Herradura Hats: Crafting Western Tradition in the Antelope Valley
- Brian Lawrence
- Nov 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 21
LANCASTER, CA — In the western edge of Lancaster, one local craftsman is working to keep a timeless tradition alive. At Herradura Hats, founder Alex Torres is bringing authentic cowboy hat shaping and Western craftsmanship back into the spotlight — one custom-made piece at a time.
A Passion That Started at Home
Alex’s journey began in the most unexpected place: his bedroom. “I used to shape cowboy hats in my bedroom,” he recalls. What started as a hobby quickly grew into something more. After several years of self-taught practice, Alex signed a lease on his first commercial space in February and celebrated his grand opening in June. The shop has now been officially operating for about four months. “I’ve never worked for anyone else. I just picked it up, kept learning, and got better and better,” he said.
“Although rodeo opportunities have diminished in parts of L.A. County, Alex is determined to help revive and maintain the culture for future generations.
Though he didn’t grow up in the Western lifestyle, Alex was drawn to it — especially the craftsmanship behind cowboy hats. Countless hours of research and hands-on practice helped him master the art of shaping, forming the foundation of his business today.
Authentic Craftsmanship Custom-Fit to Every Customer
At Herradura Hats, no two hats are alike. Alex hand-shapes each piece to the customer’s exact head measurements and preferred style. “The point isn’t to make your head fit the hat — it’s to make the hat custom molded to you,” he explains. Once the fit is perfect, he can shape the hat into nearly any style a customer wants, whether it’s inspired by a movie, a family heirloom, or classic rodeo fashion.
Quality Materials From Around the World
While Herradura Hats is proudly local, the materials come from global sources. Alex uses hat bodies from Texas, Mexico, China, and Ukraine, with premium selections sourced mainly from Texas, Mexico, and Italy.
Every part — from the felt to the leather — is selected with longevity and quality in mind. “Cowboy hats aren’t cheap. We want them to be a long-lasting investment,” Alex said.
Promoting and Supporting Rodeo Culture
Alex believes that supporting the rodeo community is essential to preserving Western heritage in the Antelope Valley. “You can’t cultivate rodeo culture without the right tools,” he explains. That’s why Heredera Hats regularly donates saddle pads, belts, boots, protectors, and cowboy hats to rodeo participants.
Although rodeo opportunities have diminished in parts of L.A. County, Alex is determined to help revive and maintain the culture for future generations.
Customer Experience Above All
Whether it’s someone buying their first cowboy hat or a seasoned rodeo athlete, Alex treats every customer with the same level of respect and care.
“I want everyone to have the best experience possible,” he said. “I’ll always educate customers about the quality of the hat and why it’s worth their investment.”
For Alex, building relationships is just as important as shaping hats. Many customers have become friends, and the loyalty runs both ways.
Visit Herradura Hats
Herradura Hats is located at:
90th Street West & Avenue E8 in the Vendor Market Square (next to Van Dam Farms and The Iron Cactus Approximately 15 minutes west of Lancaster)
A Tradition Carried Forward
From shaping hats in his bedroom to running a full workshop, Alex Torres has built Herradura Hats into a cornerstone for Western culture in the Antelope Valley. His commitment to quality, heritage, and community shines in every hat he shapes.
For locals looking for a well-crafted cowboy hat — whether for work, rodeo, or fashion — Alex’s shop offers authenticity and artistry that truly stand out.
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