Stetson Cavalry Hat: The Icon of American Cavalry Tradition
The Stetson Cavalry Hat isn’t just a piece of headgear—it’s a symbol of tradition, unity, and fearless spirit. Whether you’re an active-duty Cavalry soldier, a veteran, or simply someone who respects military heritage, the Stetson is instantly recognizable. It embodies everything the Cavalry stands for: strength, honor, and camaraderie.
At CavHooah, we honor this proud history by offering authentic Army Stetsons, Cavalry hat cords, chin straps, crossed sabers, hat racks, and ornaments. Each piece carries the weight of generations of soldiers who wore the Stetson before you.
But how did a hat originally born out of frontier practicality become the centerpiece of Cavalry culture? Let’s dive into the full history and traditions of the Stetson Cavalry Hat.
The Origins of the Stetson Hat
Before it became tied to Cavalry, the Stetson hat was already legendary in American culture. In 1865, John B. Stetson, the son of a Philadelphia hatter, set out west to recover his health. With only $100 in his pocket, he rented a small workshop, bought $10 worth of fur, and created a hat that would change the course of history.
Stetson’s hat was practical: wide-brimmed for sun protection, waterproof, and sturdy enough to last years in rough conditions. He called it the “Boss of the Plains.” Word spread fast across the frontier, and soon Stetson hats were worn by cowboys, ranchers, lawmen, and soldiers.
By the late 19th century, Stetson was synonymous with toughness and quality. The company became the largest hat manufacturer in the world, and its products became an integral part of American identity.
How the Stetson Became the Cavalry Hat
The Stetson Cavalry Hat tradition began nearly a century after John B. Stetson started his company. In 1964, LTC John B. Stockton of the 3/17 Cavalry at Fort Benning, Georgia, wanted a distinctive item to unify his unit and build esprit de corps.
Inspired by the 1876 campaign hats worn by mounted Cavalrymen in the Indian Wars, Stockton authorized his soldiers to wear black Stetsons. The hat gave his men an identity that set them apart from the rest of the Army.
The idea caught on quickly. By the time U.S. forces were deep into the Vietnam War, the Cav hat had spread across Air Cavalry units. It was worn in the field, in garrison, and especially at ceremonies. Soldiers saw it as a badge of honor—proof they were part of something special.
One of the most iconic cultural moments for the Stetson came in the 1979 film Apocalypse Now. Robert Duvall’s character, LTC Kilgore, strode confidently in his black Stetson as he delivered the famous line: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” That scene cemented the Stetson Cavalry Hat as a symbol of fearless American warriors.
Why “Stetson” Became Synonymous With Cavalry
During Vietnam, Stetson supplied many of the hats worn by Cavalrymen, though other companies such as Charlie Horse also made Cav hats. Asian manufacturers attempted knock-offs, but their hats lacked the quality and durability of an authentic Stetson.
Because Stetson produced most of the Cavalry hats, soldiers began referring to any Cav hat simply as a “Stetson.” Much like “Kleenex” for tissues or “Jeep” for military vehicles, the brand became the tradition.
In 1972, a Cav hat cost around $29—a significant expense for a young trooper—but its value went far beyond dollars. Soldiers saw the Stetson as an investment in their identity and pride.
Anatomy of a Stetson Cavalry Hat
What makes a Stetson Cavalry Hat stand out? It’s more than just the black felt and wide brim—it’s the details.
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Material: High-quality fur felt, rugged and water-resistant.
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Sweatband: Leather interior for comfort during long wear.
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Crown Ribbon: Silk hatband at the crown’s base.
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Chin Strap: Black leather strap that doubles as a hat cord holder.
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Shape: Brim flat with a slight droop at the front, crown tall and commanding.
The defining feature, though, is the Cavalry hat cord. The cord’s color and braid pattern signify rank:
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General Officers: Solid gold braid
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Field & Company Grade Officers: Black and gold intertwined braid
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Senior Warrant Officers (CW4, CW5): Solid silver
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Junior Warrant Officers (WO1–CW3): Silver and black intertwined braid
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Enlisted Soldiers: Yellow wool or nylon
These cords carry history, harkening back to the acorn-ended 1899 pattern cord once worn on campaign hats.
At CavHooah, we offer a full selection of Cavalry hat cords so you can outfit your Stetson according to tradition.
Customization and Unit Traditions
Over time, different Cavalry units developed their own twists on the Stetson. Some units added feathers, beaded “Indian” hatbands, or regimental insignia. D-3/5 Cav, for example, famously wore gray Cav hats instead of black.
Others incorporated jump wing ovals or unit insignia. Officers often placed crossed sabers or rank pins above the cords. Each unit added touches that made the Stetson Cavalry Hat a living tradition rather than a static piece of uniform.
At CavHooah, we carry crossed sabers, insignia, and other accessories to help you customize your Stetson in line with your unit’s heritage.
Cavalry Traditions: Breaking In the Stetson
No Cav story is complete without the infamous “breaking in” ceremony.
