The first cowboy hat was created in 1865 by a hat maker named John B. Stetson. The cowboy hat is an unusually large hat that found its way into the wardrobe of the inhabitants of the western part of the United States. The many functions of the cowboy hat made it a very desirable piece of headgear for these people. The wide brim offered protection from the intensely hot sun, making it a necessary part of a cowboy's daily wardrobe. The wide brim served as more than a sunscreen, as it was also used to fan a camp fire, and it could easily be seen while waving at others at a distance.

The cowboy hat became widely used during the turn of the century in the American West. It became popular mainly because of its usefulness in the harsh conditions of the southwest. When someone talks about the Wild West, the first thing that people visualize is a rugged man wearing a cowboy hat. This icon is rarely left out when talking about the early days in the American west.

Today's cowboy hats have remained fairly similar to the original cowboy hat created by Stetson. That original design has been seen as an icon of the American West. Today, the wearing of the cowboy hat is not confined to the western United States. It has gained world recognition, and has become widely accepted wear everywhere.

The cowboy hat is no longer worn for its functionality and necessity anymore. The majority of those who wear cowboy hats today wear them as a fashion statement. The cowboy hat has been infused into our culture, and has become widely regarded for its functionality and aesthetic value. Even after the Wild West was tamed, the cowboy hat continues to be an American icon.