In the 1800s both straw and felt western styles saw the initial boom of their popularity in the United States. As people from the East coast moved West, they looked for a durable wide brim hat to shield them from the sun and rain. Since then, this unique wide brim hat has become the tangible representation of a more rugged and untamed time in America’s history. Click here to read more about Western cowboy hat history and the newest styles for the season.