- Model: Stetson Open Road Wool Hat
- Material: 100% wool felt
- Finish & Protection: Asahi Guard® (water and stain repellent)
- Inner Band: 100% leather
- Crown Height: Approx. 11 cm (classic cattleman crease)
- Brim Width: Approx. 8 cm
- Details: Narrow grosgrain ribbon with signature Stetson pin
- Origin & Heritage: Iconic American silhouette with all-weather functionality
The Iconic Bridge Between Fedora and Cowboy Hat
Before the Open Road existed, you generally had two choices in American headwear: you wore a wide-brimmed, stiff-as-board cowboy hat because you worked outdoors, or you wore a soft, narrow-brimmed fedora because you lived in a city.
In 1937, John B. Stetson Company decided to split the difference.
The idea was straightforward: take the iconic cattleman crown crease of a classic Western hat, but scale down the brim from a massive sun-shield to a tight, city-friendly two-and-a-half inches. Finish it with a thin grosgrain ribbon instead of a thick leather band.
The result was a hybrid that didn't scream "ranch hand," but certainly didn't look like a Manhattan banker's hat either. It was built for the expanding American highway system—hence the name The Open Road.
The hat caught on in Texas almost immediately. It gave politicians, oilmen, and ranchers a way to honor their Western roots while wearing a tailored suit. By the 1940s and 50s, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower were wearing them on national strolls. Later, Lyndon B. Johnson wore his so religiously that Stetson practically renamed the marketing campaign after him.
At the same time, it crossed straight over into country music, adopted by everyone from Hank Williams to modern artists like Lyle Lovett and Leon Bridges.
It survived nearly a century of changing tastes precisely because of that identity crisis: it’s dressy enough for a wedding, tough enough for the road, and just ambiguous enough to work anywhere in between.
Weather-Ready Wool Felt with Asahi Guard®
Crafted from 100% wool felt, this iteration of the Open Road is built for practical, everyday wear across unpredictable Nordic seasons. Treated with Asahi Guard®, the fabric repels water droplets and resists dirt without altering the natural soft texture or breathability of the wool. Rain, snow, or road dust slide right off, keeping your hat looking sharp wherever your travels take you.
Key Features & Specifications
Featuring a structured 11 cm crown with a classic cattleman crease and a flat 8 cm brim, the Open Road balances weather coverage with a slim profile that fits comfortably in modern city streets or open country. The interior is finished with a durable 100% leather for comfortable all-day wear.
Explore our complete selection of hats & caps or check out more timeless headwear from Stetson available at HepCat Store.