McKinney Hat Company: Texas Tradition with a Personal Touch

In 1865 an enterprising young man with a pioneer spirit found himself braving the wilds of Colorado.  Hoping to try his luck in the booming west he trekked through vast rugged terrain and battled the elements of the Rocky Mountains.  Always a problem solver he handcrafted headwear that would keep the rain and snow off of his face and neck, a skill passed to him by his hat making father.  Using high quality beaver fur to create the felt he needed he designed a hat that could offer protection from the fierce western sun and the unpredictable weather.  It didn’t hurt that it looked pretty good too.  Soon, others took notice of the practicality and quality, and when one man offered him $5 for the hat, a sum equal to around a hundred dollars today, the first Stetson hat was sold.  That moment around a Colorado campfire would ignite a revolution in western headwear, and forever make the name of John B. Stetson synonymous with the American West.  

That same spirit that gave birth to Stetson hats is a familiar one for Brad Jolly.  After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 2020 he headed to Texas, where he helped founder Mike Buchanan open the McKinney Hat Company.  More than a mere change of scenery, Brad knew he was jumping headfirst into Texas tradition, joining forces with Mike to make sure the cowboy hat continues to be more than a fashion accessory, but an identity. Together they have built a business where every customer leaves with more than just a hat—they leave with a story, a connection, and a piece of Texas heritage.

“You can buy a hat on the internet,” says Brad, “You can even buy our hats on the internet.  But a hat is a very personal thing.  You really need to come in and experience the process, see what fits you and if it says what you want it to say about you.”  Mike echoes that sentiment, “A hat opens doors.  I’ve been overseas and invited into restaurants and engaged in conversations because of the hat.  There’s something that says you’re friendly, I like to think it’s the good guys that wear hats.”

The birth of an Icon

To understand why McKinney Hat Company is so special, you first have to understand the cowboy hat itself. More than just headwear, the cowboy hat has long been a symbol of the rugged, independent spirit that defines Texas. After John B. Stetson created the first “Boss of the Plains” hat, designed to withstand the harsh elements of the West, cowboys were quick to voice their need for a hat that could handle the blistering sun, torrential rain, and high winds of the open plains, and Stetson’s design did just that.  Soon, the cattle drives from Texas made the cowboys, and their Stetsons, famous in the developing United States.

It wasn’t long before the cowboy hat evolved into something greater than mere protection from the elements. It became a fashion icon, even a part of the character, for Western legends Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill, and Calamity Jane. By the 1940s and 50s, Hollywood had elevated the cowboy hat to legendary status, with stars like John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and Gary Cooper donning them in the golden age of Western films. The Lone Ranger, in his white Stetson hat, inspired boys all over early 1950’s America.  After a decline in sales and some financial difficulty in the 60’s and 70’s, the 1980’s welcomed a resurgence in cowboy hat popularity, thanks in large part to Urban Cowboy, the film that sent a wave of Western fashion sweeping across the nation. John Travolta in a cowboy hat was all it took for Americans coast to coast to embrace the look.

And let’s not forget Indiana Jones. Though his famous fedora wasn’t a cowboy hat, or even a Stetson, the Indiana Jones films solidified the appeal of wide-brimmed hats as symbols of adventure, daring, and independence.  Ronald Reagan on his California ranch in a white Stetson symbolized American strength, the “good guys” once again coming to the aid of the less fortunate.  The 1980’s country music scene dominated American pop culture, with George Strait in his Resistol cowboy hat and straight off the ranch demeanor recording 17 number one hit in the decade.

Though not born in Texas, the cowboy hat became synonymous with the state.  As ranches and rodeos became a part of the Texas fabric the iconic cowboy hat stood out.  Later, as oil became the great natural resource in the state, oil barons stepped out of the fields, changed in to a suit, but kept their hats on their heads where they belonged.  J.R. Ewing became a recognizable character all over the world as the CEO of Ewing Oil on the television series Dallas, a show famously set at Southfork Ranch, right here in Collin County.  There’s something a bit thrilling about watching a Texas State Trooper step out of his vehicle and put on his Ranch Tan cowboy hat — as long as his red and blues aren’t flashing behind you when he does it.  Even today, the famous Texas Rangers, still wear the white hat, a symbol of the force for justice, honor, and relentless defense of good in the state.  Stetson itself recognized how Texas had claimed the hat as its own and eventually moved their entire production to Longview and Garland.  Indeed, the cowboy hat itself has become just as recognizably Texas as the Alamo or a longhorn steer.

Craftsmanship and Character

This is the legacy that Mike and Brad continue to carry forward. Today, cowboy hats aren’t just for ranchers and rodeo riders. They’re a fashion statement, framing the famous faces of Beyoncé,  Kim Kardashian, and Hailey Bieber, and making appearances on the red carpet of the MET Gala.  More than a cultural icon, cowboy hats are a deeply personal piece of craftsmanship. McKinney Hat Company honors this tradition while bringing it into the modern era. “The hat isn’t just for cowboys anymore,” Brad said. “It’s become a way to express independence and individuality. Our customers come from all walks of life, and they want a hat that tells their story.”

