Straw Hat Regulation

[Red Butler]

Does anyone know if there are any restrictions re wearing straw hats in SASS competitions or any other competitions?    Thanks.

[Frenchie]

These hats are absolutely the best value in a straw hat and are completely period-correct (go almost to the bottom of the page):
Traditional Amish / Mennonite Straw Hat http://plainlydressed.bravepages.com/mensclothinghatsfile.html

So far I've seen leather gloves and flapped holsters come up in "Is this allowed?" discussions, and now we have straw hats. Here's my thinking:

Given that they certainly existed and were worn in our time period, the question of their propriety is answered in the affirmative. In Civil War reenacting, we have an acronym, PEC, which stands for Period, Everyday, Common. Is it correct for the period of time we are dealing with? Was it seen every day (not 365, but in certain seasons, like greatcoats in winter or straw hats in summer)? Was it common or commonly used? The answers are yes, yes, and yes; straw hats existed for the entire period, were worn every day (in season), and were commonly seen.

The other important question is whether there is a specific mention of them in the rules which restricts them because of (insert reason here) or prohibits them due to a safety factor. The answer is no, the rules say nothing about them at all.

Therefore, applying the philosophical axiom that states, "It is easier to get forgiveness than permission," I say wear it, and if anyone complains, hand them the copy of the rulebook you keep in your pocket and politely ask them to show you where straw hats are prohibited. Argue all they want, they can't do it, so put the rulebook away, smile, and tip your straw hat before turning back to whatever you were doing before the rude bore who interrupted you spoke up.

Now, forgive a short lecture: Perhaps you read the rules and figured that if they're not mentioned, they might not be allowed. This is in direct contradiction of the aforementioned philosophical axiom and the rules themselves. I don't understand why people think that way, but then, I'm weird. All the little voices say so.

[Pawnee Bill]

These hats are absolutely the best value in a straw hat and are completely period-correct (go almost to the bottom of the page):
Traditional Amish / Mennonite Straw Hat http://plainlydressed.bravepages.com/mensclothinghatsfile.html

Not to be a pain Hoss but they do lack the correct linning.
Cheers
Pawnee Bill

[Micheal Fortune]

This is what the SASS rule books says on page 36 under the heading of:

Outlawed

• Modern feathered cowboy hats (Shady Bradys). Straw hats of
traditional design (e.g., Stetson, Bailey, sombreros,) are
acceptable.

And this link http://www.shadybrady.com/collection_newwest.php
is what they are refering too.

Hope this helps.

[hellgate]

Look at old town or crowd scenes and there will be a variety of straw hats. In fact Hedley Lamar shoots in a straw hat with a low crown and short rim as was popular up into the Roaring 20s. I sometimes shoot in an Amish style hat & bib overalls (I've seen the bibs in photos of the 1860s & 70s). I also believe that some of Custer's men had straw hats with high flat crowns. It was July after all. When it gets hot around here the straw hat is very popular. Personally I don't care to see the cattleman style rigidly molded straw hat that is not "period" but I am not a member of any authenticity police. I think some of the concern over proper dress is a residue from buckskinning and Civil War reenactors where it is much more of an issue with the participants. If people make a half decent effort to look "cowboy" or Victorian there is no problem in SASS. Gads, with so many folks being a little heavy and older (and maybe on medication) I'm sure not gonna gripe about an inconsistancy. I'm just happy that they are out there shooting and having fun.

[Red Butler]

Thanks to everyone for the info and comments.   Red

[Delmonico]

As an added it is mentioned that many of the 7th bought straw hats from the sutler on the Yellowstone before going on to the Greasy Grass. 

Tale a look at braided palm leaf hats, they are also around in the period and many are shaped close enough, some are wonderful.  They are also easy to shape.  One company I deal a lot with is:

http://www.sunbody.com/index.cfm?aff=49101

They are much better than most modern "straw" hats which are mostly paper machie straw that has been painted.

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Straw hats are not allowed in either Classic Cowboy/Cowgirl Category, or B Western Category. Straw hats are allowed in all other categories.

As has been stated, 'Shady Bradys' are the only straw hats specifically outlawed in all categories. Although pictures of Shady Bradys abound, nobody has done a very good job of defining them. If Richard Petty is wearing it, it is outlawed. If it looks like a pheasant was struck by it at 80mph, it is outlawed. If it is all scrunched up and worn by Jon Bon Jovi, it is outlawed.

They may not be very historically accurate, but modern stiff varnished straw cowboy hats are perfectly legal. You can wear them in any category, except the costume categories.

Palm Leaf hats are very good, I have about 4 of them, in various styles. You can see one in my avatar at the left. They can easily be reshaped by reforming when wet and allowing them to dry. Last weekend at the New England Regional there were zillions of straw hats being worn in the hot humid weather.

[Arcey]

If ya stay away from the affilation thing ya kin tell the 'Police' ta pack sand....................



Be reasonable.  Sumbody wants ta look like Richard Petty - ain't my problem 'n I couldn't care less.  I got one with the front of the brim tacked back and an arrow thru the crown.  If I can't wear it at someone's shoot, I don't wanna be at that shoot.

[Arcey]

Fergot I hadda pitcher of it.......

[Tricky Trina]

  

Love Ya, Cuz.....