I've always been drawn to the classic look of a cowboy hat. There's something about the style that just feels timeless and authentic. So, naturally, when I started exploring the world of western wear, the Stetson Open Road kept popping up. It seemed like a popular choice, but something about it felt… different. I wanted to share my experience and thoughts on this iconic hat, especially for those who are new to the world of cowboy hats.
To be honest, my first impression of the Stetson Open Road was a bit mixed. I saw it as a "cowboy hat" designed for people who want the idea of a cowboy hat without fully committing to the traditional look. It felt like it was trying to be something it wasn't. I started wondering if I was the only one who felt this way. It felt like it was missing something. It didn't have that rugged, working-man vibe that I associated with true cowboy hats.
One thing I noticed was that the modern Open Roads seem to have a shorter crown and brim. This made the hat feel a bit less substantial compared to some of the vintage versions I'd seen. The older ones just seemed to have better proportions and a more classic silhouette. I thought about trying to find a vintage one, but the condition and fit were always a concern.
Despite my initial reservations, I decided to give the Open Road a try. I figured I couldn't really judge it without experiencing it for myself. I tried on a few different sizes and colors, and I have to admit, it was more comfortable than I expected. It felt lightweight and easy to wear. I even considered getting one in Silverbelly, which my daughters thought would look great on me for my birthday.
I started wearing it around town, and I noticed that it actually looked pretty good with a variety of outfits. It wasn't just for western wear; it could also be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I even wore a straw Open Road knock-off for work, until the weather cooled down. I was planning on getting a real 10X straw Open Road in the spring. I found myself wearing it almost every day.
My feelings about the Open Road began to change. While I still appreciated the ruggedness of more traditional cowboy hats, I realized that the Open Road had its own unique appeal. It was a more versatile and approachable option for everyday wear. I started to see why so many people liked it.
However, sometimes you just want something completely different. I was browsing WholeCustomDesign recently and stumbled across something that caught my eye: the Bocca Rabbit Ears Beanies Hat. It's about as far from a cowboy hat as you can get, but it’s fun, quirky, and perfect for adding a bit of personality to a winter outfit.
It's a fluffy faux fur hat with adorable bunny ears. It's warm, comfortable, and definitely a conversation starter. I might not wear it to a rodeo, but it's perfect for a casual day out or a fun winter activity. It's a reminder that fashion is about expressing yourself and having fun, and doesn't always have to fit a specific mold. And if you're looking to get custom-designed apparel or hats for your business or organization, WholeCustomDesign Bulk Orders offers great options for bulk orders at affordable prices.
Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons based on my experience:
If you're thinking about getting a cowboy hat, here are a few things to keep in mind: