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Stetson

Stetson is an American brand of premium hats and Western apparel, founded in 1865 by hatter John B. Stetson in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and renowned worldwide for its durable cowboy hats that embody the spirit of the American frontier.^[1] The company's signature product, the "Boss of the Plains," introduced in the 1860s, featured a lightweight fur-felt construction with a high crown and wide brim designed for protection against sun, rain, and dust, revolutionizing headwear for cowboys, prospectors, and frontiersmen during the post-Civil War expansion westward.^[2] John B. Stetson (1830–1906), born into a family of hatmakers in New Jersey as the seventh of twelve children, apprenticed in the trade before health issues from tuberculosis prompted his relocation to the Colorado Rockies in the early 1860s, where he joined the gold rush and crafted his first hat from beaver felt during a rainstorm to sell to a traveler.^[2] Starting with a modest $60 loan from his sister, Stetson established the John B. Stetson Company in a one-room workshop, quickly scaling production to meet demand from the growing cattle industry and by the early 20th century producing millions of hats annually.^[2] The brand's hats, often handcrafted using traditional felting techniques with high-quality furs like beaver and rabbit, gained cultural prominence through their adoption in Western films and literature, and as symbols of rugged individualism.^[2] Beyond hats, Stetson expanded into men's and women's boots, clothing, and accessories, maintaining a commitment to American manufacturing and ethical labor practices that included profit-sharing and employee welfare programs initiated by the founder, who also established what became Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, in 1883 to provide education for workers' families.^[2] As of 2025, owned by Hatco, which acquired the manufacturing rights in 1987, the company continues to produce timeless styles like the Open Road fedora while innovating with modern materials, preserving its legacy as a global leader in Western headwear with products designed for longevity and generational heirlooms.^[3]

Founding and Early Development

John B. Stetson and Hat Invention

John B. Stetson was born on May 5, 1830, in Orange, New Jersey, as the seventh of twelve children to Stephen L. Stetson, a skilled hatter, and Susan Batterson Stetson.^[2] Growing up in a family immersed in the hat-making trade, young John left school early to apprentice in his father's business, learning the intricate processes of fur felting and hat construction.^[4] In his twenties, Stetson was diagnosed with tuberculosis, a condition that prompted him to seek healthier climates and new opportunities in the American West starting in 1859.^[5] By 1860, Stetson's health had improved during his time in Colorado, where he joined the Pike's Peak Gold Rush and worked briefly in a St. Joseph, Missouri, brickyard before heading further west.^[2] Observing the impracticality of common headwear like coonskin caps—which offered little protection from sun, rain, or fleas—and drawing inspiration from the wide-brimmed sombreros worn by Mexican vaqueros, sometimes referred to as "ten-gallon" hats due to decorative braiding, Stetson began experimenting with hat designs suited to frontier life.^[4] While in Colorado during the early 1860s, facing harsh weather, he crafted his first prototype hat using skills honed in his family's workshop.^[4]^[2] This pioneering hat was a wide-brimmed, high-crowned felt creation made from a blend of beaver, rabbit, and hare fur, selected for their durability and weather-resistant qualities when processed through felting.^[4] The design featured a tall, creased crown approximately four inches high and a broad brim up to four inches wide, providing essential shade from the intense sun, resistance to wind and rain, and the ability to hold water for drinking or even to offer to a horse in arid conditions.^[2] Initial testing during a severe Colorado rainstorm in the 1860–1862 period demonstrated its robustness, as the hat remained intact and functional while other coverings failed.^[5] Stetson sold his first hat for a $5 gold piece during this period, validating its appeal among frontiersmen before he returned east around 1865 to establish a formal hat-making enterprise in Philadelphia.^[2]

