sombrero

A sombrero is a traditional wide-brimmed hat associated with Mexico and other Spanish-speaking regions. The word comes from Spanish sombrero, meaning “hat,” which in turn derives from sombra, “shadow.” Sombreros are designed to shade the face, neck, and shoulders from sun and rain, and they vary in size and shape. A classic Mexican sombrero features a tall, often conical or pinched crown and a very wide brim, sometimes with decorative bands or a bound edge. Materials range from straw, especially palm or reed for lighter summer versions, to felt made from wool or fur for sturdier wear. Regional variants emphasize different crown heights and brim widths; the sombrero de charro is a formal form with a tall crown and broad brim.

Historically, sombreros were worn by farmers, ranchers, and horsemen to protect themselves from sun and rain. In modern times they are widely associated with Mexican folk culture and mariachi performances, and they appear in art, tourism, and fashion as a cultural symbol. While strongly linked to Mexico, similar wide-brimmed hats exist in other parts of Latin America, sometimes with different names.

In other contexts, the term sombrero appears in astronomy in reference to the Sombrero Galaxy (M104), named for its hat-like appearance.

See also: Sombrero Galaxy.