Etymology

• The word "sombrero," first appearing in the 16th century, is rooted in the word "sombra," Spanish for shade, or shadow. A sombrero is literally something that produces shade. This name emphasizes not only the main feature of a sombrero, its wide brim, but the function of that feature. Though sombreros are worn among a variety of people for a variety of reasons, and with various decorations, the name of the hat suggests it was first designed to protect the wearer from the sun.
  
  

Origin

• No one knows who made the first sombrero or where. Some believe it is of Spanish origin and simply migrated to the new world as Spain's conquests grew. Others believe the sombrero was designed by the mestizos of the new world inspired by Spanish hats like the poblanos and cordobes. Part native and part European, these workers in the agricultural belt near the border between today's Mexico and the United States could have woven straw sombreros to shade their head, neck and shoulders while working in the fields.
  
  

Evolution

• As sombreros increased in popularity, they began evolve into distinct styles. More aristocratic men wore sombreros of felt. These could be embellished with silk embroidery, shells and fancy designs. Others wore more the more traditional straw sombrero with distinctively colored strands of straw used for ornamentation. Perhaps the lasting presence of the sombrero in popular culture is because it was adopted by mariachis as part of their distinctive black and white performance costume.
  
  

Cowboy Hats

• Many historians believe the American cowboy hat was inspired by the sombreros worn by Mexican vaqueros. These were a proud and well-respected caste of Mexican society in the 19th century responsible for driving cattle between New Mexico and Mexico City. The vaqueros could typically afford the fancier felt sombreros. As Americans took to horses and the cattle drive, they developed a distinct variation on the sombrero with a smaller brim and less decoration. Cowboy hats also typically have a rounded cap, whereas sombreros are traditionally square, but both variations now exist.
  
  

Sombrero Vueltiao

• Yet another variation on the traditional sombrero is Colombia's sombrero vueltiao. Having about the dimensions of a cowboy hat, the sombrero vueltiao features a 300- year-old braiding technique of the Zuni Indians. The term sombrero vueltiao means "turned hat," a nod to the elegant swirls woven into the design. Made from natural palm tree fibers, the sombrero vueltiao can be folded to fit in a handbag and still unfold to its original shape. Other less expensive versions incorporate thread into the design as well.