What's a Stetson Hat?

Stetson is a brand of hat manufactured by the John B. Stetson Company. John B. Stetson's inspiration for his most famous hats was gained when headed west from his native New Jersey for health reasons.

What defines a Stetson hat?

a brand of felt hat with a broad brim and high crown, especially one worn as part of a cowboy's outfit.

Why is a cowboy hat called a Stetson?

Stetson's design was likely inspired by the wide-brimmed hats worn by the working cowboys (known as vaqueros) of Northern Mexico. Legend has it that Stetson's invention of the cowboy hat started as a joke. During a hunting trip, Stetson amused fellow hunters by making a cloth from the fur of animals they captured.