About Mexican Sombreros

In English-speaking countries a sombrero typically refers to a type of hat originating in Mexico. The English word sombrero is a borrowed word from Spanish, where the term is used to refer to any hat with a brim. It derives from the Spanish word sombra, meaning "shade" or "shadow". Spanish speakers outside Mexico refer to what English speakers call a sombrero as a "Mexican hat" (sombrero mexicano).

Sombreros usually have a somewhat high pointed tip and a very wide brim, which may be slightly upturned at the edge, used for protection from the hot sun in Mexico. Peasant sombreros are usually made of straw, while wealthier Hispanics wear sombreros made of felt. It is almost unseen in modern urban settings, except as part of a folkloric outfit worn in certain festivities. Cowboys of the American southwest later adopted the sombrero and modified it into the cowboy (vaquero) hat.

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Types of Mexican Sombreros

Types of Mexican Sombreros

Mariachi Sombreros

The Mexican Mariachi wear richly decorative and festive hats that follow in the tradition of the highly ornate designs worn by the original Mexican vaqueros (which lead to the creation of the American cowboy). Today, Mariachi sombreros are usually worn for celebrations or parties.

Tejanas

Tejana or Tejano refers to the Spanish word for "Texan". In the case of sombreros, it usually refers to the style of Western or Cowboy/vaquero hats. When looking for a tejana, pay attention to the "x" value. The higher the number, the higher the quality of the hat is. Usually there are more colors to choose from at the lower levels.

Tejana Colors

Cuevas Tejana 10x
Colors		 Cuevas Tejana 10x Colors
 
Cuevas Tejana 100x
Colors		 Cuevas Tejana 10x Colors

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Featured Sombrero & Tejana Merchants

Zapateria Cuevas - Importers and producers of fine Mexican merchandise including Boots, Botines, Sombreros, Belts, Jackets, and more.

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Cuevas Tejanas

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