Establishment of the John B. Stetson Company

The John B. Stetson Company was founded in 1865 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by John B. Stetson, who launched operations in a modest loft at Seventh and Callowhill Streets with a $60 loan from his sister, which he used to rent the space and start operations.^[4]^[2] Initially operating as a hat repair shop, the business soon expanded to manufacturing durable fur felt hats amid the economic recovery following the American Civil War.^[6] Despite initial constraints in a post-war environment marked by inflation and market instability, the enterprise emphasized quality craftsmanship to establish credibility in a competitive industry.^[7] Early operations centered on assembling a small initial workforce of skilled hatters to handle the labor-intensive process of sourcing and processing fur pelts—primarily from beaver and rabbit—into premium felt material, while production remained artisanal and small-scale.^[4] Marketing efforts began locally in Eastern retail outlets, but by 1869, Stetson introduced traveling salesmen to penetrate Western markets, where demand for rugged headwear was surging due to expansion in ranching and mining.^[4] These strategies helped navigate financial hurdles by prioritizing high-end products that commanded premium prices, gradually building a reputation for reliability and innovation without relying on large-scale investment.^[6] Stetson cultivated a paternalistic company culture from the outset, prioritizing employee welfare to foster loyalty and productivity; by the 1870s, this included profit-sharing programs that distributed earnings directly to workers, alongside housing initiatives through the John B. Stetson Building Association, which offered low-interest loans for home purchases.^[4] Educational opportunities were provided via apprenticeships and on-site programs, while health support encompassed a dispensary that evolved into a free hospital for employees and their families unable to afford care.^[4] Such measures not only addressed the hardships of industrial labor in post-Civil War Philadelphia but also differentiated the company as a progressive employer.^[6] Rapid growth necessitated a relocation in 1874 to a expansive 12-acre complex at Germantown and Columbia Avenues in northeast Philadelphia, where new multi-story factories were constructed with enhanced safety features to accommodate an expanding workforce and increased output.^[8]^[4] This move marked a pivotal step in scaling operations while maintaining the focus on quality that had propelled the company beyond its humble beginnings.^[6]

Iconic Hat Designs

Boss of the Plains

The Boss of the Plains, introduced in 1865, marked a pivotal breakthrough for the John B. Stetson Company as its flagship product, designed specifically to meet the rugged demands of the American frontier. Crafted from fine fur felt derived from beaver, rabbit, and other small animals, the hat featured a smooth, rounded crown and a round, flat brim, providing essential protection from sun, rain, and wind while remaining lightweight and durable for everyday use in harsh conditions.^[9] Its construction emphasized weather resistance through the natural properties of the fur felt, making it suitable for all-weather wear without additional treatments.^[5] The open crown design allowed for customization, enabling wearers to add creases by hand—such as the Montana peak, a pinched style that became popular among users adapting the hat to their preferences.^[10] Market positioning highlighted the Boss of the Plains as a premium accessory tailored for ranchers and miners, priced between $5 and $20 depending on material quality and customization, which positioned it as an accessible yet high-end investment for working men in the expanding West.^[9] This pricing reflected its superior craftsmanship compared to common headwear like coonskin caps or derbies, appealing to those needing reliable gear for labor-intensive roles. The hat drew inspiration from an earlier prototype Stetson crafted during his 1862 health trip to Colorado, where he fashioned a basic felt hat from available materials to shield against a rainstorm.^[5] Commercially, the Boss of the Plains achieved rapid adoption across the American West, becoming synonymous with the emerging cowboy archetype by the 1870s as cattle drives and frontier life popularized its practical form.^[9] This personal involvement in manufacturing helped solidify the model's reputation for longevity, with many hats enduring years of heavy use among ranch hands and prospectors.^[5]

Prospector's Hat and Early Variations

The prospector's hat originated in the 1860s during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in Colorado, when John B. Stetson, seeking improved health after a tuberculosis diagnosis, joined a prospecting expedition and crafted an improvised hat from beaver felt to shield himself from relentless rain and intense sun.^[11] This design featured an unusually wide brim—up to four inches—for superior shade and the ability to scoop and carry water, while the high, rounded crown created an insulating air pocket for ventilation and occasional utility in holding small tools or panning equipment.^[5] Tailored specifically for miners and frontiersmen enduring harsh outdoor conditions, it marked an early adaptation beyond urban hat styles, emphasizing durability and multifunctionality in the rugged American West.^[11] Early variations of the prospector's hat emerged through user customizations, as wearers modified the open crown with dents or pinches for better grip and rainwater runoff, and curved the brim asymmetrically for enhanced protection during travel or labor.^[5] These adaptations influenced the foundational "Boss of the Plains" model introduced in 1865 upon Stetson's return to Philadelphia, which retained the wide brim and high crown but standardized the shape for broader appeal among Western workers.^[11] Both the original prospector's style and its variants utilized premium fur felt, primarily from beaver, prized for its natural water resistance, lightweight structure, and longevity in extreme weather.^[5] Craftsmanship centered on traditional hand-blocking techniques, where moistened felt was stretched over wooden forms to shape the crown and brim, followed by shellacking for stiffness and pouncing—a fine sanding and oiling process—to achieve a smooth, supple finish.^[12] Early options for customization included leather sweatbands for comfort and adjustable hatbands, allowing prospectors to personalize for fit and style while maintaining the hat's practical integrity.^[11] Stetson targeted sales of these hats to mining communities in Colorado and California, where ongoing gold rushes demanded reliable headwear; by the late 1860s, the designs gained traction among prospectors, contributing to the company's rapid expansion into Western markets as durable alternatives to flimsier imported styles.^[5]

