The History Behind the Hats

Straw and felt hats both have long, distinct histories rooted in practicality and fashion. Straw hats date back thousands of years and were originally made for sun protection. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans wove plant fibers and straw into lightweight head coverings for field work and travel. By the 16th and 17th centuries, finely woven straw hats became popular in Europe, especially the Italian “Leghorn” hats, which were prized for their craftsmanship. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, styles like the boater and Panama hat emerged as fashionable accessories for both men and women, blending function with elegance. 

Felt hats, on the other hand, have an even older lineage, dating back to at least 3,000 BCE. Felt, made by matting and compressing animal fibers such as wool, was valued for its warmth, water resistance, and durability. Nomadic peoples of Central Asia are believed to have been among the first to craft felt hats. In medieval Europe, felt hats became symbols of social status, evolving into iconic styles like the wide-brimmed cavalier hat, the tricorn, and later, the fedora and bowler of the 19th century. Over time, both straw and felt hats transitioned from purely utilitarian objects to essential elements of personal style, reflecting climate, occupation, and shifting fashion trends across cultures and eras.

Felt hats are typically worn during the cooler seasons, such as fall and winter, because they are made from dense, warm materials like wool or fur felt that provide insulation against cold weather. The felt fabric helps retain heat and can also offer some protection from wind and light rain, making it ideal for chilly climates. During the warmer months, however, felt hats can feel too heavy and hot, so they are usually set aside in favor of lighter, breathable options like straw hats. Many people switch their wardrobe seasonally, felt hats for autumn and winter outfits, and straw hats for spring and summer, to stay both comfortable and stylish throughout the year.

Cowboy hats are shaped to serve both practical needs and personal style. The way the brim is rolled or the crown is creased helps protect the wearer from sun, wind, and rain, while also making the hat easier to handle during ranch work or riding. Over time, different regions developed their own preferred shapes, turning practical designs into recognizable Western styles. Shaping also allows each hat to reflect the wearer’s personality, making it as functional as it is individual.

Cowboy hats are designed and shaped to be worn by cowboys while roping and doing ranch work. The rolled sides of the brim keep the hat from catching on a rope and help it stay secure in the wind, while the front curve provides shade and protection from the elements. The crown creases make the hat easier to grab quickly when working, riding, or adjusting gear. Over time, these practical features became signature Western styles, but their purpose is still rooted in the everyday needs of working cowboys.

The Brands

For centuries, craftsmen have shaped both felt and straw into durable, expressive headwear—first as practical protection and later as symbols of Western heritage. That same tradition lives on today in the brands we carry at Teskey’s. American Hat Co. continues the long-standing art of hand-woven straw and premium felt construction; Resistol builds on its historic reputation for resilient, ranch-ready hats; and Rodeo King upholds classic hat-making techniques with dependable, hardworking styles. Together, they represent the evolution of hat craftsmanship while keeping the spirit of the West alive.

The American Hat Company, founded in 1915 by Sam Silver in Houston, Texas, is one of the oldest and most respected hat manufacturers in the United States. Originally known for producing high-quality felt hats for working cowboys and ranchers, the company became a symbol of Western craftsmanship and durability. In the 1940s, American Hat Co. expanded its offerings to include straw hats, using innovative techniques that improved strength and weather resistance. Over the decades, the company changed ownership several times but maintained its reputation for hand-crafted, premium-quality hats. In 2003, Keith and Susan Mundee purchased the business, relocating it to Bowie, Texas, where it continues to produce both felt and straw hats using a blend of traditional methods and modern technology. Today, the American Hat Company remains a staple of Western culture, known for its iconic styles and commitment to craftsmanship “Built Cowboy Tough.”

Resistol Hat Company was founded in 1927 in Dallas, Texas, by E.R. Byer and Harry Rolnick, who set out to make high-quality felt hats that could “resist all weather.” The name “Resistol” came from this idea, symbolizing the hats’ durability and ability to hold their shape under tough conditions. Early on, Resistol gained popularity among working cowboys, rodeo performers, and country musicians for its rugged craftsmanship and stylish designs. The company became known for producing both felt and straw hats, using proprietary processes that gave their products superior fit and resilience. In the mid-20th century, Resistol partnered with Western legend Roy Rogers, which helped cement its reputation as an authentic Western brand. Eventually, Resistol became part of Hatco, Inc., which also owns the Stetson and Dobbs brands. Today, Resistol remains one of the most recognized and respected names in Western headwear, proudly manufacturing its hats in Garland, Texas, and maintaining its legacy of American-made quality and cowboy tradition.

Rodeo King Hat Company is a proud American brand established under the W. Alboum Hat Company, a family-owned business founded in 1921 in New Jersey by William Alboum. After learning the craft of hat-making in Europe, Alboum brought his skills to the United States, where his family continued the tradition for generations. Following World War II, Albert Alboum traveled west with a small case of sample hats, gaining widespread orders and helping the company expand into the Western market. In 1993, the Rodeo King line was introduced as a dedicated brand for Western-style felt and straw hats, designed to offer durability, quality, and classic cowboy styling at an affordable price. Still manufactured in the United States, Rodeo King hats reflect four generations of craftsmanship and remain a trusted name among cowboys, ranchers, and rodeo riders for their comfort, value, and authentic Western heritage.