Cavalry Hats

Many Cavalry soldiers wear hat cords on their Cavalry Stetsons to show rank, role, or position in the military. The Stetson cord sits around the bottom of the crown, directly above the brim, and adds the finishing detail to a proper Army Cavalry hat.

For most Cavalry Stetsons, choose a 29-inch hat cord if you plan to tie a standard knot. If you are authorized to tie a combat knot, choose a 31-inch Stetson cord for the extra length needed. Troopers with smaller hat sizes, especially under size 7, may prefer a 27-inch or 28-inch Cavalry hat cord so the acorns rest properly at the end of the hat.

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Cavalry soldiers wear Stetsons because the Cavalry hat is a symbol of unit pride, military tradition, and Cavalry brotherhood. Originally known as a durable frontier hat, the Stetson became part of Army Cavalry culture in the 1960s, when units adopted black Stetsons to create a distinctive identity inspired by earlier mounted troopers.

During the Vietnam War, the tradition spread through Air Cavalry units, where the hat became a sign of honor, service, and belonging. Today, the Cavalry Stetson is not an everyday Army uniform item, but many units authorize it for spur rides, dining-ins, ceremonies, Hail and Farewells, and other special Cavalry events. For modern troopers, wearing a Cavalry Stetson honors past soldiers, Cavalry history, and the proud traditions carried forward by today’s units.

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Proper care helps your Cavalry hat keep its shape, color, and clean appearance for years to come. Store your Cavalry Stetson in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. When not in use, place it in a hat box or rest it upside down on the crown so the brim does not flatten or bend.

To remove dust, gently brush the hat with a soft hat brush, moving in the same direction around the crown and brim. If the hat gets wet, let it air dry naturally at room temperature. Especially do this after a Cav "breaking in" evening. Never use a dryer or direct heat as this could re shape your hat.

To complete your Cavalry hat, you’ll need the right accessories to create a sharp, traditional Army Cavalry look. The most important pieces include a Cavalry hat cord, regimental crest or unit pin, and any authorized rank or branch insignia required by your unit. The hat cord sits around the base of the crown, just above the brim, and helps identify rank, role, or military position. Many troopers also add a regimental pin or unit crest to personalize their Cavalry Stetson and represent their unit history.

Depending on your unit’s guidance, you may also need crossed sabers, nameplates, rank pins, or other Cavalry Stetson accessories. Always check with your chain of command or unit SOP before adding items to your hat. With the right Cavalry hat accessories, your Stetson becomes more than a hat—it becomes a symbol of Cavalry tradition, pride, and service.

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