News Summary
In Bowie, Texas, the American Hat Company is thriving due to the surge in cowboy hat popularity sparked by the television series ‘Yellowstone.’ Established in 1915, the company is renowned for its handcrafting process, resulting in high demand and a backlog of orders. The hats, crafted with traditional methods and materials, symbolize a deeper connection to American roots and values. With skilled employees and a commitment to quality, the American Hat Company has become a leader in the cowboy hat industry, appealing to a growing consumer interest in Western culture.
Texas City Buzzing with Cowboy Hat Fever
American Hat Company Riding High on Wave of Popularity
In the heart of Bowie, Texas, there’s a classic American brand making waves in the cowboy hat world. The American Hat Company has seen an incredible uptick in business, all thanks to a little Western television series called “Yellowstone.” Since the show hit the screens in 2018, folks everywhere have been clamoring for those stylish cowboy hats that define the spirit of the American West.
Founded in 1915, the American Hat Company has been handcrafting felt and straw hats for over a century. Their hats come in all sorts of trims, colors, and shapes, but what really sets these hats apart is the meticulous craftsmanship involved in making them. Each hat goes through approximately 18 different steps to turn raw materials like straw and fur into a product that you can proudly wear.
High Demand and Traditional Craftsmanship
Right now, the company is experiencing sky-high demand for its products, leading to a backlog of orders stretching for years. That’s right! It seems there aren’t enough hats to meet the growing appetite for Western culture fueled by the show’s popularity. The company, led by its president Keith Mundee, has tapped into a remarkable trend of consumers eager for something genuinely American, something that connects them to their roots and values.
Their commitment to traditional craftsmanship is evident. The factory uses equipment that’s over a century old, ensuring that every hat produced maintains a high standard of style, quality, and durability. Notably, while some materials are sourced from outside the U.S., most of the hats are still American-made, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to domestic production. Mundee firmly believes that importing finished goods simply doesn’t make sense.
The Best Hats around – What are They Selling?
The American Hat Company’s range of products can be found in stores from coast to coast, including retailers like Cavender’s, National Roper’s Supply, and The Best Hat Store. They’ve even expanded their reach internationally, shipping hats to Canada, Australia, and Germany.
So, what’s the most popular hat they offer? That would be the 40X hat, composed of 40% beaver and 60% hare fur, which comes in a fantastic selection of 14 colors with customizable trim options. For those looking for luxury, the company also offers the prestigious 1,000X hat, made from the finest beaver underfur blended with mink, priced at around $4,800. This iconic hat represents the epitome of quality and craftsmanship that the American Hat Company is known for.
More than Just Hats
But the appeal of the American Hat Company extends beyond just fashionable pieces. This brand embodies values like patriotism, faith, and honoring the military and first responders. Each hat features an American flag as part of its trim, symbolizing the company’s deep connection to the spirit of the American West. Mundee emphasizes that selling their hats is about much more than simply peddling merchandise; it’s about selling a feeling, a way of life, and a respect that resonates with many Americans.
With about 55 skilled employees dedicated to handcrafting each quality hat, the company has persevered through challenges, including a devastating grass fire in 2005 that caused $13.5 million in damages. Despite the struggle, they emerged stronger, focusing on continuous improvement—improving quality through craftsmanship, which they uphold as their guiding principle.
As for the timeless appeal of cowboy hats, the American Hat Company adapts to changing consumer preferences for crown heights and brim widths while ensuring quality remains a top priority. There’s no denying that American Hat Company has firmly secured itself as a leader in the cowboy hat industry, and with the popularity of Western culture on the rise, it’s safe to say this Texas gem is just getting started.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox Business: American Hat Company Sees Spike in Demand
- Wikipedia: Cowboy Hat
- Bowen News: American Hat President Speaks at Rural America Summit
- Google Search: American Hat Company
- Chron.com: Texas Hat Company Makes Custom Cowboy Hat
- Google Scholar: Western Culture
- Western Horseman: Best of Western Horseman Apparel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Craftsmanship
- Forbes: One Hundred Years in the Making – American Hat Company
- Google News: American Hat Company
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
