The History of Cowboy-Style Hard Hats

Group Shot Wearing Jackson Safety Cowboy-Style Hard Hats
Cowboy-Style Hard Hats were a creation of tool salesman, Bret Atkins in 1996, who got tired of getting his expensive stetson-styled hats dirty while on the job. Atkins essentially worked out of his garage to create the trendy cowboy-style hard hat and invested a small fortune seeking and obtaining OSHA approval.
Through a very lucky break, the cowboy-style hard hat was discovered by Katie Couric of NBC’s Today show and the rest, as they say is history. The cowboy-style hard hat (also sometime referred to as Western Hard Hat and Outlaw Hard Hat) has been a worldwide success. To read more about this amazing story, click here.
The Benefits of Wearing Cowboy-Style Hard Hat Protection
Cowboy-Style Hard Hats Are Stylish

Woman Wearing Cowboy-Style Hard Hat
If you are foreman, you know that for many of your crew, as soon as you leave, the hard hats come off – the ole’ “when the cat’s away, the mice will play” syndrome. This is a disasterous situation for that worker if there’s and accident (and for you too – increased insurance premiums!) – OccuNomix Vulcan reports that of the 100,000 occupational head injuries per year, 84% of those were not wearing adequate head protection. You can’t argue with the numbers, folks, a hard hat is essential for your crew. That’s why these Cowboy-Style Hard Hats are so ingenious – they give the workers a sense of style while on the job. They are shaped like stetsons and wear like iron.
Also, some of the manufacturers allow their cowboy-style hard hat line to be custom stamped on the front with an image of choice – like a compnay logo. This helps helmets to not disappear quite as rapidly, if you know what I mean.
Cowboy-Style Hard Hats are Comfortable
Across the board, no matter which manufacturer you choose to go with, the cowboy-style hard hats are comfortable to wear. They all sport a 4 or 6-point, adjustable suspension that cradles the wearer’s head. All have a replaceable terry cloth sweatband which helps to keep you dry.
Cowboy-Style Hard Hats Have Wide Brims
Compared to the traditional half-egg shaped hard hat, the cowboy-style hard hat has a wide, stetson like brim which offers the wearer additional rain and uv protection. Less sun in the eyes can mean less glare and potentially hazardous mistakes because of that glare.
Cowboy-Style Hard Hats are Made in the USA
With the exception of the Procureit Australia line, the other lines are made in the United States of America.
The Features of a Cowboy-Style Hard Hat
Cowboy-Style Hard Hat Construction
- Durable high-density, polyethelene plastic
- 4 or 6-point suspension systems
- chin straps – either come standard with some lines, like the Smith and Wesson West Hard Hats, or as an add-on accessory for the others.
- Adjustable to fit a wide-range of head sizes – from 6.5 to 8 for most models.
- Size – about 14 inches from side-tip to side-tip. 15 inces from front-tip to back-tip.
Suspension Systems Summary
Ratchet suspension– A type of suspension with a quick ratchet adjusting knob. This loosens or tightens the hard hat “on the go” with a simple turn of the knob. The pin lock suspension must be removed to be adjusted.
Four point suspension/six point suspension– This is the actual number of clips that mounts the cradle suspension to the shell of the hard hat.
(Vulcan) Squeeze-Lock Suspension has an ultra-soft, yet very strong and comfortable, six-point woven nylon crown strap system that acts as a shock absorber with six load-bearing points that spread impact over a larger area. Includes a smooth, non-irritating, no-hassle squeeze-lock sizing adjustment in 1/8″ increments.
Cowboy-Style Hard Hats Should NOT Be Used For…
Cowboy-Style Hard Hats should not be used for horse back riding. The wide-brim is the problem – if a rider takes a fall, their heads can be jolted to one side or the other and the result can be severe neck injuries.
American Allsafe CO.purchased by Jackson Safety circa 2005
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Jackson Safety, Inc
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Klein Tools, Inc.450 Bond St. |
OccuNomix International, LLC(“Vulcan” Hard Hat Line) |
Procureit Australia Pty, LTDABN: 80 106 789 342 |
Smith and Wesson Western Hard HatsA brand manufactured by Jackson Safety |
About American Allsafe
AMERICAN ALLSAFE, a manufacturer and distributor of eye, face and head protection
Purchased by Jackson Safety circa 2005. No longer in production. See Jackson Safety post.
American Allsafe Cowboy-Style Hard Hat Line
There are few of these American Allsafe Cowboy-Style Hard Hats out there, but they are difficult to find. You may find a few listed on Amazon, Craigslist or even eBay. Here are some of the characteristics that I found off of an Amazon.com listing…
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Product Description (from the manufacturer)
This unique hardhat features a distinctive lightweight design that’s more comfortable and better-looking than the ‘egghead’-shaped safety hats. The ratchet suspension adjusts from size 6-1/2 to 8. Can be used in place of the traditional safety hat as it meets OSHA requirements. Color: black.