The Real Reason Tim McGraw Always Wears Hats

Many celebrities are known for things beyond what they do for a living. For instance, there are stars that wear trademark pieces that become pretty much inextricable from their identities. For starters, Michael Jackson probably couldn't perform the moonwalk that well if he didn't sport his singular glove and white socks. For John Lennon, would he even be remotely recognizable without his iconic round glasses?

The artists of today are no different. Grammy-nominated singer Sia is known to wear big black and white wigs with bows that cover half her face when she's working so her true identity remains largely unknown. Early in rapper Nelly's career, he would always wear a small white bandage on his cheek to conceal an injury, and it later became synonymous with his image.

In Tim McGraw's case, it's all about the hats. Boy, does this country singer adore all sorts of headgear. But contrary to popular belief, McGraw doesn't don hats purely for the sake of fashion.

In 2014, Tim McGraw gained recognition for his adoration for hats. The "Live Like You Were Dying" singer had been inducted into the Headwear Hall of Fame thanks to his hats being part of his "signature style," per People. But while the country artist does have an affinity for hats, he admitted that there's an underlying reason as to why he wears them all the time.

"Of course the cowboy hat is who I am in my music, but I've never been real comfortable with the way I looked without a hat," McGraw confessed to People. "I have what I call a 'fivehead.' I don't have a forehead, I have a 'fivehead.' I always felt that I had a really big head."

While there's no question that McGraw knows how to rock a hat, it's surprising to learn he wears them to make him feel better about his image. The good news is he's gradually learning how to be at peace with his flaws. "But that's one of those things about getting older," he added. "You get more comfortable with yourself."

Another surprising thing about Tim McGraw and his relationship with hats is he doesn't even own that many. Sure, he's been spotted wearing various cowboy hats, caps, berets, and even beanies, but for a man known for never stepping foot outside without a hat, his personal collection of headwear is quite small.

In a 2014 interview with Taste of Country, the country superstar explained he doesn't believe his hats are one-and-done accessories. "I don't have a lot [of hats]. I try to stick with one for a long time," he confessed.

He doesn't even invest much in his hats, either. "I don't pay very much for my cowboy hats. I wear a black straw hat made by Resistol," McGraw told Esquire in August. "It takes about three shows to really sweat through it to fall into place and start looking good. And then I'll wear it three months longer than I should just because I don't want to break in a new one." It's clear the country crooner takes his hats quite seriously.