The tradition of “Breaking in a Stetson” has various forms. Inductees into a Cavalry unit can obtain a Stetson from several different ways – you can purchase one, receive it as a gift, or even have one sponsored by members of your unit. However, you are not authorized to wear it at a unit function until it is properly “broken in”. The breaking in ceremony is similar to an initiation or rite of passage, so to speak, and builds Esprit de Corps among Cav Troopers. In the days of the mounted cavalry, many hats were made with waterproof liners, not only to keep the rain off, but also to carry water. When a horse and rider would come to a steep riverbed, the Cav Trooper, knowing that his horse always comes first, would use his Stetson to scoop water for his horse to drink.
Cav soldiers have incorporated this practice into the ‘breaking in” tradition. The new inductee holds the hat upside down, and the senior spur holders pour a mix of different alcohols into the hat.
To conduct this event properly, the senior Stetson wearers and spur holders have a couple of responsibilities: First, set the ground rules. Your new Troopers will be drinking this mix, so keep it somewhat clean. Try to refrain from throwing raw eggs, chewing tobacco, spit, or cigar ashes into it. At least try. Next, when pouring in alcohol, it should represent the Cavalry in some way. For example, “In honor of Garryowen’s tremendous sacrifices in the frozen hell that was Korea, against the massed and savage red hordes that died on regimental blades, we add that potent and devious extract known as Soju” or “The Persian Gulf War taught us that with the addition of our tanks, our Bradleys, and our aircraft, we had worthy replacements for our old cavalry steeds. To salute the war, we add sand, and for our new dedicated workhorses, we add their lifeblood, JP-8.” (substituted with grain alcohol).
Similar to many of the cav traditions, how your unit breaks in your Stetson is up to them. Some require it to be a formal occasion (i.e. dining out or dining in), but many make the “breaking in” an informal portion of the unit’s Hail and Farewell. The “hail and bail” as it is sometimes referred to, gives the chain of command an opportunity to officially greet (and introduce) the incoming soldiers and their families to the unit, as well as recognize Troopers who are departing due to PCS, ETS, or retirement. A “breaking in” can also be conducted at an informal event or location such as a unit party. The latter is sometimes a better idea, as this event can sometimes get messy
Air Cavalry KiowaPilots breaking in the Stetson-
“When they grabbed the Stetson, the wife immediately jumped up and followed them around to make sure that there wasn’t TOO much crap dumped into it…
I can specifically remember… Tequila, Rum, Beer, Soda, Vodka, Gin and Tonic, Salad, Sour Cream, Cigar butts, and I think there was even a dinner roll or two…Anyway…
I think there were 6 or 7 of us… we all had to drink that shit out of our Stetsons… it was leaking through the felt and was the nastiest shit I’ve ever tasted…But it was broken in correctly!!”
Even today, Cavalry units across the Army continue the tradition at Hail and Farewells, dining-ins, and spur rides.
Wearing the Stetson Today
The Stetson Cavalry Hat is not an official part of the Army’s uniform (per AR 670-1). However, most Cavalry units recognize it as an authorized item for special occasions, such as:
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Dining-ins and dining-outs
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Formal events in dress blues
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Spur holder ceremonies
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Professional Cavalry gatherings (e.g., AAAA conventions)
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Hail and Farewells
Each unit has specific guidance on proper wear. For example:
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The brim must remain flat with a slight droop—no cowboy-style shaping.
Crown sides may not be pinched or altered. -
Only authorized insignia and cords may be worn.
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The nape strap should be properly centered.
At CavHooah, we supply Army Stetsons that meet these traditional standards so you can wear your hat with confidence at any event.
Durability and Care
One reason the Stetson became so beloved is its durability. With a little care, a Stetson Cavalry Hat can last decades.
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Cleaning: Dirt and lint can be brushed off with a simple shoe brush.
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Storage: Use a Stetson hat rack to keep its shape.
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Resilience: Veterans recall rushing back into downed helicopters to save their hats—proof of their toughness and emotional value.
A Stetson isn’t just a purchase. It’s a lifelong piece of your military identity.
Stetson in Cavalry Culture and Media
Beyond the battlefield, the Stetson Cavalry Hat has become a cultural icon. From Apocalypse Now to countless Cavalry reunions and parades, the image of a soldier in a black Stetson resonates with pride and tradition.
The Stetson is also tied to spur rides and Cavalry songs like “Garryowen,” connecting modern soldiers to 19th-century mounted troopers. Few military traditions bridge such a wide span of history.
Why Buy From CavHooah?
CavHooah isn’t just a retailer—we’re dedicated to preserving Cavalry traditions. Our selection of authentic hats and accessories ensures every soldier, veteran, or supporter can find the gear they need to wear their Stetson proudly.
We offer:
Whether you’re breaking in your first Stetson or passing one down to the next generation, CavHooah is here to keep the tradition alive.
Final Word: The Stetson Cavalry Hat Legacy
The Stetson Cavalry Hat is more than a piece of clothing. It’s a living tradition—born from frontier grit, adopted by the Cavalry in Vietnam, and carried forward by generations of soldiers.
It represents pride, camaraderie, and the fearless spirit of America’s mounted warriors. And it continues to unite soldiers, veterans, and military enthusiasts today.
At CavHooah, we’re proud to be part of that tradition. From hats to hat cords, ornaments to sabers, we provide everything you need to carry on the Cavalry legacy.
So whether you’re raising a glass at a Hail and Farewell, stepping into a dining-in, or simply honoring your service, wear your Stetson Cavalry Hat with pride.
