Sombreros originated in Spain and were brought to the Americas by Spanish settlers in the 16th century. They quickly became popular among the natives and were adopted by many indigenous cultures in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. Sombreros were designed to provide shade from the sun, and they often featured wide brims and high crowns. They were also used as a form of self-expression and could be decorated with various embroidery, beads, and other embellishments. Over time, sombreros have become an iconic symbol of Mexican culture and are recognized around the world.