The Open Road Awaits

There’s something about the Stetson Open Road that just feels timeless. Maybe it’s because I grew up seeing my grandfather wear one, the brim tilted just right, as natural a part of him as his boots or his handshake. I guess that love stuck with me—I now own five Open Roads myself: three in felt and two in straw. 

The Open Road is more than a hat; it’s a chameleon. Dress it up with a blazer, and it’s a classic piece of sharp style. Throw it on with a denim jacket or a simple T-shirt, and suddenly it leans casual, perfect for an evening of strumming a guitar on the porch. That’s the magic of this hat—it slips effortlessly between town and country, picking up a bit of dust and character along the way.

Stetson Open Road & Guitar ©2025 Eric Wells Hatheway

This photo, with my Open Road tipped beside my guitar, says it all. It’s a nod to heritage, but also to versatility. The hat can ride along for a day in the sun, a night on stage, or a walk through quiet streets, never looking out of place. 

In a refreshing shift, men are rediscovering the charm of real hats—fedoras, trilbies, and wide-brimmed styles—after years of near-total baseball cap domination. For too long, caps have been the default accessory, blending into every casual outfit. Now, a growing number of men are embracing hats that make a statement, lending a touch of refinement and individuality to their look. It’s a small but noticeable rebellion against the ubiquitous cap culture, bringing classic style back into daily wear.

Maybe that’s why I keep reaching for it—it’s a bridge between the life I remember and the life I’m living, one brimmed in history and music and art.

Stetson Open Road & Guitar ©2025 Eric Wells Hatheway