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COWBOYS OF THE COURT

Myles Turner and Bruce Brown Jr. are bringing a fresh burst of Western style to the NBA—and heading to Texas to find the perfect hat.

Photography by Tyler Ellison

It’s no secret that NBA players have upgraded their off-court attire in recent years (gone are the days of boxy teal green suits). But two players are blazing a particularly stylish trail in the league, showing some strong cowboy-inspired looks at games and on Instagram: Myles Turner, a “proud Texan” who is coming off his best year as the Indiana Pacers’ big man; and Bruce Brown Jr., who grew up “a country boy at heart” in the Boston area, and is now a versatile playmaker for the Denver Nuggets and living his cowboy dreams in Colorado. We invited them down to the world-famous Paris Hatters in San Antonio, TX for custom-fitted and shaped Stetsons (a Sahara Skyline for Turner, a White Shasta for Brown Jr.) and a talk about their styles.

BRUCE BROWN JR.

BRUCE BROWN JR. WEARS THE SHASTA 10X DURING A CUSTOM-HAT
FITTING & SHAPING EXPERIENCE AT PARIS HATTERS IN SAN ANTONIO, TX.

How would you describe your personal style?

If I had to use one word to describe my style, I would say “different.” Nobody dresses like me, and I stay true to who I am and what I like—not necessarily always what the trend is. I’m 1 of 1.

The main hat you’re wearing is the Shasta 10X. What do you like about it?

I like that the Shasta hat can be styled in many different ways and fits great! The custom shape was perfect.

Was this your first time getting a custom-shaped hat? How was the process?

Yes, this was my first time getting a custom-shaped hat, and I can truly say it did not disappoint. Watching the process was a top highlight, and I feel like I need all my hats custom-shaped moving forward.

You’re not just a fan of Western style, but Western lifestyle as well…what makes you a “country boy at heart,” as you’ve said?

I’m into all things country! If you think it’s country, I’ve probably tried it—mudding, country music festivals, you name it. I’ve even cleaned a pigeon coop.

How has living in Colorado been for living that Western lifestyle, anything cool that you’ve done out there that you can tell us about? Ride horses, visit a rodeo, etc?

Since I’ve been in Colorado, I went to the rodeo, and it was super lit, definitely a great experience and I hope I can go back.

MYLES TURNER

MYLES TURNER WEARS THE SKYLINE 6X (TOP) AND BRENHAM 4X (BOTTOM) DURING A CUSTOM-HAT SHAPING EXPERIENCE AT PARIS HATTERS IN SAN ANTONIO, TX.

How would you describe your personal style?

I would describe my personal style as unique and bold. I always like to mix together patterns, colors, and prints to put together an outfit that looks good but that I also feel comfortable in.

The main hat you’re wearing is the Skyline 6X. What do you like about it?

The Skyline 6X has such a traditional look and vibe. It is handmade, and the felt quality is incredible. It adds a timeless Western touch to any outfit and occasion. 

Was this your first time getting a custom-shaped hat? How was the process?

I have a few custom hats, but this was my first experience getting it steamed and shaped. I really enjoyed seeing the old-fashioned machine and seeing the process through.

What do you like about your Stetson custom boots, and how did you first get them?

As a size 18, it’s hard for me to find quality boots in my size. My equipment manager Josh Conder, “Country” as we like to call him, knew I loved Western style and wanted to help me find some boots. He hooked me up through a mutual friend, and I was able to get custom Stetson boots. They represent my style well, and I love to rock them with any outfit.

Growing up in TX, has Western style always been an influence? How do you give it your own spin or flavor?

Being from Texas, Western style has always influenced my overall fashion. I like to stay true to my Texas roots while adding flashy, more modern pieces. For example, I recently wore a Stetson hat into a game but paired it with Jordans, black jeans, and a patterned scarf instead of the traditional Western cowboy look.

PARIS HATTERS

PARIS HATTERS IN SAN ANTONIO, TX HAS BEEN FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1917. ABE, MYRNA, AND ALEXANDRA, PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, KEEP THE TRADITION ALIVE TODAY, OFFERING CUSTOM FITTINGS AND SHAPINGS 7-DAYS A WEEK. HEAD TO PARISHATTERS.COM FOR MORE DETAILS.

At Paris Hatters, now in its 106th year on Main St. in downtown San Antonio, hats are custom shaped and fitted in the old Western tradition. Another tradition—at least for Alexandra Cortez, the fourth generation owner, along with her parents Abe and Myrna—you never know who’s going to walk through the door. 

Their celebrity clientele has included musicians, actors, presidents, and even Pope John Paul II, who was famously photographed in the white Stetson he was gifted. “He’s now considered a saint,” says Alexandra Cortez, “So my mom jokes that we’re the only hatter that has fitted a saint.” Jokes aside, walking into Paris Hatters can feel like a religious experience if you like cowboy hats. Or, as Cortez linkens it, the world’s biggest candy store.

Credit their awe-inspiring selection (including the largest inventory of Stetson styles at a brick-and-mortar), personalized service, and a century of expertise. “People seek us out because we’re the best at getting down to the nitty-gritty of what a customer wants.”

Therefore no eyebrows are raised when a couple of pro basketball stars stop by. And though the day’s order is a particularly tall one (Brown is a stately 6’4”; Turner, a towering 6’11”), it was business as usual for the wizards at Paris Hatters. In fact, the player’s height saved them a step.

“We want the brim to frame their face,” says Cortez. “Nine times out of 10, when a client comes in, we trim the brim for them and sand it down so it looks factory. But for these guys, since they’re so tall, we didn’t have to do any of that.”