The Gambler Cowboy Hat
The Gambler Cowboy Hat, also known as the "Gus Hat" or the "Robert Duvall Hat," is an iconic piece of headwear that has captured the imagination of cowboys and fashion-forward individuals alike. This distinctive hat, with its tall crown and wide brim, has become a symbol of the American West, embodying the spirit of adventure, ruggedness, and individuality.
Origins and History of the Gambler Cowboy Hat
The Gambler Cowboy Hat has its roots in the 19th century American West, where cowboys and ranchers needed a hat that could protect them from the harsh sun and weather conditions of the frontier. The hat's design evolved from the traditional Mexican sombrero, which was adapted by American hat makers to suit the needs and preferences of cowboys.
One of the earliest and most famous iterations of the Gambler Cowboy Hat was the "Boss of the Plains" hat, created by John B. Stetson in 1865. This hat featured a tall crown and wide brim, which could be shaped to the wearer's liking. The Gambler style, with its flat crown and slightly upturned brim, emerged as a variation of this classic design.
Gambler cowboy hats originated in the 19th century American West, where they were popularized by riverboat gamblers and card sharps who plied their trade on floating casinos along the Mississippi River. These gamblers wore the distinctive wide-brimmed hats with oval-shaped crowns as a way to stand out and project an air of confidence and risk-taking. The hats became closely associated with the gambling culture on the riverboats, which were less regulated than land-based casinos and allowed the gamblers to stay mobile and avoid law enforcement. The name "gambler hat" stuck because of the connection to these roving card sharps and gamblers who favored the stylish yet functional design.
Gambler Cowboy Hat in Pop Culture
The Gambler Cowboy Hat gained widespread popularity in the 20th century, thanks in large part to its prominence in Western films and television shows. One of the most notable examples is the character of Gus McCrae, played by Robert Duvall in the 1989 miniseries "Lonesome Dove." Duvall's portrayal of the grizzled, hat-wearing cowboy helped to cement the Gambler hat's status as a cultural icon.
Other famous wearers of the Gambler Cowboy Hat include John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Sam Elliott, all of whom have contributed to the hat's enduring popularity and association with the rugged masculinity of the American West.
Distinctive Features of the Gambler Cowboy Hat
A gambler cowboy hat has several distinct features that set it apart from other hat styles:
Oval Crown Shape
The defining feature of a gambler hat is its oval or elongated crown shape, as opposed to the indented crown of a traditional cowboy hat or the round crown of a fedora. This oval telescope crown gives the hat its unique silhouette.
Wide, Flat Brim
Gambler hats typically have a very wide brim, often 3-4 inches, that remains flat or curves down slightly. This provides good sun protection while accentuating the hat's bold style.
Decorative Hat Bands
Many gambler hats feature ornate hat bands made of materials like braided leather, concho accents, chains, or other embellishments. These decorative bands add flair and a Western aesthetic.
High Crown Height
The crown height on a gambler hat tends to be taller than a typical cowboy hat, often around 4-5 inches from the hat's sweatband.
Stiff Construction
Gambler cowboy hats are commonly made with a stiff, structured construction from materials like wool felt or straw. This allows the oval crown to maintain its distinctive shape.
Western Styling
While having a unique silhouette, gambler hats still incorporate Western design elements like the wide brim, decorative bands, and use of materials like leather.
Best Brands of Gambler Cowboy Hat
Stetson
A renowned American hat maker, Stetson offers high-quality gambler hats like the John Wayne Chinook Wool Felt Gambler Hat and the Brentwood Shantung Straw Gambler Hat. Their gambler hats often feature premium materials and intricate detailing.
Eddy Bros.
This brand is highlighted for their Western-inspired gambler hats made of 100% wool felt, such as the Little Joe Wool Felt Gambler Hat with its edgy faux leather band and metal accents.
Charlie 1 Horse
Known for luxury Western accessories, Charlie 1 Horse offers high-end wool felt gambler hats with their signature branding and decorative elements.
Jaxon Hats
Jaxon is praised for their stylish and affordable gambler hat options like the Jaxon Wool Gambler Hat and the Crossfire Wool Felt Gambler Hat, made with quality materials at a lower price point.
Brixton
This brand offers a range of on-trend gambler hats for men, often made from pure wool felt or straw, catering to those seeking a fashionable yet rugged look.
American Hat Makers
As the name suggests, this company specializes in authentic American-made gambler hats for both men and women, with a focus on craftsmanship and traditional Western aesthetics.
Gambler Cowboy Hat Materials
Gambler cowboy hats are made from a variety of materials, including:
Wool Felt Hat
This is one of the most common and traditional materials used for gambler hats. Wool felt provides a sturdy yet lightweight construction and can be shaped into the distinctive oval telescope crown.
Straw Hat
Straw gambler hats are popular options for warmer weather. Materials like toyo straw, seagrass, and pebble beach straw are used to create breathable and sun-resistant gambler hats.
Leather Hat
While not the primary material, leather is often used for the hat bands, accent pieces, and other decorative elements on gambler hats, adding a Western flair.
Hemp Hat
Some gambler hats are crafted from natural hemp, which is a durable and environmentally-friendly material.
Mixed Materials
Certain gambler hats combine different materials like wool felt crowns with straw brims or leather hat bands with wool felt bodies, creating unique blends of textures and styles.
How to Wear a Gambler Cowboy Hat
The Gambler Cowboy Hat is a versatile accessory that can be worn in a variety of settings, from casual outings to formal events.
To wear the hat with confidence, start by choosing a high-quality, well-fitted hat made from felt or straw, depending on the season and your personal preference.
When putting on the hat, make sure it sits comfortably on your head, with the brim resting just above your eyebrows. The hat should be snug enough to stay in place, but not so tight that it causes discomfort. Experiment with different angles and positions to find the look that suits you best, whether that's wearing the hat straight on or tilted slightly to the side.
Styling Tips for the Gambler Cowboy Hat
Pair your Gambler Cowboy Hat with classic western wear, such as a denim jacket, button-up shirt, and cowboy boots, for an authentic cowboy look.
For a more modern take, combine the hat with contemporary clothing like a leather jacket, t-shirt, and jeans.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different hat bands and accessories, such as feathers or buckles, to personalize your hat and make it unique.
Conclusion
The Gambler Cowboy Hat is more than just a piece of headwear – it's a symbol of the enduring spirit of the American West. Whether you're a cowboy at heart or simply appreciate the timeless style and craftsmanship of this iconic hat, the Gambler Cowboy Hat is sure to make a statement wherever you go. So, don your hat with pride, and embrace the adventure and individuality that it represents.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.