With the release of the Mann-Conomy Update, Unusual quality versions of certain cosmetics have a 1% chance of being 'uncrated' when the player opens a Mann Co. Only players with the premium account type can receive cosmetics randomly through the item drop system. Store (aside from those released with Total War: SHOGUN 2, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, and the QUAKECON Pack). While it is possible to obtain most of these cosmetics via trading with other players, there is no option to buy these cosmetics from the Mann Co. Other cosmetics have been added as promotions for various Steam games and events in the Steam Store.

Multiple cosmetics can only be obtained by completing in-game achievements. Store, some cosmetics are only available to players via other means. While most cosmetics can be obtained through crafting, the item drop system, or bought from the Mann Co. 109 can be obtained in Vintage quality, 204 can be obtained in Strange quality, 289 can be obtained in Genuine quality (see item quality distribution), 78 can be obtained in Collector's quality, and 1092 of the cosmetics can be painted 29 colors using different varieties of Paint Cans.

There are currently a total of 1651 cosmetic items. Several updates have since added additional cosmetics, including those designed by members of the Team Fortress 2 community through the Steam Workshop or the former contribution page on the TF2 Official Website. The nine hats introduced were the Batter's Helmet, the Soldier's Stash, the Pyro's Beanie, the Demoman's Fro, the Football Helmet, the Mining Light, the Prussian Pickelhaube, the Trophy Belt, and the Fancy Fedora.

Valve introduced the first set of nine cosmetics (named hats at that point in time) with the Sniper vs. Cosmetic items (previously known as hats and miscellaneous items) are items that can be equipped in any one of the three cosmetic slots in the loadout screen.

My first jack rabbit demo