You simply cannot wear a western costume without a Western hat. A cowboy could be completely naked but he would still be recognized as a cowboy if he had his Western hat on his head – that is how important Western hats are to their costumes. We have Western hats for cowboys and cowgirls, and even a couple of coonskin caps for the Western Indian and Davy Crockets out there. The cowboy hat is designed with a wide brim because it was intended to protect the cowboy from the sun and heat. Many ranchers and western singers still wear cowboy hats today, and the western style has gained international popularity. Even if you do not bother with chaps and boots, even if you do not dress up at all, you can head to your next costume party wearing a Western hat and everyone in the room will know what you are dressing up as. They may not be impressed with your effort, but they will not be able to argue with your ability to keep it simple.