Production and Expansion

Mass Production Techniques

In the 1870s, the John B. Stetson Company pioneered mass production advancements at its Philadelphia facility, relocating to a larger complex at Fourth Street and Montgomery Avenue in 1874 to accommodate expanded operations.^[6] This vertically integrated setup encompassed all stages of hat manufacturing in-house, from pelt processing to packaging, minimizing external dependencies.^[6] Key innovations included the adoption of steam-powered machinery for felting and shaping processes, where fur was agitated, boiled, and pressed under heat and pressure to form durable felt.^[13] Chemical treatments, such as applying acid solutions in the carroting stage, prepared animal pelts (primarily from beaver, rabbit, and hare) for efficient felting by enhancing fiber matting.^[13] Additionally, iron cutting and pressing machines mechanized cutting and forming, transforming labor-intensive manual techniques into scalable industrial methods that improved both speed and consistency.^[14] To support this growth, Stetson rapidly expanded its workforce, employing nearly 4,000 workers by the mid-1880s across specialized departments dedicated to fur processing, hat forming, and finishing tasks.^[14] Production lines featured collaborative teams, such as three-person units for blocking—consisting of a tipper, brimmer, and blocker—who used steam and manual adjustments to shape crowns and brims precisely.^[13] This departmental structure enabled high-volume output while maintaining craftsmanship, with workers handling steps like dyeing, pouncing (sanding and oiling the felt), and sweatband fitting.^[13] Quality assurance relied on Stetson's proprietary "X" grading system, marked on the sweatband to denote felt quality based on factors including fur type, source, age, and color uniformity; higher designations like 10X signified premium blends with superior durability and finish.^[13] These methods ensured product consistency amid scaling, culminating in annual production of approximately 2 million hats by 1906 and positioning the company as the world's largest hat manufacturer.^[14]^[6]

Growth During the American West Era

During the late 19th century, the John B. Stetson Company rapidly expanded its sales networks across the American West, leveraging distributors and illustrated catalogs to supply hats to remote ranches, cattle operations, and emerging towns. By the 1870s, the company's products were distributed through a growing network of western retailers, facilitated by the burgeoning railroad infrastructure that connected Philadelphia to frontier markets. For instance, the 1899 Stetson trade catalog highlighted various hat styles available to dealers nationwide, underscoring the role of printed materials in broadening market reach. By 1899, nearly 2,800 retailers throughout the United States were selling Stetson hats, reflecting the brand's deepening penetration into western commerce.^[15] This growth was inextricably linked to the economic transformations of the American West, including massive cattle drives, widespread homesteading under the Homestead Act of 1862, and accelerating urbanization as settlers poured into territories like Texas, Kansas, and the Dakotas. The demand for durable headwear surged amid these developments, as Stetson hats provided essential protection from harsh sun, rain, and dust for ranchers, miners, and farmers. The company's expansion was further bolstered by early international ventures, with exports to Europe commencing in 1881 to meet growing demand among fashionable consumers abroad. Mass production techniques adopted in the Philadelphia factory enabled this scale, allowing Stetson to meet rising orders without compromising quality.^[1]^[16] By 1900, Stetson had achieved remarkable peaks, operating the world's largest hat factory and employing about 1,200 workers, with production reaching 600,000 hats that year alone. The company continued to expand, reaching production of over two million hats annually by 1906 and employing up to 5,000 workers by the early 20th century, with sales valued at approximately $11 million by 1917. The brand's prominence was epitomized by its adoption by iconic figures such as Buffalo Bill Cody, whose endorsement in Wild West shows amplified visibility among western audiences. In 1899 alone, the factory manufactured 50,000 dozen hats, equivalent to 600,000 units, underscoring the company's market dominance.^[17]^[18]^[15]^[5] Despite these successes, the company navigated significant economic turbulence, particularly the Panic of 1893, a severe depression that triggered widespread bank failures and unemployment. Stetson survived this crisis through diversified sales channels that extended beyond the volatile western markets, maintaining steady demand from urban centers and international buyers. This resilience allowed the firm to rebound and solidify its position as a cornerstone of American manufacturing by the early 20th century.^[1]

