Stetson

Stetson hats or Stetsons are often known as ten-gallon hats, or cowboy hats. Stetson is actually a brand name, not a type of hat. The John B. Stetson Company was founded by John B. Stetson, the inventor of the cowboy hat. In the 1860s Stetson created a rugged hat for himself made from thick beaver fur felt while panning for gold in Colorado. This hat had a wide brim for protection from the elements, a high crown to keep an insulating pocket of air on the head, and a waterproof lining so the hat could be used to carry water.

In 1869 Stetson returned to Philadelphia to found his hat company, which produced high quality hats for outdoors use. The original Stetson hat was called The Boss of the Plains. By 1886 Stetson's hat company was the largest in the world and mechanized the hat-making industry.