Reshaped hat- Opinions wanted

[The Arapaho Kid]

Thinkin anout these:






What'cha think?

Rawhide:  Those look good, but you need something that makes a statement.  Go bigger and wider.

[Delmonico]

Stating what, that ya want to look like a 19th century version of a greenhorn?  Would not go any bigger or gaudier for a true working cowboy perrsonna.  Historical research will prove me right.

[The Arapaho Kid]

Well....seeing as how I'm not a true, working cowboy...I'll keep my large hatband!

[Delmonico]

To each his own, many workin' cowboys consider the Ol' Cosie one of them.  In doing Cas shooting and living history there are many perrsonnas to do.  I try to help folks do them well.   The little details are important, often over looked, but they are important.

[Forty Rod]

Avoid stampede strings with those little cotter pin thingies.  Get the kind that go through holes on the side and wrap around the hat.

[Delmonico]

The wind/stampede string is popular in the SW US both today and historically.  It is seen rarely among the workin' cowboy either today or historically on the Northern Plains.  The reason becomes clear to anyone who has worn on on a rainy day and had the cold water drip into ones ear. 

I can gar-en-tee to those who have never tried it on a 50 degree day, it is not a plesant experience.   The solution comes bak to the leather or horsehair hat band, the origins of which was often to tighten the hat to the head rather than decorate.  This is why many in historical photos are of leather and have a buckle on them.  A properly tight hat will not blow off easily.