A cowboy hat is a common element of dressing especially amongst the Mexicans, it is used for various reasons such as; fashion, preventing harsh weather conditions when working on the farm, etc.
Apart from using a cowboy hat when working on a farm, it can also be used while driving provided you wear it correctly. The inappropriate wearing of cowboy hats while driving has been known to cause various problems such as collisions and distractions.
Do You Wear a Cowboy Hat While Driving?
Wearing a cowboy hat while driving is allowed especially in states like Mexico where it is a common element of dressing, therefore, it depends on the individual whether they want to wear the hat while driving or not.
How to Wear a Cowboy Hat While Driving
Although it is possible to wear a cowboy hat while driving, there is an appropriate way to wear it. If you won’t be wearing the hat right, then you can as well put it aside because wearing it wrong could mean you are unknowingly violating a law or breaking a rule.
Now, let’s take a look at how to wear a cowboy hat correctly
Be sure the Hat is Proper for your Head Size and Shape
The first step to wearing a cowboy hat correctly is ensuring that it is the proper size and shape for your head.
Cowboy hats are not one size fits all, hence, the need to be careful when choosing or purchasing one for yourself.
One reason why it is important to get the right size of cowboy hat is so it doesn’t keep falling off your head when you are driving and it could be the cause of distraction.
Adjust the Hat
This is applicable to both men and women, there may be a need to adjust the hat to fit your hair type.
Adjusting the hat would mean you are making sure it stays on your head properly irrespective of whether you have short or long hair. It is also a way of ensuring your hair doesn’t fly around when driving or the hat even falls off.
Hold the Hat with a Stampede String
It is possible that after adjusting the hat it still won’t stay properly, if this happens, you will need to use a stampede string to hold the hat in order to prevent it from falling or the hair from flying around.
You can even opt for using a stampede string from the onset if you own one to prevent distractions while driving.
The Brim of the Hat should be Positioned Properly
Another way to appropriately wear a cowboy hat while driving is by positioning the brim of the hat properly in order to prevent obstruction of the driver’s vision.
It should also be positioned in a way that the driver’s face isn’t exposed to harsh weather conditions thereby causing a distraction.
Advantages of Wearing a Cowboy Hat While Driving
Here are the advantages of wearing a cowboy hat while driving:
- It Makes you Look Cool: Wearing a cowboy hat is without doubt fashionable, now deciding to wear it while driving makes you look cool, especially to other road users. A cowboy hat is an element of dressing that makes much difference, including it in your dressing can take it from zero to 100.
- It can be used as a Signal: Whether on the road or farm, a cowboy hat can be used as a signal to other drivers as a greeting or warning if there is an incident. To do this, the car driver will have to touch the hat or remove it with the hand out the window.
- Protection from the Sun: If you are driving in a direction facing the sun, a cowboy hat can prevent vision blur as the sun can cause a glare on the eyes. However, this is if the hat is well positioned on the head.
Disadvantages of Wearing a Cowboy Hat While Driving
Wearing a cowboy hat also comes with some disadvantages, it can be unsafe to use one when driving as it can slide down the driver’s head and cover the eyes.
A lot can happen within the short time it takes the driver to adjust the hat not leaving out the high chance of crashing into another car.
Another disadvantage of wearing a cowboy hat while driving is that it could make the driver uncomfortable.
It can be uncomfortable in that the back of the hat may hit the headrest making it impossible for the driver to sit comfortably.
Can You Leave a Cowboy Hat in the Car?
No, it is not advisable to leave a cowboy hat in the car except of course it will be left there for a short period. If you will be leaving a hat in the car ensure it is placed on a flat surface.
How Do you Keep a Cowboy Hat on When Riding?
To keep a cowboy hat on when riding, you should ensure you get the proper size and shape for your head. You can also use a stampede string to ensure the hat stays in position on your head.
What Does a Toothpick in a Cowboy Hat Mean?
A toothpick in a cowboy’s hat is said to mean strength, toughness, resourcefulness, and hard work in the American West.
What Does a Black Cowboy Hat Mean?
A black cowboy hat means the person wearing it is a criminal, a villain, or a bad person which is usually the case in movies. It is important to know that wearing a black hat may not necessarily hold meaning to the person wearing it, just for fashion.
Why Do Cowboys Leave Their Hats Upside Down?
Hats are left upside down because it helps to protect the brim from getting out of shape. It is also said to be because it makes it easy to swing the rope and allows all good luck to remain inside.
What Does Tipping a Cowboy Hat Mean?
When a person tips his hat, it is usually done in greeting (hello, thank you, goodbye, even you’re welcome). It can also be done as a way of being polite.
Where Should You Not Wear a Cowboy Hat?
You shouldn’t wear a cowboy hat when you are indoors especially when you are attending a church, eating a meal, or when entering someone’s house or in the elevator.
Conclusion
One way to ensure a cowboy hat stays on your head is to get one that will fit your head properly or use a stampede string. Also, be sure your hair will not get in the way and cause a distraction.