Beyond the Brim: 5 More Myths and Mysteries Every Hat Owner Needs to Know

Now that we've dispelled the common worries about hair loss, headaches and whatnot –we can delve into the fascinating world of true hat culture. Generations of tradition, superstition, and practicality across the range have created a rich set of myths surrounding hat handling and selection.

Here are five more widely believed rules and what the real story is behind them.

Myth 6: The "X" Rating on a Hat is Based on Size

If you’ve looked inside a quality felt or straw hat, you’ve seen the mysterious "X" rating (e.g., 10X, 50X). Many believe this corresponds to the hat's size or even its lifespan.

The Reality: It’s All About Quality and Fibre

The "X" rating has nothing to do with size. It is an indicator of quality and material content, though the exact standard varies between brands.

• For Felt Hats: The number of 'X's usually denotes the percentage of high-grade fur (like beaver or rabbit) used in the felt blend. The higher the X-rating, the greater the fur content, leading to a more durable, water-repellent, and luxurious hat.
  

• For Straw Hats: The rating reflects the tightness and fineness of the weave. A higher X-rating means a more tightly woven, finer straw, which is lighter, more durable, and offers better sun protection.

Myth 7: You Must Only Wear Straw Hats in Summer and Felt Hats in Winter

This rule suggests you must switch from felt to straw around Easter and back to felt around Labor Day.

The Reality: Weather Trumps the Calendar

This rule originated as a simple fashion dictation, similar to "don't wear white after Labor Day." For a working stockman or anyone facing the harsh Australian climate, the choice is purely practical:

• Felt (Wool/Fur): Ideal for protection against the cold, wind, and rain, as the material repels moisture and provides insulation.
  

• Straw/Canvas: Essential for intense heat and sun, as the material is lighter and more breathable for cooling.

The Verdict: Choose the hat that suits the weather and the occasion. If it's 30°C in May, wear your straw. If you're attending a formal wedding, a quality felt hat is always the most appropriate choice, regardless of the season.

Myth 8: Black Hats are for Villains and White Hats are for Heroes

The moral alignment of a hat is a beloved trope in every classic Western film.

The Reality: It's Mostly Climate and Practicality

While Hollywood famously used the White Hat for the good guys and the Black Hat for the outlaws, real-world stockmen choose based on function:

• Dark Colours (Black/Dark Brown): These absorb heat, making them a poor choice for gruelling work under the high summer sun. They are often reserved for cooler climates, dress occasions, or hiding dirt on a well-used work hat.
  

• Light Colours (Tan/Natural/Silverbelly): These reflect heat and are the most sensible choice for long hours under the sun, keeping the wearer cooler.

Myth 9: Always Place Your Hat Brim-Down (Right-Side Up)

Some old etiquette guides suggest placing your hat brim-down (right-side up) on a surface to prevent bad luck from running out of the crown.

The Reality: Protect the Brim, Preserve the Shape

The widely accepted and practical rule is to always place your hat CROWN-DOWN (upside down) on a flat surface.

• Preservation: Placing it on the crown protects the brim, ensuring the curl and shape (known as the set) are not flattened or warped.
  

• Hygiene: Placing it crown-down allows the sweatband inside the hat to air out and dry, which prolongs the life of the leather and prevents mould and bacteria buildup.

Myth 10: Cowboys in the Old West Always Wore the Modern Cowboy Hat

The image of the frontier is inseparable from the wide-brimmed, high-crowned classic we know today.

The Reality: Fashion is Fickle, Even on the Frontier

While John B. Stetson introduced the "Boss of the Plains" in 1865 (the genesis of the modern hat), the style was not universally adopted right away.

In the mid-19th century, many cowboys and frontiersmen wore Bowler (Derby) hats or other European-style felt hats. The modern, intricately creased and shaped cowboy hat was heavily popularized much later by the romanticism of rodeo riders and Western films. The specific style we recognize today took decades to become the absolute icon of the range.

Whether you follow every superstition or ignore them all, the most important rule is to choose a hat that is durable, comfortable, and protects you from the sun. The right gear, well-cared-for, is always the most respected tradition of the Outback.

Find the perfect all-weather hat that stands up to the myths and the elements. Shop the collection today at Outback Traders Australia.