Shedding Light on Western Fashion Faux Pau’s - Straw Hats

We’ve all heard the rule of thumb; after Memorial Day and until Labor Day you should wear your straw hats. In the Western Fashion industry we live by this rule. However, it goes deeper than a western fashion faux pau’s.
Starting in Baltimore, Maryland (The Straw Hat Capital of the World) the unofficial holiday of Straw Hat Day was born. Usually this day is May 15th; however some say that the holiday is Memorial Day. Prior to the holiday you should put your felt hats away so they are not faded from the sun. Also, felt hats do not breath as well as straw hats. It is said that 75% of your body heat comes from your head, so staying cool in the hot summer months may be the difference in the hat you wear.
Throughout history men have been policing the fashion of hats. According the Neil Steinberg’s book “Hatless jack”, men have been murdered in living memorial for wearing the wrong hat for the wrong season. In Jacksonville Florida Mayor Van Swearingen in 1915 published a proclamation stating rules and consequences for men throughout the city who were not complying with his rules. You can view the proclamation by visiting the Ames Tribune Weekly Archives.
In light of the upcoming holiday, Straw Hat Day, we would like to give you a new straw hat. To participate, please comment below stating why you need to replace your straw hat. We will be drawing the winner on Straw Hat Day, May 15th, 2010. For those of you who do not win, we are giving away a free gift with purchase. For any Resistol Straw Hat purchase, you can get a free Resistol ball cap. To apply put item number #36524 in the comments box on the check out page. We hope everyone will celebrate straw hats and participate.