Cultural and Fashion Impact

Association with Cowboys and Western Media

Stetson hats gained prominence in American popular culture through their association with Wild West shows and rodeos in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody prominently featured Stetson hats in his Wild West arena shows, which launched in 1883 and toured extensively for three decades, helping to popularize the wide-brimmed, high-crowned design as the quintessential cowboy headwear.^[5] Cody's custom Stetson, with its tall crown, exemplified the evolving style that became known as the "ten-gallon" look, standardizing the silhouette in performances by the early 1900s as shows emphasized rugged Western authenticity.^[19] These exhibitions, including rodeo elements, reinforced the hat's image as an essential accessory for cowboys, influencing public perception and attire in frontier reenactments.^[20] The rise of Hollywood Western films in the 1930s and 1940s further cemented Stetson's connection to cowboy iconography, particularly through endorsements by singing cowboys like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. Autry, starring in over 90 films, and Rogers, who appeared in dozens of B-Westerns, frequently wore Stetson hats, portraying heroic ranch hands and boosting the brand's visibility during the genre's golden age.^[21] Their on-screen personas, blending music and adventure, aligned with Stetson's marketing of the hats—derived from the original Boss of the Plains design—as symbols of the American frontier spirit.^[22] This era's cinematic boom amplified demand, with Western stars driving Stetson sales to their peak in the 1940s as audiences emulated the film's rugged aesthetic.^[23]^[5] By the mid-20th century, "Stetson" had evolved into common slang for any cowboy hat, reflecting the brand's cultural dominance in the American West. This linguistic shift originated from the hat's widespread adoption by ranchers and performers, where it became interchangeable with "hat" in regional vernacular.^[24] Stetson's strategic marketing, including targeted promotions in media aimed at younger audiences, reinforced this association, embedding the hat in the collective imagination of cowboy lore.^[5]

Evolution in Popular Fashions

Following World War II, the widespread adoption of casual attire and the rise of automobile culture contributed to a sharp decline in hat-wearing among American men, profoundly impacting Stetson sales. By 1968, the company's annual revenues had plummeted from a postwar peak of $29 million in 1947 to just $8 million, representing a roughly 72% drop as hats transitioned from everyday essentials to optional accessories.^[23] This shift was exacerbated by cultural icons like President John F. Kennedy appearing hatless at his 1961 inauguration, signaling a broader move away from formal headwear.^[25] To adapt to urban and city-oriented fashions in the interwar period, Stetson introduced fedora-inspired lines that blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary styles suitable for metropolitan settings. These included softer crowns and narrower brims appealing to professionals and socialites, positioning the fedora as a symbol of sophistication during the 1920s and 1930s.^[26] Concurrently, the company launched women's hat production around 1930 in Philadelphia, offering high-fashion options like wide-brimmed felt hats, berets, pillboxes, and turbans designed for urban elegance and daily city wear.^[27] By the end of the decade, Stetson maintained two dedicated women's lines with over 200 styles annually, including whimsical "Wedding Cake Crowns" that catered to evolving tastes in feminine millinery.^[28] Stetson experienced notable revivals amid shifting popular trends, beginning with the 1970s urban cowboy phenomenon that peaked with the 1980 film Urban Cowboy, which glamorized Western attire for city dwellers and spurred round-the-clock production at Stetson's Missouri factory.^[29] This momentum carried into the 1990s alongside a surge in country music popularity, exemplified by artists like Garth Brooks, whose signature Stetson cowboy hats became emblematic of the genre's mainstream appeal and boosted demand for the brand's Western styles.^[30] By the 2000s, Stetson hats gained traction as fashion statements beyond the U.S., with emerging markets in Europe and Asia embracing them as symbols of Americana and rugged chic. In Europe, dedicated Stetson lines expanded through high-end retailers, while in Asia, the hats appealed to urban consumers seeking Western-inspired accessories, reflecting the brand's adaptation to global luxury trends.^[31] In the 2020s, Stetson continued to influence popular culture through high-profile endorsements and anniversary milestones. Beyoncé's 2024 album Cowboy Carter and her appearance in a Stetson cowboy hat at the 2024 Grammy Awards amplified Western fashion's mainstream resurgence, leading to a 250% increase in cowboy hat searches and positioning Stetson as a key element in contemporary "cowboy core" aesthetics.^[32]^[33] The brand's 160th anniversary in 2025 was marked by the release of Stetson: American Icon (Rizzoli), a book chronicling its cultural legacy with portraits of icons from Georgia O'Keeffe to Beyoncé, alongside limited-edition collections and exhibits at Stetson University that highlighted its enduring impact on American style.^[34]^[35]

