Some generic brand items are ok with most people, but not so much when it comes to their cowboy hat.

When you live in a state like Wyoming, where choosing the perfect cowboy hat is just as important as choosing the truck, you have to have your priorities in the right place.

Cowboys work in all kind of different conditions and need protection from the weather. Enter the cowboy hat. The perfect protection from the sun, keep your head warm in the winter and offer a little shade during the hot summer.

The 'cowboy fashion' trend has taken off the last few years thanks in part to shows like Yellowstone, 1883, 1923 and others. Now everyone wants to dress like the Duttons, Rip Wheeler or their favorite character on the shows.

The cowboy hat industry started with just a couple of companies, but now there are too many to count.

Most of the time, when you find 'the hat', you're going to stick with that hat brand. You may have hats for all different occasions, but they're probably the same brand. You'll find the shape and style that goes with your personal preference. It's just like boots, when you find what you like and are comfortable, you don't want to stray.

Lot's of times, it's a family thing. Grandparents started out wearing a certain brand, then your parents, then you and your siblings, now your kids and grandkids all stick with that brand.

On the other hand, since Rodeo is the state sport of Wyoming, maybe you or your favorite rider represent of a certain hat company. You sure as heck are going to dawn that company's hat, if you want to get paid or your favorite rider is a fan of that hat brand.

OR, you're the black sheep and decided you want to go out on your own and get what you like.

Whatever your story is, when you have the right one, you're going to stick with it.

The website American Hat Makers.com gave their take on which hat brands were at the top of the cowboy hat game.

AMERCIAN HAT MAKERS

Since they put out the list, the obvious choice for one of the top 5 was American Hat Makers. The company has been around since the early 1970's. The family run company is based out of Santa Cruz California.

American Hat Makers
Americanhatmakers.com
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JUSTIN

Justin hats was another of the Top 5. Known for being one of the top boot makers in the industry, the company puts the same type of craftmanship and quality into their line of hats

Justin
bootbarn.com
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RESISTOL

Resistol is a brand that's associated with many top rodeo and country music singers, like Tuff Hedeman, George Strait, Jason Aldean and Cody Johnson. The nearly 100 year old company has been a major player in the cowboy hat industry for a long time

Resistol
resitol.com
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STETSON

One of the oldest lines of cowboy hats is the legendary Stetson. The company was founded in 1865 and has been a mainstay in the cowboy hat industry ever since. This brand is one of the oldest in the country.

Stetson
Stetson.com
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JW BROOKS

The custom hat maker is the youngest company on the list, only being around since 2006. In the short time they've been in business, they've become a top choice for many in the rodeo world. The hats that come from JW Brooks are all custom and each unique in their own way.

JW Brooks
jwbrookscustomhats.com
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Like I said earlier, there are many different cowboy hat brands, which brand is the one you choose? Let me know drew.kirby@townsquaremedia.com

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