The Mines Hat

Hats off to Mines graduates!

Graduating students who are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremonies held in May 2025 are eligible to order the Mines Hat – a distinctive hat that serves as a symbol of Mines pride.

*Information on this page is for graduating students.

Graduating students (both undergraduate and graduate) who are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremonies held in May 2025 may order the Mines Hat

Two Mines students posing in The Mines Hat in front of Guggenheim Hall.

The Mines Hat FAQs

Who is eligible to buy a hat and how much does it cost?

Graduating students (both undergraduate and graduate) who are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremonies held in May 2025 may order the Mines Hat at a discounted graduating student rate: $35 (plus taxes and fees).

Faculty, staff, and alumni can purchase a hat directly through the vendor for the retail price: $175 (plus taxes and fees).

Alumni: Verify your alumni status to order

Faculty & Staff: Verify your employee status to order

How do I order my hat?

Graduating students can order the Mines Hat through 5 p.m. on May 16, 2025. A link to order will be sent directly to the graduating students.

What’s the deadline to purchase the Mines hat for graduating students?

Orders must be placed by 5 p.m. on May 16, 2025 for graduating students. After this date, if you want to purchase a hat, you must do so through The Cow Lot at the alumni rate of $175 (plus taxes and fees).

The on campus distribution day for fitting and branding will be Thursday, May 1 (Review Day) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Stratton Commons.

Don’t know your hat size or which style to choose? Sample hats and measuring tools will be available at the Front Desk of the Student Center starting in March.
Graduating students can pick up your hat on Thursday, May 1 (Review Day) between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Stratton Commons under the tents.
Please come prepared to show your ticket/receipt of purchase. To expedite the process, remember the hat size and style before coming to the tents.
You will have the option to try your hat on to confirm the fit. If you need to adjust the fit of your hat, the vendor will have trained hat shapers there to custom fit your hat to you.
You will have the option to brand your hat when you pick it up with different Mines logo branding irons. You decide on the brand and the location on your hat at pickup.
We ask for your patience during pickup. If the lines are long, come back at another time. You can go to either tent to pick up your hat, as the process is duplicated in each tent.
Alumni and faculty/staff should plan to pick up their hat at The Cow Lot.

When and where should I pick up my hat?

Graduating students should plan to pick up your hat on campus during Distribution Day (May 1) unless you have extenuating circumstances. If you’re unable to pick it up on May 1, you’ll have three alternative options:

Have Someone Else Pick It Up for You
You can authorize someone else to pick up your hat on campus. They’ll need:

A copy of your ticket/proof of purchase
Your hat size and style
Your branding preferences
Note: With this option, you won’t be able to custom-fit your hat.

Pick It Up at The Cow Lot
For an additional fee, you can pick up your hat in person at The Cow Lot, located at 10890 E 47th Ave, Denver, CO 80239, during business hours.

The Cow Lot charges a $20 fee for in-store pickup, branding, and sizing.
Your $35 (plus taxes and fees) only covers the on-campus pickup option on May 1.
Those choosing in-store pickup will need to pay the $20 labor fee directly to The Cow Lot at the time of pickup.

Have Your Hat Shipped
If you prefer shipping, this option will include additional fees for shipping and handling.

Shipping must be coordinated directly with The Cow Lot after May 1.
The Cow Lot will not have a list of unclaimed orders until after Distribution Day.
Exact shipping costs will be determined by The Cow Lot and paid directly to them.

What customization is available?

The Mines Hat will have a custom liner and a custom sweatband on the inside. You will also have an opportunity to brand your hat with special Colorado School of Mines symbols.

What does the Mines Hat look like?

You’ll have the option to choose either the traditional style (2.5” curled brim, western crown shape with mule kick front and back) or the Western style (4.25” rancher brim, cattleman’s crown). The color shading varies due to the wool used by the manufacturer but will be silver belly. The hats are 100% wool with buckle detail, manufactured by Twister with Mines-branded customizations on the interior (see photos below). Shaping, fitting, and branding provided by The Cow Lot.

What is the backstory of the hat?

This distinctive hat dates back to the 19th century and was a recognizable symbol of engineers working in the mines and an expression of pride for Mines graduates. Hard rock mining engineers in the mid-1800s often wore these hats underground because they repelled water, kept the miner’s head warm, and the brim prevented dripping water from running down their necks. The trapezoidal block also allowed the miners to walk tall under the mine’s timbers. In addition, supervisors out in the field needed something to help others identify them from a distance: “You lookin’ for the engineer? Look for the one over there in the funny hat!”

For decades until the 1970s, Orediggers in their senior year could purchase and wear a low-crown, medium-brim Western-style hat, with a design traced back to the mining industry. The Senior Stetson was a great source of pride for many Mines graduates as it was both a sign of their engineering profession and their accomplishment of becoming a Mines graduate. Many graduates from that era still have and display their Senior Stetsons, and a few even wear them to Mines events.

As part of the Mines sesquicentennial anniversary celebration, the tradition returned with the graduating class of 2024. Given continued interest from students, the hat is being offered again.