Military and Uniform Uses

United States Applications

Stetson hats were adopted by U.S. Army cavalry units as early as the 1870s, with the Boss of the Plains serving as a durable base model for the campaign hats that provided protection from the elements during frontier service.^[36] These wide-brimmed felt hats became integral to military attire, emphasizing practicality for mounted operations in harsh terrains. The campaign hats supplied by Stetson saw continued use in major conflicts, including the Spanish-American War of 1898, where they equipped troops with the characteristic Montana peak crown for improved ventilation and rain shedding.^[37] During World War I, Stetson produced the M1911 officer's campaign hat, a standard issue featuring a pinched crown and leather sweatband, worn by U.S. Army personnel in France and other theaters. In law enforcement, Stetson hats became a hallmark of the Texas Rangers' uniform by the 1920s, with rangers modifying them using badges crafted from Mexican cinco peso coins that prominently feature an eagle emblem.^[38] During World War II, Stetson ramped up production of campaign hats for U.S. Army officers, including the Montana crease variant, to meet demands for durable headgear in diverse combat environments.^[39] Post-war, their integration persisted in state police uniforms, as exemplified by the New Mexico State Police, who incorporate Stetson-style campaign hats as a formal component of trooper attire to evoke tradition and authority.^[40]

Canadian Military and Police Adoption

The Stetson hat has been a hallmark of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) uniform since the inception of its predecessor, the North-West Mounted Police, in 1873, when members unofficially adopted the wide-brimmed "Boss of the Plains" model for mounted patrols to shield against sun, rain, and snow in the harsh western frontier. This practical choice, preferred over the official pith helmet, led to its formal adoption in 1904 under Dress Regulations, establishing the iconic "Mountie" style characterized by a Montana peak crown, a flat wide brim approximately three inches deep, and the placement of the RCMP cap badge—featuring a central bison head encircled by wheat sheaves symbolizing Canada's agricultural heritage—on the front. The hat's fur-felt construction, typically from rabbit or beaver, provides natural insulation suited to northern climates, with members personally funding early purchases until official procurement began.^[41]^[42]^[36] In Canadian military contexts, Stetson hats saw significant use during World War I, with the Canadian Expeditionary Force issuing orders for them, including a batch in June-July 1917 for the Canadian Corps to support trench and field operations where the broad brim offered protection from weather and debris.^[43] Stetson acquired expertise in fur felts through the 1935 purchase of Wolthausen Hat Corporation in Ontario.^[44] Beyond the RCMP, Stetson hats expanded into other police forces, notably the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), which incorporated wide-brimmed "pony hats" as standard uniform headwear upon the force's creation in 1909, continuing through the 1920s with custom wool-felt variants for enhanced warmth during winter patrols. This adoption reflected the hat's proven utility in rural and northern enforcement, where the felt's water-resistant and insulating properties were essential. As of 2025, the RCMP continues to use Stetson-style hats for dress uniforms, manufactured by Dorfman Milano in the United States under contract.^[45]^[46]