One of the unique things that sets McKinney Hat Company apart from other hat shops is the level of customization they offer. Every hat carried in the store whether Stetson, Resistol, or Charlie 1 Horse, is crafted with the same care and attention to detail as it would have been over a hundred years ago. At least one hundred pairs of hands touch the hat from the time the fur comes in to the factory until is is ready to ship out all over the world from Garland. The process begins with high-quality felt or straw, often made from animal fibers like beaver, rabbit, or hare. Each material is chosen for its durability, water resistance, and texture—making it perfect for the Texas climate.  It is formed, shaped, styled, and packaged in a process not too different from how they were first produced in the late 1800’s and even using some of the same original tools and equipment.

However, the real magic happens when you step inside McKinney Hat Company itself. Mike, Brad, and their team take their time with each customer, ensuring that every hat is a perfect fit—both literally and figuratively. “We spend time with each person, getting to know their personality, their preferences,” Brad said. “Each hat reflects that. It’s not just something they wear; it’s a part of who they are.” Customers choose everything from the material and shape to personal touches like hatbands, initials, or even custom branding.  “We’ve had customers who come in with a picture in their head of the perfect hat, and we work with them to bring that vision to life. When they leave, they’re not just taking home a piece of Texas history—they’re taking something that reflects their own identity.”

McKinney and Hats: A Perfect Match

McKinney Hat Company couldn’t have picked a better place to call home than McKinney, Texas, a town that honors its past while embracing modern growth. McKinney is the perfect reflection of what Mike and Brad aim to do with their business: preserve a beloved tradition while moving forward into the future. “McKinney has this incredible history,” Brad explained. “People come here because they want to feel that connection to the past, and that’s exactly what we offer in the shop. Every hat we sell has a story, and it’s tied to this place.”

The reception McKinney Hat Company has received from its neighbors on the square comes as no real surprise.  “There are so many unique places downtown and it draws so many different kinds of people and we have hats for all of them,” emphasizes Brad.  The fashion hats and fedoras sit alongside the western style hats appealing to a wide variety of clientele. Not only has McKinney Hat Company been welcomed in to the community downtown but it takes pride in contributing to the culture of Collin County as well.

Customers range from local ranchers to tourists who are visiting Texas for the first time. Whether it’s a lifelong Texan looking for a new work hat or a tourist from California wanting to take home a piece of Texas culture, McKinney Hat Company delivers. And the shop’s appeal isn’t limited to Texas. “We’ve had people come from all over—New York, California, the United Kingdom, you name it,” says Brad, “and they’re always amazed by the experience. They think they’re just coming in to buy a hat, but by the time they leave, they’ve created something truly unique.”

The company’s success is a testament to its focus on relationships. “We don’t just sell hats,” Mike explained. “We build relationships. We get to know our customers, learn their stories, and that’s what makes this business so special.  It’s also what makes it so fun.”

A Legacy Lives On

In an age dominated by fast fashion and mass production, McKinney Hat Company stands as a beacon of artisanal craftsmanship. More and more, consumers are turning away from cheap, disposable products and seeking out small businesses that prioritize quality, sustainability, and tradition. Mike and Brad’s commitment to craftsmanship taps into this larger trend.  Customers enjoy being part of the process of finding the perfect hat, in the perfect place, with the perfect people to help them do it.  From a broad perspective, it is a desire for connection—for authenticity—felt by consumers and fulfilling that wish is what has helped McKinney Hat Company thrive. Customers aren’t just looking for a product—they’re looking for an experience, a connection to something bigger than themselves. And that’s exactly what Mike and Brad deliver, even taking the show on the road to corporate events, conferences, weddings, or charity fundraisers.  

As McKinney Hat Company moves into the future, Mike and Brad are committed to keeping the tradition of cowboy hat-making alive while embracing new opportunities for growth. Whether through new customization options, collaborations with other local businesses, or simply continuing to build relationships with their customers, the future looks bright.

“We want to keep growing, but we’ll never lose sight of what makes this business special,” Mike said. “It’s the relationships, the craftsmanship, and the love for what we do.”

Brad echoed this sentiment, adding, “Every hat we make is a piece of history, a connection to Texas and its culture. We’re proud to be part of that legacy.”

At the end of the day, McKinney Hat Company isn’t just selling cowboy hats—it’s crafting memories, preserving history, and building relationships. Mike Buchanan and Brad Jolly have taken the timeless symbol of the cowboy hat and turned it into something deeply personal for each customer who walks through their doors.

In an overwhelmingly disposable world, McKinney Hat Company offers something rare: craftsmanship that lasts, relationships that matter, and a connection to a tradition that will never fade.  Everyone that walks in to McKinney hat company, finds the perfect hat, and walks out the door with it proudly atop their head leaves with a story, a memory, and a piece of Texas they can wear with pride.  Maybe even more incredible than that, they add yet another chapter to the incredible legend of the great American West.