When I visited Mexico for the first time, I had a very exciting, maybe childish, objective. I really wanted to wear a real Mexican sombrero!
I have seen it everywhere! It’s a fun accessory that can appear in bars or costume parties. If you like sports and there are Mexicans participating, it’s very easy to spot their supporters. No matter the size of the stadium or venue, Mexican sombreros can’t be unnoticed.
Once in Mexico, I could see different Mexican sombreros’ styles, from cheap ones to some really refined and expensive with handmade embroidery. I also discovered interesting facts about this popular accessory that I will share with you in this article.
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What is the origin of the hat?
This is very interesting because the hat seems not to have a specific origin. It was not a brilliant idea of someone, but a brilliant idea of different people around the world. Hat’s creation was motivated by a simple and clear reason: hot weather. People living in really hot places felt the need to protect their heads and faces to avoid insolation and sunburns.
Something it’s clear, hats were created a long time ago. Some early hats were traced in Ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, and the Middle Ages. And after time, it became a fashion and popular accessory worldwide.
Is sombrero Mexican?
Yes, the sombrero is Mexican, at least what we know now as Mexican sombrero. But historians mention there’s a direct Spanish influence on it. First of all, the origin of the name sombrero it’s absolutely Spanish. It comes from the Spanish word sombra (shade), and it started being used in the 15th century. It’s a fact, Spanish was not the native language in Mexico.
Talking about the hat, it’s documented there was a wide-brim hat in Andalucía, Navarra, and Salamanca. In the first two regions, it seemed to be an accessory for wealthy landowners. And in Salamanca, it was part of the horse rider outfit. When Spanish conquerors arrived in Mexico, for sure the use of sombrero also did.
An own Mexican sombrero got created in Central Mexico and used by Mestizo cowboys. And then, it spread around the rest of the country.
The exact origin of the Mexican hat has been the subject of debate. Some recognize it as a Mexican creation. Others attribute their origin directly to Spain, despite the fact that the differences between the mentioned Spanish hats and the Mexican hat are visible.
What is a Mexican sombrero?
Mexican sombrero is sombrero de “charro” - a big, sometimes even massive, circular hat. This sombrero type has become a Mexican symbol, part of the folklore and culture of the country.
Historically and nowadays, Mexicans have worn different types of hats. Mexico is a big country. The hat’s design (style) varies based on the part of the country where you are. Materials, short or high crowns, narrow or wider brims are different.
But when people say Mexican sombrero, usually they mean, the traditional and popular sombrero de “charro”. This is exactly the kind of hat that Mexican cowboys, horse riders, and mariachi wear.
Charro in Mexico refers to horse riders or cowboys that traditionally worked with livestock in the “haciendas” or ranches. Their outfit became popular and easy to spot. Tight-fit pants, belt, short jacket or only “sarape”, vest, wide bow tie, boots, and sombrero (hat). Ornaments, quality materials, and colors on “charros” suits were different based on the “hacienda” they came from.
By the way, now I know that when the hat is massive, the reason is you didn’t get the proper size. The size of the ideal sombrero for you is defined by the head measures and the height of the person who will wear it.
How is a Mexican sombrero (de charro)?
The Mexican sombrero or “charro” hat varies based on the geographical location you are. In the North of Mexico where you find some of the driest areas, sombrero’s materials are lighter, cooler and the brim is wider. This changes if you are in wooded areas, and in the South, where humidity is higher.
Therefore, a sombrero can be made of palm, wheat straw, wool, leather, suede, or rabbit hair. Materials must be balanced to make the sombrero a solid piece that can stand on the users’ head. It’s a wide-brimmed hat, raised at the back. Its crown can be flat, but usually, it’s shaped with a number of creases, called “pedradas” in Spanish (frequently four) to provide resistance to the sombrero in case of an impact (mostly falls).
Ornaments are an important detail and usually vary based on personal taste. The most refined sombreros have embroidered designs. Flower figures are usually the most preferred design. Sombreros can have “toquillas”, ornaments placed around the cylinder that shapes the crown, mostly in the lower part. They can be made of chiffon, ribbon, etc. “Ribetes” are also included, narrow strips or trims (ribbon, lace, etc.) to reinforce and adorn the edge of the sombrero. They can be embroidered or openwork trims.
Why should I wear a Mexican sombrero?
You definitely should wear a Mexican sombrero to have fun! That was absolutely my case. It feels rare at the beginning, especially if you are not a regular hat user like me. But it totally gives an accent, a unique touch to your image.
Besides, you should wear a Mexican sombrero because of its benefits. Its wide brim protects you from the sun, wind, dust, and rain. Either if you walk or if you ride. You can be protected while keeping your hands free! That’s better than holding an umbrella. It means protection for your head, a sort of helmet, in case of impact (stones, tree branches, or falls).
And if you have seen old Mexican movies, you know sombrero can be very useful for different purposes.
- To stir up the fire of a bonfire.
- To collect water for drinking yourself or sharing it with your horse.
- To play and dodge a bull pretending you are a bullfighter.
- To use it as a shield in case of a fight or a knife attack. It will be a one-shot resource, but still, it can save you.
- To protect (cover) your identity.
- To kiss your loved one avoiding prying eyes with the wide brim.
Charros seemed to be very creative to take full advantage of their sombrero!
In any case, the Mexican sombrero is an experience everybody should try! Don’t miss it on your next travel to Mexico.
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