Where has the Sombrero Gone?

[dropcap2]T[/dropcap2]he literal translation of sombrero is ‘shader,’ and for good reason. It is the ultimate shade hat. Interestingly, try to find one in the United States and 9 out of 10 google hits will bring back the “Tequila Pop N’ Dude” costume. But don’t worry, you can choose between the drunk, fat guy version or the female “Sexy Shooter.” (Which, because it includes less fabric, is appropriately priced $15 less.)

In Spanish, sombrero typically refers to any hat with a brim, so an on-line shopper would expect to be able to find some nice contemporary options available to satisfy their sombrero urgings, the empty ache in their soul for head shade. But no. Surprisingly, no one really wears the sombrero anymore, unless its Halloween or you’re in a Mariachi band (or you’re the “Tequila Pop N’ Dude” on spring break).

I think that’s a shame. The sombrero is the definition of a working-man’s hat. It’s functional, affordable and sustainable. As a granola I love it. As a redneck I realize that the sombrero may cut down significantly on the redness of my neck, but it will also cut down on the number of skin cancer tumors I have removed later in life. So overall, it’s a win.

If celebrities can get away with hats like these, then why isn’t anyone daring enough to bring back the sombrero? This is genuine culture people. There’s the revolucion, the culebra, the Tamaulipas, de Huasteca, and de Veracruz. This is a revolutionary trend waiting to happen.

So who will join me? This next week (as soon as the mini-ice-age around here recedes) I’m driving myself to the one spot in Ft. Worth that appears to have a selection of sombreros, and picking me out a dandy. And if I can’t find one locally I’ll resort to the one site on the internet that’s still putting out some pretty good sombreros. Whichever way it goes down, you won’t want to be left behind.[divider]

So Viva la Revolucion, and viva el sombrero! I expect to see some pictures from you trend setters real soon.