1. Cowboys Always Wore Cowboy Hats
The classic wide-brimmed cowboy hat is a Hollywood staple, but it wasn’t the norm in the real Old West. Many cowboys actually wore bowler hats, slouch hats, or even simple caps—whatever was practical and available at the time. The iconic Stetson only gained popularity toward the end of the 19th century. Historical photos and firsthand accounts reveal a much more eclectic mix of headwear than what movies typically show.
