wear the benefit of all the innovation of both companies. "Green" friendly resins have replaced the lead that used to be used to hold the felt together. Hats are easier to reshape. But, you can't beat the mule with them like great granddaddy used to do. They come in many colors. Hats cost less in today's dollars than they did way back then. A ten gallon hat was really ten Spanish coins, (10 Galleons), about a month's wages used to buy the thing. Money was so valuable and scarce back then, that the hats were referred more by price, not style. Most of these hats are much less than a week's pay.

How to fit your size.  Resistol Western hats are available In Sizes:  6 3/4 - 7 5/8, (some in 6 1/2, 6 5/8 and 7 3/4). Hat sizes kinda sort of go by ruler sizes, but the confusion comes in a size 6 1/2 is not 6 1/2 inches around. If you are not sure of your size, just take a soft ruler tape and measure around your head where you prefer it to fit. Most people will go around the biggest part of the back of their head, and be about 2 to 3 fingers (turned sideways) above their eyebrow.  We can convert these inch measurements to your hat size for you. You want to be able to pull your hat down in a windstorm, but wear it a little more loose in normal weather. Some people like to tilt it back a little when they relax. Then wear it more square when business need to be done! There is a hat fitting chart at the bottom of this page.

Also, have a friend look at the top of your head and see if it is shaped round like a ball, like an egg, square looking, or like a round oval race track. This helps us to steam and pre-fit your hat to better break your hat in. 

How About Hat Bands? When you see options of several colors in a Resistol Hat style, you can expect the hatband, ribbons and such to complement the color shown.  But, cowboys have always carved their own uniqueness. Part of that is in customizing your hatband. If you need help, or want to see more selections, just call us or check out some of the hatbands on our website. 

How do I care for My Hat? Hats are as much fun to own as they are to buy. Click here to take a look at cleaners, stiffners, hat racks, boxes, brushes and such. Because we have spent 30 years cleaning hats, just give us a chat to ask what you might need if you are not sure. You will be amazed how nice they look with a simple brim brushing. After every so many rainstorms, you may need to apply another light coat of hat stiffener. Always remember that like painting a car, you want to use a lot of light coats. Heavy coats will matt down the finish of your felt. 

Any other questions? Just write them down and shoot us an email. It's your questions that wind up as comments on the Cultured Cowboy site.

HAT SIZES