Sorry to disagree with you, TexasBred, but it seems to me many of the 'real' ranchers and cowboys were trained by their mothers at very young ages to take care of their hats and all other clothing.
That training included cleaning their clothing and all items of their gear, right down to polishing their boots which not only makes them look nice, but preserves the leather, as best they could because money was/is hard to come by and everything had to be worn as long as possible then handed down to someone else.
Maybe most importantly, it showed pride in ones upbringing by observing at least minimal social graces, such as bathing, combing your hair, table manners and saying "please, thank you, yes maam, no maam", etc. which most families, no matter their circumstances, prided themselves upon once upon a time!
Intended more kindly than it may sound, but the 'ranch grunge' look just doesn't set will with this granddaughter, daughter, mother, and grandmother of REAL COWBOYS and GIRLS. There's no shame in getting dirty as the job necessitates, only in not doing ones best to clean off some of the evidence before going to town!
mrj
