UNDER THE BRIM:
A STRAW HAT
LOVE LETTER
The Texas sun can be unrelenting, sending us in search of relief. The iconic straw hat answers with style and substance. More than just a sun shield, the Texas lifestyle and terrain are woven into the straw hat: open, raw and real. It's a look that carries with it tales of sun-drenched days, wide-open skies, and a renegade spirit.
An Icon is Born
Long before straw hats became synonymous with poolside brunches or the final touch to a festival ensemble, they were a hardworking tool born of necessity. Handwoven from the fruits of nature’s harvest—often palm, wheat, or Panama straw—these hats were designed to breathe and offer protection. Wide-brimmed and featherlight, they epitomized enduring practical design.
The history of the straw hat is a global tapestry. From the rice paddies of Asia to the vineyards of Europe, straw has been the go-to material for sun protection for centuries. But it's here in Texas that it earned its swagger. Cowboys and ranchers took the functional item and made it iconic. Western legends, both real and cinematic—think Robert Duvall in "Lonesome Dove" or Waylon Jennings under the stage lights—cemented the straw hat in the American consciousness.
To Each Their Own
Not all straws were created equal. Raffia, soft and pliable, is perfect for days spend poolside. Toquilla straw, the choice for Panama hats, exudes a crisp elegance. Mexico palm is strong and durable, while wheat straw strikes the perfect balance of form and function.
Today's straw hats offer an endless range of weaves and silhouettes (not to mention opportunities to personalize), each evoking a unique vibe. A woven topper donned by Willie Nelson conjures up an entirely different image than that of a late 70s Bianca Jagger, whose signature wide-brimmed silhouettes got a dose of bohemian edge when she opted for a straw version. The straw hat has been instrumental in crafting the iconic images of Robert Redford, Matthew McConaughey, Jackie Kennedy and George Strait.
STAYING
POWER
Like a classic pair of Levi’s or well-worn Luccheses, the straw hat transcends trends thanks to its versatility and practical design. It is simultaneously effortless and impactful. When you wear a straw hat, you’re not just wearing an accessory, you’re paying homage to Texas culture shaped by generations of tastemakers. Whether you’re two-stepping at Gruene Hall, strolling down South Congress or watching the sunset from your back porch, don’t forget to grab your straw hat.
