The
cowboy hat is a high-crowned, wide-brimmed
hat best known as the defining piece of attire for the
North American cowboy. Influenced by 19th century Mexican culture, today it is worn by many people, and is particularly associated with
ranch workers in the western and southern United States, western
Canada and northern
Mexico, with
country-western singers and ranchero singers in Mexico, and for participants in the North American
rodeo circuit. It is recognized around the world as part of
Old West lore. The shape of a cowboy hat's crown and brim are often modified by the wearer for fashion and to protect against
weather.