By Gail Marsh
The University of Colorado in Boulder (CU-Boulder) police department recently updated their uniform policy. It’s drawn quite a bit of attention. This change allows on-duty officers to sport cowboy hats, aligning them with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, which permitted the iconic hats earlier.
Now, the officers proudly showcase their cowboy hats on social media. That caught the eye of none other than Deion Sanders, the famous football coach and avid cowboy hat enthusiast. Sanders was so impressed that he offered to cover the cost of hats for the entire staff. However, Police Chief Mahoney clarified that officers would continue to buy their own hats, as these are considered optional accessories.
While the hats add a stylish touch to the officers’ uniforms, their purpose goes beyond fashion. Chief Mahoney pointed out that the wide brims provide excellent protection from the sun, which is especially beneficial during outdoor events like football games and concerts.
More than accessorizing
The cowboy hat is more than just a practical accessory for police officers; it carries a rich history that dates back to the American West. The hat as we know it today was popularized by John B. Stetson in 1865. Stetson designed the hat to be functional, durable, and versatile, making it an essential item for cowboys who needed protection from the elements while working long hours on the range.
Changes
Over the years, the cowboy hat evolved in style and purpose. It became a symbol of the rugged, independent spirit of the American cowboy, a representation of freedom, and a key element of Western fashion. Today, these hats are worn by ranchers, rodeo performers, country music artists, and anyone looking to capture a bit of that Western vibe.
Great museum!
If you want to dive deeper into the history and cultural significance of the cowboy hat, a visit to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is a must! This museum offers an extensive collection of hats along with exhibits that explore the heritage of the American West, showcasing the lives and stories of cowboys, Native Americans, and pioneers.
Tradition
So, while the CU police officers’ new hats might be grabbing headlines for their style, they’re also nodding to a long-standing tradition that combines practicality with a touch of iconic Western history. Whether for sun protection at events or simply embracing a bit of Western spirit, the timeless cowboy hat continues to hold a special place in American culture.
Your turn
Today’s poll wants to know: Do you own a cowboy hat? Tell us and then leave comment, if you like.
If you enjoyed this RVtravel.com reader poll, keep in mind that we have polled our readers at least 5,000 times through the years. It’s fascinating to see how they have responded, sometimes very surprisingly. You’ll find an archive of some of the polls here. So what are you waiting for? Check ’em out.
RVDT2733
Helps prevent sun induced skin cancer.
Absolutely. I live in Texas!
My Stetson goes back 62+ years (I am now 80); originally purchased for protection from the sun while working in the fields!
Almost as many as ball caps!
I have multiple cowboy hats for different occasions, a straw version for hot weather casual use and a suede model with a fancy feather hat band for dress up. I also have a straw sombrero for all day outside working.
Bought mine in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the proceeds of the gold panning we did there.
Purchased in the mid 80s as I took to having again a few horses and some cattle. I learned why a baseball hat didn’t work well being in the field all day. Toasty ears and neck. There’s a reason for certain clothing for certain tasks. Like sneakers don’t work well in a saddle that’s why cowboy boots. Still have it with the rain bonnet. Use the straw hat for yard work and mowing.
I even have a “custom” made one! Every gal should have at least one! 😉
A quote from a movie. “You gotta earn the right to wear a cowboy hat otherwise you’re just another pretender.” If you’ve never ridden a horse you ain’t no cowboy. I’ve ridden horses and wear hats all the time but don’t own a cowboy hat. Every time I’ve tried one on, momma shakes her head and say, “nope”.
8 or 10 or 12? Probably one for every pair of boots.
Own four Stetsons. Sun and rain protection and get lots of compliments! Wear one almost every day.
Doesn’t everyone? 👍😄👏
Much prefer the Aussie Outback style hat.
I have 2 cowboy hats. I live in Texas. Every Texan owns a cowboy hat. I have an everyday hat & then a formal hat for special occasions.
I haven’t worn mine since Cody Lambert signed it.
I own many western hats. I am no longer a cowboy so they are only western style hats now. Cowboy hat is one owned by a cowboy. Just my thoughts, not to offend. Thanks.
I own close to 40 vintage hats. The quality, heritage and functionality are second to none. If you want to wear a western hat, don’t be scared of what others might say. Do it. You’ll be glad you did. 😉 🤠
raised up wearin cowboy boots, cowboy hats since i was a baby. my family were farmers and only style i like, not just to be classy. they say you’re not a cowboy if you don’t cattle cows. but touch the hat on my head, knock it off my head. be a problem
I was born in Dallas Texas and lived in Lubbock, Harlingen, and Odessa. And yet have never found a cowboy hat (or any hat for that matter!) that did not make me look goofy. Wife agrees.
I have several straw cowboy hats for various occasions, and a nice black felt Rodeo King for cooler weather competitions
Thank you for the question, RV Travel! I have contemplated buying a cowboy hat a few times, but the price tags were sufficient to drive the idea fully from my mind. I wear a baseball cap often and our tractor has a makeshift canopy, so it keeps some of the sun off me too. Have a great weekend and safe travels!
Of course! Doesn’t everybody?