Hat builds
George Strait’s signature style is probably far more defined by his holsters than by the famed cowboy hat that he wears. This 10-gallon headpiece is recognisably his but the truth is that there are few features that actually distinguish it from any other lid in the panhandle. Nevertheless, for those who keen to adorn their noggins in the same way as the King of Country, the following hat build is applicable.
Firstly, the crown of the hat is set in the low-profile style. The headwear is not overly deep, which gives it a relatively sleek and timeless look that will be emulated for years to come. Moreover, the crown is finished off with a substantial 4 inch bound edge in a matching shade of felt. This creates a subtler and more refined silhouette that pairs excellently with a rich black rodeo twill wrap and brim binding.
The brim is treated with a classic 3.25-inch turn up, which adds a bit of swagger to a well-pressed cowboy hat. The brim’s edging is wrapped in ribbon, which ties back into the twill of the rest of the headwear and allows for an element of intricate detailing. The external finish is rounded off with a neat and discretely placed leather-strapped trim. This adds a traditional touch to the hat, whilst still maintaining a nonchalance attractive to modern fashion.
The interior lining of the hat is quite likely the influence of Strait’s own fashion sense. The felt lining is something of an unconventional choice, yet provides a comfortable fit for the wearer as well as more coverage from the sun than fabric or leather would. It’s a unique option that hints at the care and intricacy with which Strait chose his signature headgear.
Featured in popular culture
George Strait has been a consistent figure in both the music industry as well as popular culture since the 1980s. His trademark style and unshakeable sense of calm has made him a timeless icon and his headwear is no different. Not only have magazines famously featured the hat throughout the years, but it has also seen celebrity endorsement in other forms.
One such notable instance was the decision of Steven Spielberg’s 1994 blockbuster flick, ‘The Cowboys’ to equip their lead actor, John Wayne, with a replica of the hat. The flick was based on the western genre and was a classic reimagining of the classic ‘circle the wagons’ myth. As such, Strait’s head-gear was chosen to encapsulate the era perfectly, in perfect contrast to the other cowboy hats of the time, which had become somewhat cartoony in their exaggeration.
This can still be seen today in a number of western revival films, with the likes of Taylor Sheridan and co-writer Nic Pizzolatto making use of the hat in their feature, ‘Wind River’. It seems that the classic low-profile fit has been a staple of cowboy cinema for decades, with its adaptability to both modern movie-making and classic cowboy culture making it an invaluable asset when it comes to authenticity.
Contemporary influences
Even when it comes to modern renditions of the hat, traditional elements remain centre-stage. This is highlighted on the set of Costner’s period drama ‘Yellowstone’ where both the low-profile crown and hand-stitched brim are present, This suggests that today’s filmmakers are still influenced by the same classic source.
In fact, recent references to Strait’s headwear have often popped up in modern renditions of the classic ‘black and white’ western. From the tailcoat of ‘Unforgiven’ to the current ‘Maverick’ TV series, major creators have crafted numerous tributes to the country staple that bears the stamp of George Strait. It’s likely due to the fact that the hat sells a certain look that can’t be achieved through anything else and reflects an attitude that continues to enchant audiences.
Hat as statement piece
The hat has not only come to signify the rise to fame of the musician, but to millions of people it is a symbol of the classic western style. Unconstrained by time, the hat has been able to transcend decades and appeal to both contemporary and traditional fans who look to it as an archetype for the classic cowboy.
Time and time again, certain aesthetics prevail in fashion and the hat style of George Strait is a statement piece of sartorial sense. Bridging the wild, wild west with the more familiar contemporary, he has popularised a style that unifies classicism with modernity.
The subtle hints of the original purpose of the hat – practical sun protection on the trail – remain a sentiment in the style of the low-profile crown. This is, of course, intersected with the twill furnishing, which provides a refinement to the headwear with the addition of a leather trim. This hat is carefully crafted to evoke a certain style and tells a story of someone who remains unencumbered by modern conventions but continuously looks to the traditional.
Hat in mainstream music industry
The reach of the hat is far from limited to the borders of the panhandle either. Over the past decade, Strait has worn the famous headwear in countless arena tours, music videos and public appearances, which have seen its influence spill into mainstream music. During this time, the hat has taken on a curious life of its own, with similar styles popping up from the adornments of Jason Aldean on the country music scene to even an appearance on global urban phenomenon, the Late Night Show.
More than two decades have passed since Strait’s ‘Check Yes or No’ music video saw him donning the hat for the first time. In those years, the style of headgear has since grown commonplace, appearing on the heads of country and pop stars alike, as evidence to its enduring influence and timelessness.
Making of the Hat
The hat that has received so much recognition today was quite simply born of necessity, as is the case with so much western attire. It was made with a specific intention in mind – to protect those on the ranch from the sun. Its timeless style was achieved by carefully constructing an individual piece, which was raised above the brim of the hat in order to provide greater coverage and impose a light but effective shielding. This go-to style has seen innumerable adaptations over the years, from the wide-brimmed John Wayne hats to the low profile crown seen on Strait.
The craftsmanship required to make a hat worth wearing and likely to last is impressive in itself. Each brim has to be crafted from six operating panels of felt that are no more than 0.75 mm thick. From there, the hat is sewn into a three-dimensional form before manual stitching is applied to complete the brim. It’s through the crafting of intricate and skillful pieces such as this that the hat instantly became a timeless staple in a country-folk uniform and a clean, easily recognisable statement of the cowboy way of life
Maintaining the Hat
When it comes to maintenance of the hat, a key factor is the material from which it is made. Most are crafted from wool felt, which gives it a smooth finish with a curved brim and a rigid crown. The material resists wrinkles, dust and other elements that might otherwise aggravate it. In order to maintain the protection and original look, regular cleaning with a damp cloth is recommended.
It’s also worth noting that the felt material does not take very well to water and prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the hat to board and wrinkle. As such, it’s best to avoid damp weather when wearing a cowboy hat and if it does get wet, hang it to dry instead of blast-drying with a hairdryer. This will prolong the life of the hat and ensure that the classic style always retains some of its essence.
Conclusion
George Strait has created his very own style through the intentional design and careful selection of his signature headpiece. This hat, with its low-profile build, twill wrap, bound edges, and leather strap is not only quintessentially cool but, simultaneously, timelessly classic. Its rise to prominence in recent decades is reflective of the enduring power of Strait’s timeless piece of classic Americana.
