Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Straw Cowboy Hats: Bargain Fashion

By Ned Dagostino

Strange are the ways of fashion! The protective headgear of the ranch-hand and ranch owner alike more than two centuries ago is still in vogue! Back then its purpose was entirely utilitarian. Today, it's a style and fashion statement! This is the case of the straw cowboy hat.

The cowboy hat is a fashion statement and a fashion accessory in today's fashion-conscious world. Cowboy hats are no longer rough and tough wear, reflecting the tough life of the ranchers and cattle herders. They have become elite symbols of an elite fashion culture. Ladies regularly don fashionably made up cowboy hats with a variety of beautiful designs.

Among all types of cowboy hats, the straw cowboy hat is by far the most popular. They appear to be the all time favorite of hobby gardeners. Tourists have their pictures taken in them. Going on a picnic? Don't forget to carry your straw cowboy hat! Anything is a good enough reason to wear a straw cowboy hat, especially in the summer.

Ever wondered why straw is used to make hats? The open weave design of these beauties is great for keeping a cool head out in the sun. Straw is light on the head, and does a good job of protecting your eyes and head from the sun. Yep, your hair does tend to get a little moist in the rain, though!

This is a particular type of straw that is used by the normal straw cowboy hat. Its called toquilla straw. When next you buy a straw cowboy hat, check with retailer or read the label to find out what straw is used to make the hat. Of course, straw cowboy hats are made from a variety of straws, but toquila straw is the most popular.

The straw cowboy hat made of toquilla is also called a panama hat. That's because panama is very close to Ecuador, the home of the toquilla straw that goes into the making of the panama hat. OK, I agree, someone got a little geographically confused! Thinking of buying a straw cowboy hat? Here's a tip for you: try the gardening section at a department store! The awfully nice thing about these hats, apart from their romantic good looks, is that they don't cost you the earth. They're downright cheap to buy.

So, I hope you know why straw cowboy hats are so very popular. They are light on the head, so you don't feel burdened even after a long time. They're cool to wear out in the sun. They're much cheaper than other kinds of cowboy hats. And oh yes, they do keep the sun off of your head, and the sun's glare from reaching your eyes! - 16732

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