Back in the Spring we had pre-ordered our crushable wool western hats from Bailey. They were scheduled for delivery in mid-summer but the Bailey rep called us about a month ago and asked if they could ship them early because they needed to make room in their warehouse. We said “sure, no problem”. What a surprise it’s been to have the wool crushable western hats so early in the season…and selling so quickly. Most people can’t wear them in the summer because as you can imagine a wool hat is quite warm. Customers have been buying them up faster than ever before. I don’t know why but I guess I’ll attribute it to my superior buying skills and knowing what our customers want. Well, maybe it has something to do with the popularity of country music but I’d still like to think I had something to do with this buying craze.

You can check out our full line of western hats in both straw, wool felt, fur felt and leather in our Western Hats category.

Here’s a preview of the crushable western hats from Bailey:

Gidde up,

Aaron

I often get asked what my first hat was or what event as a child got me hooked on hats. Honestly, I don’t know or at least can’t remember. There was a great little hat shop in the city I grew up in and started visiting in my early teen years. I eventually bought a Stetson fur felt western hat but can’t say for sure if it was my first hat. In my early 20’s I had a Greek Fisherman’s cap and bought a Kangol Carrimac cap when I was in France and even though they’re both still made today I don’t currently own them.

Here’s a sampling of some of my current hats (the ones in rotation for regular wear):

-Stetson Diamond Jim – my favorite western hat

- Dobbs Naples – always get great comments at summer weddings

- Tilley T5 – great for hiking or yard work

- Kangol 504 Ventair – my favorite summer cap (got it in 4 colors)

- Dobbs Nugget – shown here but since discontinued by Dobbs

So what got you into hats?

Aaron…yes I have a hat on.

Over the decades the cowboy hat has come, gone and come back into popularity time and time again. Some of the most famous people to make the cowboy hat a fashion statement include Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, John Travolta, Robert Redford and of course Clint Eastwood. They may have only worn a western hat on screen but you have to admit they made most folks want to run out and buy a cowboy hat in hopes of being as cool as they appeared on screen.

Whenever the hat industry rides a wave of popularity with cowboy hats, those in the industry are always waiting for the shoe to drop, actually the hat to drop from popularity. Today, cowboy hats or western hats as some call them now, are more popular than ever thanks to the great country western music that’s riding a wave bigger than any hat has ever seen. Whether it’s the country music duo Montgomery Gentry and his Charlie 1 Horse hat called “Tattoos and Scars” or Toby Keith with his own line of hats there are plenty of styles to choose from. Whether it’s a straw cowboy hat, wool crushable western hat or the finest Stetson cowboy hat made of fur felt you’re sure to find one to fit your head and your budget at Aaron Hats.

Gidde up,

Aaron

When it comes to leather hats and caps, one company stands out above all others. That company is Henschel Hat Company of St. Louis, Missouri. After creating and manufacturing hats for 60 years Henschel knows a thing or two about headwear. They use only the finest quality leather and continue to keep their leather hats “made in the USA”. Whether it’s a western hat, Aussie hat, fedora, porkpie, ivy cap or baseball cap Henschel leather hats are the choice of thousands around the world.

Some of the innovations added to leather hats over the years have been the addition of Cordura and mesh crowns as well as some styles using special leather making the hat crushable without fear of ruining your hat. Traditionally, a leather hat was too hot to wear in the summer months but with the addition of a mesh crown you can enjoy wearing your leather hat year round.

Henschel has always been know for their quality leather hats but in recent years have expanded their product line to include non-leather ivy caps, crushable wool western hats, canvas hats, oilskin hats and hats made of Hemp. Each year Henschel continues to add new and innovative hats to their selection.

Aaron Hats is proud to now be able to offer every style hat made by Henschel.

Get a hat on,

Aaron

Aaron Hats is extremely proud to be a sponsor of Jocelyn Britton, the 2006 NBHA Teen 4D World Champion.

I met Jocelyn about a year and a half ago when she came into our North Conway store. We got to talking and found out about her love of barrel racing. Since I was a little kid I’ve always found horses, and anything western, to be right up my alley. So when Jocelyn asked us if we’d be interested in sponsoring her we jumped at the chance. In this day and age, when you have a young lady so enthusiastic and committed to a wholesome activity such as barrel racing how can you not help her pursue that dream.

In conjunction with Bailey Western Hats, Aaron Hats is providing Jocelyn a new Bailey 5X fur felt western hat and cash to allow her to travel to competitions around the USA and Canada.

Take a look at Jocelyn in action wearing one of her Bailey western hats.

All of us here at Aaron Hats wish to congratulate Jocelyn on her Championship and wish her much future success. I’m sure she’ll be in the winners circle once again.

Gidde up,

Aaron