STEEPED IN
TRADITION.
American Hat Co has proudly upheld a legacy of tradition and values for over a century. Every cowboy hat is handcrafted in the USA using the finest materials and expert craftsmanship, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to quality. At American Hat Co, each hat is more than just headwear — it’s a tribute to faith, patriotism, and the enduring spirit of the cowboy lifestyle.
AMERICAN HAT CO
Through the Years
THE HAT KING
American Hat Company was born in 1915 when founder and master hatmaker Sam Silver set up shop permanently in Houston, Texas, and started creating the iconic cowboy hats we know today. Since the man truly believed in quality and innovation, his bloodline was carried on in his son Sam’s business. He eventually was replaced in 1949 by his son Bubba Silver, who then went sequentially after George Nickerson, who owned the company until Paul Planis acquired it in 2009.
American Hat Company is a world leader in waterproof straw cowboy hats (an innovation introduced by Bubba, Sam’s son-in-law, in 1968) under the new chairman Bubba’s direction.
American Hat Company is among the most reputable Western-style hats for cowboys and rodeo competitors across the nation, distinguished for their durability, comfort, and raw Western style. The Silver family had the brand’s ethos of high-quality craftsmanship and American heritage taken out of business until 1984, when the company was acquired by Bill and Billie George.
American Hat Company (2003) the road less travelled — Maddoxes bought in at this point and moved production over to Bowie, Texas, a city with an old West culture veritably oozing out of every pore.
With his background in rodeo competition and as one of the most respected figures within the Western wear industry from brands such as Tony Lama and Larry Mahan Boot Company, Maddox has brought decades of experience to American Hat Company. An experienced rodeo competitor with ranching heritage and lore, Keith infused modern competitive spirit into the organization now called American Hat Company, where it rose in just a few years not only to be a cowboy hat leader in its field worldwide but also a worldwide icon for quality cowboy hats for ranchers, riders, and Western enthusiasts.
Heir to the American Hat Company legacy as Keith Maddox—strength behind hood // therapist. Keith Maddox Goes Home: A History of the American Hat Company as We All Knew It. The story of Keith Maddox and American Hat Company, maker of favorite cowboy hats the nation over, included success as well as failure. 2005: A fire destroyed more than $13 million in high-end hat inventory associated with the company as a major setback for the company occurred in 2005 as a result of a grass fire.
Even from such a huge loss, frustration notwithstanding, Keith was determined to rebuild & invested his own money and worked all hours to save operations by himself. His resolution allowed American Hat Company to maintain product as the competition migrated off to mass-produced products with the label.
The Western world has known Keith Maddox (as “The Hat King”) for more than four decades—and tragically, that man went to God on Sept. 4, 2019. In a full-on send-off to one of the greatest Western wear heroes our land has ever seen, people from the ranks of professional rodeo stars, ranch hands, and lifelong fans came together at Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards to honor him.
The heart and soul of the company today is her wife, Susan Maddox, who now takes care of her brand. Mom, the matriarch of American Hat Company, admits to her own style, strength, and commitment to carrying on what Keith began — her husband’s vision and legacy of authenticity, quality crafting, and Western excellence. Fashioning each hat has forever been dedicated to the traditional and high standards that have been in place since 1915, which makes American Hat Company an icon of pride in the Western hat industry.
Legacy the Leading Kind: Susan Maddox & American Hat Company for the Win
Susan Maddox is the matriarch of American Hat Company, Inc. SIGNS NEW CHAPTER American Hat Company today takes its place among the tomahawks of tradition, craft, Western lifestyle, and continued dedication, as the next chapter has started with her at its helm.
For the world of premium cowboy hats to chuck leaders, American Hat brand is dedicated to producing the absolute best in the division for professional cowboys, ranchers, rodeo prospects, and Western hat lovers from all over the nation with the guidance.
Susan, led by the timeless essence of quality, heritage, and Keith Maddox’s cherished Positive Times philosophy, guides each hat to be the best that American Hat Company has ever represented— since 1915. Today the company is the only manufacturer of waterproof straw cowboy hats, making it an icon in Western wear innovation and durability.
American Hat Company has a solid ground and bright outlook ahead, making them the top hat store for authentic, handmade cowboy hats designed by Americans.
The American
Cowboy Hat
Safeguarding the Cowboy Hat Legacy from Nonpareil UpStInd American Made. The cowboy hat is without a doubt the most iconic and instantly recognizable icon of the American West, a working symbol standing for those classic values, hard-living spirit, and timeless traditions of the storied American cowboy. American Hat Company Welcome to the future of hyper-local craftsmanship. Over the next century, our mission is simple—we will continue to handcraft the finest cowboy hats in America for a living… For generations from now. Premium Western Hats we will deliver, you are going to wear and be able to sell, with the confidence of having backed what you wore. Our hats are true to craftsmanship, durability, and pride in the everyday symbol that passes for wearing an authentic cowboy hat right now, for life.
The American Difference
Only one cowboy hat can live up to the standard of style, quality, and durability you expect from an American-made product, and that is one made by American Hat Company.
Style
American Hat Company takes great pride in designing new weaves and shipping the majority of our hats with an open crown and flat brim so you can have your hat custom shaped to reflect your own individual style.
Quality
American Hat Company’s process for making cowboy hats is hands-on all the way through production. Each one of our hand-woven hats is put through a rigorous inspection process before it is shipped.
Durability
Our straw hats are double lacquered and double pressed, while our felts are hand finished, making them the most durable hat on the market today. Come rain, mud, or shine, you can stand tall and proud in your American Hat.