Luke Grimes Told Me How Cowboy Hats Are Picked For Yellowstone Characters, And My Mind Is Blown

Luke Grimes Told Me How Cowboy Hats Are Picked For Yellowstone Characters, And My Mind Is Blown

As a long-time fan of Westerns and a passionate gamer with a soft spot for Yellowstone, this latest revelation about the significance of the cowboy hats in the show has sent my excitement levels soaring to new heights. I’ve always admired how the hats become an extension of each character, subtly weaving their storylines and personalities into every frame.


In many instances for the actors in the Yellowstone series, their cowboy hats serve not just as wardrobe items but as integral aspects of their characters. From Rip’s iconic black hat to Kayce’s worn-out cowboy hat, for certain characters, their headgear is a crucial element defining their identity. Given this significance and with the final episodes of Yellowstone’s fifth season fast approaching in the 2024 TV schedule, I posed a question to Luke Grimes regarding this essential component of his costume and the process behind its selection.

As a devoted admirer of Westerns, I’ve always been intrigued by the diverse array of cowboy hats and their symbolism. During my chat with Luke Grimes, the talented actor who plays Kayce on Yellowstone, I seized the opportunity to delve into the story behind his hat. Given that several members of the Yellowstone cast have sported the same cowboy hats since they first appeared on screen, I was eager to learn more about how their hats were chosen.

Initially, it was revealed that the black cowboy hat often worn by Kayce, which on rare occasions gets swapped out for a baseball hat or another cleaner cowboy hat, has been with him all along. This detail is consistent with Taylor Sheridan’s meticulous approach to his storytelling in ‘Yellowstone’. As Grimes shared with me:

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate Taylor’s meticulous attention to detail when it comes to the main cast in Westerns. The choice of cowboy hat colors and shapes has always been an integral aspect of these stories. In many ways, the man wearing a black cowboy hat contrasts with those sporting lighter hues, each choice subtly revealing character traits that are deeply rooted in the genre’s classic themes. It’s a fascinating element that adds layers to the narrative and enhances our understanding of the characters.

As a devoted admirer, I’d say it’s undeniably true that the show, Yellowstone, masterfully employs symbolism. Following Topped Hats’ interpretation, black hats symbolize power and authority, while white ones signify heroes. Yet, in Yellowstone, these roles are somewhat flipped. However, the essence of power and heroism is still evidently present.

Luke Grimes Told Me How Cowboy Hats Are Picked For Yellowstone Characters, And My Mind Is Blown

Grab Rip’s hat; it’s black, and he always dons dark clothing. His actions could be seen as villainous in some aspects, but everything he does is ultimately for the sake of preserving the ranch. By the way, in the upcoming season of 1923, Harrison Ford’s character, Jacob Dutton, occasionally wears a white hat, and he travels to Montana with the intention of saving the ranch following his brother and sister-in-law’s demise. It’s worth mentioning that Season 2 of Yellowstone is also on the list of upcoming shows.

So, with all that in mind – and this is where things get mindblowing – Grimes went on to say that the hats had been hand-picked by Sheridan and his team before they started filming:

[Taylor Sheridan] essentially decided on our cowboy hats for us. Of course, there are other clothing items such as my personally chosen boots, but the hats were more or less specified in the script.

I enjoy how the hats seem integral to the storyline, as I’ve always perceived them as an essential aspect of the characters.

For Kayce, his black hat is very old and dirty, as Grimes explained to me:

Without a doubt, that hat appears to be the filthiest one among all in the show. I’m not certain if you’ve taken notice of this, but after quite some time, it seems more like an aged artifact than a simple hat, given its extreme dirtiness.

Luke Grimes Told Me How Cowboy Hats Are Picked For Yellowstone Characters, And My Mind Is Blown

In the series, Kayce can be seen as the underdog among the family, due to his strained relationship with his father previously and being the only Dutton sibling to receive the Y brand. Yet, he manages to mend ties with the ranch and appears poised to inherit it. To me, the development of his hat symbolizes his journey as Kayce grapples with finding his place within this family and works tirelessly to safeguard them.

Intriguingly, the details on how cowboy hats are chosen in Yellowstone left me quite astounded. Without a doubt, I’ll be pondering over these facts as I eagerly await the new episodes premiering on the Paramount Network from November 10th. Additionally, I plan to revisit the old seasons with my Peacock subscription, keeping an eye out for those hats and deciphering what they might reveal about the characters who wear them.

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2024-10-09 22:37