How to recognize a genuine Stetson hat?

The Stetson is undoubtedly one of the most popular hats in the world. This cowboy hat, which gives so much style to its wearer, is easily recognizable. Its legend is part of both American History and hatmaking! But how can you recognize a genuine Stetson and not get fooled by crude imitations? We will guide you through the details to consider when identifying a genuine Stetson hat.

The iconic characteristics of a Stetson hat

Genuine Stetson hats are made from premium wool felt, or fur from: beaver, rabbit, mink or chinchilla. They are resistant to weather and extreme conditions thanks to their waterproof treatment.

They have wide brims that can be raised or lowered as desired. They have a high crown, which can be dented or rounded depending on the model. They are adorned with a ribbon, often leather or grosgrain, that goes around the base of the crown. They bear the name of their creator, John B. Stetson, who invented this hat in the 1860s for cowboys of the American West.

The Stetson workshop signature

To recognize a genuine Stetson, look inside the hat where you'll find the Stetson workshop signature. This is a label, often made of leather or fabric, that bears the brand name, the logo depicting a cowboy on horseback, and the hat model. For example, the most famous model is the "Boss of the Plains", which was the first Stetson hat created by John B. Stetson.

There are also other models, such as the "Open Road", the "Rancher", the "Tom Mix", the "El Presidente", or the "Royal Flush". If the hat has no label, or if the label is different from the one described, there's a good chance it's a counterfeit.

The quality of the felt and ribbon

To recognize a genuine Stetson, you must also feel the felt and ribbon which are the most important elements of the hat. The felt should be soft, flexible, and thick. It should not have any defects such as: holes, stains, or fuzz. It should have a uniform color, without discoloration or degradation. The ribbon should be solid, smooth, and well-sewn.

It should not be damaged, torn, or unglued. It should have a width adapted to the size of the hat, without being too narrow or too wide. It should harmonize with the color of the felt, without creating too strong or too weak a contrast.

The price of the Stetson hat

To recognize a genuine Stetson, you should also be wary of the price, which is an indicator of the hat's quality. A genuine Stetson costs between 100 and 500 euros, depending on the model, material, and finish. It's certainly an investment, but that's what guarantees a quality hat that is durable and elegant. If the price is too low, there's a good chance it's an imitation that will be of poor quality, fragile, and unattractive.