American Hat Company: A Legacy of Quality and Craftsmanship
In This Article
American Hat Company (AHM) is a renowned family-owned and operated hat company based in the United States. With a rich history spanning over a century, AHM has established itself as a symbol of quality, tradition, and the iconic American cowboy lifestyle. The company specializes in handcrafting a diverse range of premium hats and headwear, catering to both men's and women's styles.
History and Evolution of the American Hat Company
Origins and Early Years
American Hat Company was founded in 1915 in Houston, Texas, by Sam Silver, a Russian immigrant. The company began as a modest hat store on Louisiana Street in Houston. For nearly 40 years, it was run by Sam's grandson, Maurice "Bubba" Silver, who pioneered the development of water-resistant straw hats, a key innovation for the company.
Ownership Changes and Relocation
In 1984, the Silver family sold American Hat Company to the George family, who continued operating it in Houston. In the late 1990s, Keith Maddox, a legend in the western industry, set out to purchase the company for $10 million but was initially unsuccessful. Maddox eventually acquired American Hat Company in 2003 and relocated its operations from the Houston area to Bowie, Texas, in 2004.
Maddox Era and Challenges
After the relocation, a devastating grass fire in 2005 caused significant damage and loss of $13 million worth of inventory. Despite the setback, Maddox persevered, and within five years, American Hat Company regained its reputation as the finest quality cowboy hat maker. Maddox passed away in 2019, and his wife, Susan Maddox, became the sole owner, committed to upholding the company's legacy and quality standards.
Evolution and Growth
From its modest beginnings as a small hat store, American Hat Company has evolved into a renowned premium cowboy hat maker, handcrafting a diverse range of hats for both men and women. The company has transitioned from being a local business to a growing e-commerce brand, expanding its reach and customer base.
American Hat Company Products and Specialties
American Hat Company specializes in handcrafting a diverse range of premium hats and headwear, including:
Cowboy Hats
This is their flagship product and what they are most renowned for. They make high-quality cowboy hats for both men and women, available in various styles, materials (such as fur felt and straw), and colors.
Straw Hats
American Hat Company offers a wide selection of straw hats, including fedoras, sun hats, and cowboy-style straw hats. Their straw hats are double-lacquered and double-pressed for unmatched durability and weather resistance.
Fedora Hats
They produce classic fedora hats for men and women, crafted from materials like fur felt and straw, in both traditional and contemporary styles.
Sun Hats
Their sun hat collection includes wide-brimmed hats designed to provide excellent sun protection, available in various materials and styles for both genders.
Cowgirl Hats
In addition to cowboy hats, American Hat Company also offers a range of stylish cowgirl hats for women, combining fashion and western flair.
Most Popular American Hat Company Hats
The most popular cowboy hats from American Hat Company are their premium fur felt and straw cowboy hats:
Fur Felt Cowboy Hats
Their 7X fur felt hats are very popular, priced around $455.95. The premium 500X fur felt cowboy hats are their top-tier and most expensive line, costing over $2,000, like the 500X 4 1/4" model at $2,195.95. The 40X fur felt cowboy hats, while not as premium as the 500X, are also highly popular and range from around $745 to $835 depending on factors like brim size and color.
Straw Cowboy Hats
Popular straw cowboy hat models include the 1022 5" Straw Cowboy Hat ($227.99), the TC8810 Tuff Cooper Straw Hat ($201.95), and the 7400 5" Straw Hat ($227.99). Their more affordable straw hat options like the 850 model ($146.95) and the 6300 ($217.95) are also quite popular.
Craftsmanship and Quality
American Hat Company takes pride in their commitment to handcrafting each hat with expert craftsmanship and the finest materials, ensuring superior quality and durability in every piece they produce. The company's dedication to quality is reflected in their 50-Year Craftsmanship Guarantee, ensuring that every hat meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.
American Hat Company Price Range
American Hat Company offers a wide range of premium hats with prices typically ranging from around $150 to over $2,000. Their straw cowboy hats generally fall in the $180 to $230 price range, while their premium 500X fur felt cowboy hats can cost over $2,000. The company's hat prices span a broad range, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Leadership and Vision
American Hat Company is currently owned and led by Garth Watrous, who grew up learning the art of hat making from his father, Gary Watrous, the company's founder. Under Garth's leadership, AHM has continued to grow and innovate while staying true to its roots in providing exceptional handcrafted hats. Garth's visionary business sense drives the company's dedication to being the #1 hat company in the world.
Community Involvement and Partnerships
In addition to their retail offerings, AHM has a wholesale program, an affiliate program, and partners with organizations like GOVX to give back to military, government, and first responders. They also have an active online community, providing educational articles, how-to guides, and hat care tips.
Legacy and Tradition
Throughout its evolution, American Hat Company has remained dedicated to its rich history, American tradition of hat-making, and the iconic cowboy lifestyle, adapting to changing times while preserving its commitment to quality and expert craftsmanship. The company prides itself on its over 100-year history and tradition of handcrafting premium cowboy hats using the finest materials and expert craftsmanship, carrying on the values and ethos of the Great American Cowboy.
Conclusion
American Hat Company is more than just a hat manufacturer; it is a symbol of American craftsmanship, tradition, and the enduring legacy of the cowboy way of life. With its commitment to quality, expertise, and community involvement, American Hat Company continues to be a leader in the premium hat industry, offering a diverse range of exceptional hats for men and women who appreciate the finest in headwear.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.