Modern Era and Diversification

Post-1970 Revival and Operations

In 1970, the John B. Stetson Company ceased manufacturing operations in the United States amid a sharp decline in the overall hat market, transitioning instead to a licensing model where the brand was briefly licensed to third-party producers while its assets were sold off. This shift followed years of reduced demand for traditional headwear, leading to the permanent closure of its Philadelphia factory in 1971. The company's move to licensing marked a low point, with production outsourced and quality control challenges emerging as the brand navigated an uncertain period without in-house manufacturing.^[15]^[47] The revival began in the 1980s, fueled by renewed cultural interest in Western styles, notably through the 1980 film Urban Cowboy, which sparked a broader resurgence in cowboy apparel and hats. Manufacturing rights were acquired in 1987 by Hatco, Inc., based in Garland, Texas, allowing Stetson to resume domestic production after a brief bankruptcy filing in 1986 by its prior licensee, the John B. Stetson Hat Division of Stevens Hat Manufacturing Co. By 2000, the company had consolidated operations in Texas for greater cost efficiency, leveraging the region's lower labor costs and proximity to Western markets while maintaining core craftsmanship standards. This relocation solidified Stetson's return to active production, with Hatco handling the bulk of U.S.-made hats alongside other brands like Resistol.^[28]^[48]^[49]^[50] As of 2025, Stetson operates as a privately held company under the ownership of Xiao Li Tan, with manufacturing centered at its primary facility in Garland, Texas, and select partnerships for international production, including in Asia to support global distribution. To mark its 160th anniversary in 2025, Stetson launched a Rizzoli-published coffee table book titled Stetson: American Icon, chronicling its history and craftsmanship, alongside organized factory tours in Texas to showcase ongoing production processes.^[51]^[52]^[53]^[54]

Expansion into Apparel and Current Products

In the mid-20th century, as demand for hats declined due to changing fashions, Stetson diversified into apparel and accessories, including shirts, ties, and shoes, to sustain the brand.^[23] This expansion was part of a broader strategy following the company's transition to a licensing model in 1970, which enabled partnerships for producing non-hat items and helped revive the brand during its post-1970 resurgence.^[55] Today, Stetson's product lineup extends beyond hats to include men's and women's cowboy boots, such as the Sundance collection, and Western apparel like durable shirts, denim, and outerwear designed for frontier use.^[56] Premium hat lines remain central, with models like the Open Road 6X cowboy hat, characterized by a western crown and 2 3/4-inch bound-edge brim, priced between $100 and $500 to reflect quality craftsmanship.^[57] High-end items, including boots and hats, are handcrafted in Texas factories using traditional techniques and natural materials like fur felt and buffalo fibers for durability and water resistance.^[58] Basic lines are produced overseas to balance costs, while the brand emphasizes sustainable alternatives such as straw and linen for eco-conscious options in its collections.^[59] Stetson's market position in 2025 centers on heritage-driven e-commerce through its official site, where boots and apparel sales complement hat offerings, alongside targeted collaborations like the Gameday Hat collection with Stetson University, featuring custom university-branded Western hats for fans.^[56]^[60] These efforts aim to grow apparel and boots to a significant portion of overall sales, appealing to both traditional Western enthusiasts and modern consumers.^[55]

