Sombrero

The sombrero jarano, also known as sombrero de charro ('charro hat', referring to the traditional Mexican horsemen) and simply as sombrero in English, is a type of hat worn in Mexico. It features an extra-wide brim used to shield the face and eyes from the sun, that is slightly upturned at the edge; a usually high, conical, pointed crown; and a chin strap to hold it in place. Traditionally made of wool felt, hare fur, or wheat straw, it can be adorned with embroidery, decorative trim, or ribbons, with varying regional styles. The crown often has a reinforced band ("pedradas") for added strength in case of impact.

Originally a low crowned hat with a moderately sized brim and an essential accessory of the charro (cowboy) outfit, the wide-brimmed jarano or charro hat was first crafted and quickly gained popularity in the early 19th century on the haciendas of Puebla, Jalisco, the Bajío, and other regions of Central and Northern Mexico, and in what today is the American Southwest; evolving to its current, high conical shape, until the very late 19th century. Today, it is primarily worn by the mounted performers in charreria.

While it is believed that the hat has its origins in Europe or that it arrived in Mexico from there with its design already fully developed, this is uncertain, as there is insufficient evidence prior to the 18th century that shows how hats worn by vaqueros looked. Pictorial evidence shows that the hat began to take shape during the 18th century, with a wide variety of styles and forms; and it wasn't until 19th-century Mexico that it acquired its most recognizable characteristics, and finally, by the end of that century, its most familiar and stereotypical form. For many, the hat is a mestizo product of cultural blending, as it is believed to combine indigenous traditions with European elements to suit the needs of Mexican vaqueros.