Thursday, December 25, 2008

Look Great In A Straw Cowboy Hat, At A Bargain

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.

In fact all types of cowboy hats are making it big on the fashion scene. Handsome hunks sport them, and so do svelte supermodels. They are an enduring symbol of the rough, tough, handsome 'knights' of the Wild West epitomized by such screen legends as John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Can you forget that scene between Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef? Central to the scene was a cowboy hat that gets shot up and goes flying up in the air? Fairly makes me tingle, dagnab it!

Straw cowboy hats are more popular than any other variety of cowboy hat. They're worn by people on the beach. They're worn by summer tourists. They're worn by weekend gardeners. Everybody's wearing a straw cowboy hat!

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!

The straw that's generally used for making straw cowboy hats is called toquilla straw. Of course other varieties of straw are used too, but toquilla is considered the norm. So when you're out shopping for a straw cowboy hat, just check that the straw is toquilla or better.

Toquilla straw comes from the Ecuadorian palm tree. That's why the hats made from toquilla straw are often referred to as panama straw hats. Most stores carry this straw hat. They're generally found in the gardening section, mainly because they're so popular with the gardeners! And they're pretty cheap, too!

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! - 16492

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