References

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### Summary of Stetson Brand
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In stockRoy Rogers personal Stetson cowboy hat. 3X Stetson silver belly hat with the "Made by Stetson Especially for Roy Rogers" embossed stamp. Size 7.
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[35]
Stetson Hats - Texas State Historical Association
Apr 16, 2019 · The Stetson hat, a badge of the stereotypical Texan, was the contribution of John B. Stetson of Philadelphia, who went west to regain his health in the 1860s.
[36]
The Cinco Peso Badge - Authentic Texas
Texas Ranger Hardy L. Purvis donated the initial batch of Cinco Peso coins so all 62 Texas Rangers could be issued a badge. Purvis made the donation in memory ...
[37]
Original WWI US Army Officer M1911 Campaign Hat by Stetson with ...
Original Item: Only One Available. There is no more well known name when it comes to hats in the "Pioneering American West" than the John B. Stetson Company ...
[38]
https://authentictexas.com/the-cinco-peso-badge/
[39]
Stetson - Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Mar 10, 2025 · The RCMP stetson, also known as the "Boss of the Plains," was preferred for its wide brim and became official in 1904, with a "Montana peak" ...Missing: 1876 style
[40]
South African War - The Stetson Hat - WarMuseum.ca
The hat became firmly identified with Canada and the Canadian military presence in South Africa. Ironically, the hat was a product of the John B. Stetson ...Missing: WWII lined Arctic
[41]
[PDF] Guide to Sources Relating to Units of the Canadian Expeditionary ...
Stetson hats, 6 June - 3 July 1917. RG 9 III-C-2, vol.3988, folder 3 ... Canadian Corps trench orders, 21 Oct. 1915. RG 9 III-C-2, vol.4000, folder 5 ...
[42]
Canadian Stetsons | The Fedora Lounge
Mar 18, 2004 · Stetson acquired the Wolthausen Hat Corporation of Brockville, Ontario, in 1935. Wolthausen was one of the largest manufacturers of men's fur ...Missing: military WWII Arctic service
[43]
OPP Wide Brim Hats | Stetsons or “pony hats” were part of th… - Flickr
Stetsons or “pony hats” were part of the OPP uniform when the force was created in 1909. Officers also had peak caps and winter fur caps depending on where ...
[44]
The RCMP's Stetson is 'iconic' Canadiana. It's also made in America
Jul 11, 2025 · The Mounties' stetson hate has been described as "mythical", "iconic" and a "defining element" of the RCMP's Canadiana image.
[45]
In 1971, Stetson Hat Company shuttered its main manufacturing ...
Jul 24, 2025 · John B. Stetson moved production to the site on Germantown Avenue in 1874. Stetson died in 1906, but the firm he founded continued to flourish ...Missing: relocation | Show results with:relocation
[46]
The story behind Texas' favorite cowboy hat, the Stetson - Chron
Oct 14, 2016 · In 1987 something good happened. Hatco in Garland, Texas acquired the manufacturing rights to Stetson hats, creating jobs and adding a new flair ...Missing: revival | Show results with:revival
[47]
STETSON HAT MAKER FILES FOR CHAPTER 11 - Chicago Tribune
Jun 22, 1986 · The John B. Stetson Co., the famed manufacturer of Western hats and other products bearing the ”Stetson” label, has filed for bankruptcy.
[48]
Zeitgeist with cowboy charm - style in progress
Oct 29, 2025 · International guests such as CEO Robert Dundon and brand owner Xiao Li Tan showed how global the spirit is today.
[49]
Stetson Brings Its Cowboy Hats Into the Modern Era - WWD
May 22, 2025 · From Beyoncé to Barbie: Stetson Brings Its Cowboy Hats Into the Modern Era. The inventor of the cowboy hat is planning to expand into home, ...
[50]
Stetson Releases Anniversary Book Honoring 160 Years of ... - WWD
Starting from $100.00Oct 6, 2025 · Continuing the celebrations of its 160th anniversary, Stetson has launched a new book in partnership with bookstore Rizzoli.Missing: tours | Show results with:tours
[51]
How Stetson Makes Its Legendary Cowboy Hats - Robb Report
Oct 3, 2025 · On the occasion of its book launch with Rizzoli, one writer visited Stetson's Texas factory to view the process first-hand.
[52]
Stetson's Hat Tricks - Forbes
Mar 10, 2009 · She also wants to increase sales of hats in the U.S. (Sales in Europe make up 40% of all sales.) She's also determined to drive online sales by ...
[53]
https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/stetson-anniversary-book-rizzoli-1238285548/
[54]
https://robbreport.com/style/accessories/stetson-160th-anniversary-1236959869/
[55]
Made In Texas: Stetson & Resistol - Curated Texan
Jan 6, 2023 · By 1886 Stetson was the largest hat maker in the world, expanding his US factory and opening factories abroad to meet demand. Stetson hats would ...Missing: revival 1980s
[56]
https://stetson.com/collections/boots
[57]
https://stetson.com/products/open-road-6x-cowboy-hat-black
[58]
Stetson® and CLC Partner to Launch Hatter-Branded, Western ...
Aug 29, 2025 · Each hat is uniquely designed for the participating universities and will feature branding of the school, tastefully integrated into the hat ...