STEEPED IN

TRADITION.

Tradition and values have run deep in our blood and the fibers of our hats for over one hundred years and will continue to do so. Each one is handmade with expert craftsmanship on American soil with the finest materials available. The finishing touch is the love of God, country, and the cowboy life.

AMERICAN HAT COMPANY

Through the Years

1915

Sam Silver opened his first hat store on Main Street in Houston, Texas in 1915. His son, Bubba Silver (shown above), was 8 years old when he started spending time at the store. He continued to learn at his father’s right hand until Sam passed away in 1948.

1949

Bubba bought more equipment and rented a 5,000 square foot space in Houston on Preston Street. Bubba Silver was the first person to introduce waterproof straw hats. Some things don’t change! Over 100 years after the company was founded, American Hat Company is still the only cowboy hat company to produce waterproof straw hats.

1984

Sam Silver always said, “I am proud of the fact that a great many professional cowboys choose to wear our products over other brands. They always appreciate a hat that holds its shape and color.”

The Silver Family owned American Hat Company and Bubba ran it himself until 1984 when Bill and Billie George bought it.

2003

American Hat Company is bought by Keith and Susan Maddox and located in Bowie, Texas.

READ KEITH'S STORY

A cowboy wearing a straw hat sits atop a horse. There is a felt hat laying in front of him on the saddle.

THE HAT KING

Founded in 1915 by Sam Silver in Houston, Texas, American Hat Company has a rich heritage rooted in craftsmanship and innovation. Sam’s son, Bubba Silver, began working alongside his father at a young age, eventually taking over the business in 1949. Bubba’s ingenuity led to the introduction of waterproof straw hats, a hallmark product that remains unique to American Hat Company over a century later.

Throughout its history, the company has become synonymous with quality and authenticity. Sam Silver took pride in the fact that many professional cowboys favored their hats for their durability and classic style. The Silver family owned and operated the company until 1984, when Bill and Billie George took the reins.

In 2003, Keith and Susan Maddox acquired American Hat Company, relocating it to Bowie, Texas. Keith Maddox, a legend in the western industry, brought his passion, work ethic, and commitment to excellence to the brand. Having grown up on a ranch and competed in professional rodeos, Keith knew the value of a well-made cowboy hat. His career in the western industry, including sales roles for iconic brands like Tony Lama and Larry Mahan Boot Company, prepared him to lead American Hat Company to new heights.

A girl wearing a black felt cowboy hat sits atop a white horse. She holds an American flag, and the sun is setting behind her.

Keith’s journey with American Hat Company was not without challenges. In 2005, a grass fire destroyed $13 million worth of inventory. However, Keith’s determination and belief in the brand led him to rebuild, using his own resources and working tirelessly to restore the company’s success. Through his resilience, American Hat Company emerged stronger, maintaining its commitment to producing the finest cowboy hats while others opted for cheaper alternatives.

Sadly, Keith Maddox, known as “The Hat King,” passed away on September 4, 2019. The western industry gathered in the Fort Worth Stockyards to honor his legacy and celebrate his life. Today, his wife, Susan Maddox, continues his work, bringing her own passion, grace, and vision to American Hat Company. As the new Matriarch, Susan upholds the values that built the brand, ensuring that every hat produced carries the legacy of quality, tradition, and authenticity that American Hat Company has stood for since its inception.

As one chapter has closed, we are proud to stand by Susan as the Matriarch of American Hat Company. Under her leadership, the brand continues its mission of creating the finest cowboy hats for those who live the western lifestyle. With her guidance, we honor Keith’s legacy by staying committed to quality, tradition, and the “Positive Times” philosophy he cherished. American Hat Company remains the premier choice for professional cowboys and hat enthusiasts alike, proudly producing the only waterproof straw hats on the market.

The American

Cowboy Hat

The cowboy hat is the most recognizable piece of clothing in the world and represents the traditions and values of the iconic American Cowboy. These traditions and values are why our goal for the next 100 years is to continue to provide the finest quality, American-made cowboy hats to you, our customers, a cowboy hat you can be proud to put your name on and sell to your customers.

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.