JOHN B. STETSON HAT COMPANY
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  • The History of Stetson
  • Stetson in the Philly Industry
  • The Making of a Stetson Hat
  • Worker Benefits and Programs
  • Voices of the Workers
  • The Great Depression and Stetson
  • The Stetson Legacy
  • About This Project

The Stetson Legacy

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Despite the diminishing appeal of hat-wearing since the 1930s, the Stetson name is still synonymous with “the cowboy hat.”  This was a legacy that developed over time as celebrities and common folk alike recognized Stetson’s continued quality in their hats.  
Stetson's original hat style, "the Boss of the Plains," quickly became world famous as the hat of the American West. Famous entertainers and movie stars such as Buffalo Bill's western shows, and Tom Mix helped to popularize Stetson hats as cowboy hats. 
Manufactured largely by immigrant workers in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's industrial center, Stetson hats were present throughout the American West, and two world wars. Through this the Stetson hat became an American icon.
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An Apache man wearing a distinctive "Boss of the Plains" Stetson Hat
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Buffalo Bill wearing a Stetson hat

Stetson hat styles

Stetson's hat styles changed as fashions changed over time. Despite this, their hats always reflected a unique level of quality. 
Stetson produced hats for both men and women. 
Styles also changed yearly for Winter and Fall.
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Winter styles advertisement, 1921
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Fall styles advertisement, 1921

1899 Stetson Hat Styles

Feather, Fall, 1899
Conforming, Fall, 1899
Kisco
St. Clair
Rapid
Eureka
Columbia
Dakota
Alaska
B.O.P (Bound Edge)
Belfield
Lakewood
From "Stetson's Monthly," October 1899
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  • Home
  • The History of Stetson
  • Stetson in the Philly Industry
  • The Making of a Stetson Hat
  • Worker Benefits and Programs
  • Voices of the Workers
  • The Great Depression and Stetson
  • The Stetson Legacy
  • About This Project