Mexican Hats: 1 Of The 7 Wonders Of Mexico (2024)

Hi guys, let’s talk about one of the seven wonders of Mexico today. I’m talking about Mexican Hats.

Obviously, Mexican Hats are from Mexico. It’s just like how french fries are from France, right? (Damn, I just shot myself in the leg, didn’t I?). haha.

These Hats are a testament to an interesting culture and a dire need for creativity in man(in any order).

Today, we will be looking at a few things such as what Mexican hats are, their overlooked history, types, and the sombrero as a Mexican symbol.

Let’s go.

What Are Mexican Hats?

Another name for Mexican Hats is the Sombreros. To pronounce it well, ensure your tongue curls on the “r’s”. That’s the true Mexican tongue.

Sombreros are your traditional Mexican hats with extravagantly wide brims. They are usually made of straw or felt with mostly personalized designs and colours.

Sombreros are an iconic part of Mexican culture. They connect everyone regardless of class and status.

The wide brims of Mexican Hats help to protect the wearer from the sun’s rays. They also have a pointy top. Some of them seldom come with chin straps or you can say “borboquejo“.

Their covers protect not only the head but the neck and even down to the shoulders. Mexicans use the Sombreros during celebrations. It unifies them.

Can only Mexicans wear Sombreros you ask? Can only the French eat French fries I ask?

Haha. Let’s move on guys.

It is very easy to move past the history of some of the valuable tokens in our world today. The history of the Sombreros should not be overlooked.

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History Of Mexican Hats

There are several links to the Sombrero Hats in History. It’s just like most things that get its track lost in history. Let’s look at some.

Long, long ago, before Gen Z was ever coined. It was incredibly strenuous working out in the hot fields of Mexico. The sun was to die for, literally.

The trees were sparse and could offer very little protection from the sun.

The Mestizo workers (Mestizo is a term used to refer to an identity of those of mixed European (mainly Spanish) and IndigenousMexicandescent), had to find a way to adapt.

Hence, the wide-brimmed Mexican Hats you know today. This hat allowed them to carry around their shade with them. Sombre in Spanish means Shade.

Another view of the history can be traced to horse riders. Horse riding is a big Mexican sight. The horse riders from Guadalajara made the Sombrero part of their uniform.

Some even say the cowboys from Texas used the Sombrero as a solution to the burning sun.

Even with such a reaching history, it takes nothing away from Mexican Hats’ beauty and use, which will continually gladden hearts.

There are several types of Mexican Hats. Let’s take a look at them.

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Types Of Mexican Hats

The following are the types of Mexican Hats you should know:

1. Traditional Sombrero or Mexican Hat

This is the most popular type of Sombrero. You should be familiar with this type. It is made of straw and is usually lightweight.

They come in different colours and can be found on festive grounds. It has the largest brim.

2. Quinciano Sombreros

The Quinciano sombrero has its similarity with the traditional sombrero. It is also made of straw. The only difference is the size of the brims.

Quinciano sombreros generally has smaller brims.

3. Diechinueve Sombrero

This type is usually more durable and stronger. The weave patterns are intricate and thicker. The Diechinueve Sombrero is usually customized to suit one’s preference.

Another type that is, even more, stronger than the diechinueve sombrero is the Vueltiao sombrero.

There are more types of Sombrero as humans will continue to come up with interesting concepts as time marches on.

If you wish to sway from the norm, you can always cook up some nice hot sombrero of yours.

Now, let’s take a look at Mexican Hats as a global attraction towards Mexico

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Mexican Hats As A Global Mexican Icon

The sombrero is a symbol of Mexican culture It embodies rich history, tradition, and identity.

The wide brim, high crown, and often vibrant colours make the sombrero instantly recognizable worldwide.

Here are a few reasons the sombrero is an emblem of Mexican culture.

1. Cultural Heritage

The Sombrero originated from the Spanish culture in the 16th century. From time to time, it evolved from a thing of practicality to cultural appropriation and significance.

It has become a show of European influence and indigenous creativity.

2. Symbol of Identity

The sombrero has become a deep part of the Mexican identity. It represents pride in tradition and heritage.

It also shows the creativity, vibrancy, resilience, and diversity of the Mexican people and culture. It is a marker of National pride

3. Practicality and Functionality

The necessity for a sombrero arose from the need to shade the sun from man’s head. It serves very practical purposes.

The wide brim shades us from the intense sun, protecting farmers, ranchers, and outdoor workers.

Its design allows for airflow, keeping the head cool in hot climates.

4. Iconography

It’s stale news that the sombrero has influenced foreign culture. You would find them in movies, art, and literature depicting Mexican charm

Its distinct appearance instantly evokes images of fiestas, mariachi bands, and folkloric dances, contributing to the romanticized perception of Mexico.

5. Traditional Celebrations

It is worn proudly by dancers, musicians, and revelers, adding a festive flair to the occasion and reinforcing its cultural significance.

In Mexican festivals and celebrations such as Cinco de Mayo (have you watched Coco), Day of the Dead, and Independence Day, the sombrero takes centre stage.

The iconic status of the sombrero endures as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mexico’s past and its vibrant present.

Sombrero stands not only as a hat but as a powerful emblem of Mexican heritage, resilience, and cultural richness.

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Ways To Style The Sombrero

There are many ways to style sombrero. This is due to its appeal and malleable nature to suit many fashion styles. Here are a few ones to see:

1. Traditional Mexican Style

2. Ranchero Style

3. Bohemian Chic

4. Cowgirl/Cowboy Style

5. Festival Fashion

These and more are ways you can style your sombrero. I hope you have your pick. If you didn’t, you might be the next fashion icon by providing yours.

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Any Last Words?

Mexican Hats are a towering icon of the Mexican lifestyle. Michael. B. Jordan once said; “The simplest solutions sometimes are the most creative”.

The need for coverage has brought about decades of fashion styles. There’s going to be centuries and millenniums of Sombrero combinations to come.