Do you want to wear western cowboy style but don’t know where to start? that’s always a confusing point for us. Western wear is in popularity and is now commonly found in all parts of the world, not just the Western US. I’ll show you how to get into the cowboy-inspired grabs without feeling you are dressing like a cowboy.
What did men wear in the old Wild West? Story from ancestors
We’re lucky to know the names and stories of our ancestors going back hundreds of years. Even as a small child, I loved hearing stories of the Wild West escapades of my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th great-grandparents.
One thing that I’ve noticed is that they wear long pants and long sleeves to protect against the shining sun during the day and provide warmth at night. Boots were essential in providing stability and also worked as a barrier from water and mud. All the men wore hats in those days. They were the only way to stay protected from the sun. However, the types of hats varied widely. No matter the variety, hats were highly valued by their owners.
How did Western wear first begin and evolve?
Belt buckles, cowboy hats, Western shirts, and cowboy boots where did these items come from? As you would likely guess based on the name, Western wear originated from the Western cowboy style United States.
The general information that we may know is that the Western cowboy style began in the 1800s when cowboys needed suitable clothing for tough work on farms and trails. So, they usually wore long pants, sturdy boots and wide hats to protect themselves from the sun, dust and weather. Over time, their practical style became popular and people started adding unique details like embroidery, fringes and bold patterns. Today, Western wear has evolved into a mix of traditions.
What clothing pieces are truly “Western”?
Many items fall into the category of “Western wear”. Here are some of the first things that come to mind when you think of a cowboy outfit.
Cowboy Boots
Cowboy boots are an essential part of any Western outfit. They can serve as sturdy work boots for the toughest jobs, or casual boots to wear for a night out on the town. In general, there are three main types of boots. There are boots for riding horses, work, and style.
Horse riding boots will have a taller heel that will help the heel fit into a stirrup better. These boots also will have less fraction on the sole than other boots.
Work boots are the most durable boot type. A lot of them have a steel toe in the front, and they will have a lot of traction on the bottom of the sole.
Dress boots in the cowboy style are known for being made out of exotic leather. Crocodile, ostrich, and snakeskin are just a few materials used. They are usually less durable than other types of boots.
Bolo Ties
Bolo ties while not essential but that is an excellent way of putting a little Western spin on your outfit.
A bolo tie is a metal clasp that is usually adorned with a gem or rock and is tightened around the neck using a cord. It can be worn tight like a necktie, or loose like a necklace.
Belt Buckles
While most belt buckles are a sort of trophy that is won at competitions. they can also be a great addition to your Western look. The big, detailed emblems found on belt buckles are coveted in any Western cowboy-style culture.
Cowboy Hats
Cowboy hats are the staple of Western clothing. There is so much culture and pride that goes into owning a hat. A cowboy hat is a wide-brimmed hat with a generally tall crown. Some brims will roll up on the side, while others are flat.
Straw hats are made for work and being in the sun since they are lighter and more breathable. Felt hats, on the other hand, are made for being worn in colder weather, as they are made of a warmer material.
Western Shirts
Western shirts are button-down shirts with pockets over the chest. Some of them have intricate designs stitched or printed on the shirt, while others are kept very simple.
All Western shirts have a collar, and the decision to button up the top button depends on you and the situation you are wearing it in. Pairing a Western shirt with a bolo tie will give you the full Western experience.
What occasions are perfect for wearing a Western dress?
Western cowboy-style clothing is much more versatile than to be only worn at cowboy-themed parties. Here are a couple of places to wear western clothes.
Western Clothing for Work
Cowboy hats and western cowboy styles shirts can be a great fit on work sites, as they protect your face and body from the sun. They are also made to be lightweight, so they are mostly breathable. Perfect for a hot day outside.
They aren’t reserved for official construction sites if you need an outfit for mowing the lawn or working out in your yard, cowboy boots, hats, and shirts are sure to protect you from the elements while helping get your work done.
Wearing Western Clothing Casually
Wearing western cowboy-style boots or shirts during your daily activities can be a nice touch. Whether it is a night out, a day at school, or rolling into the office all could benefit from some Western spice.
The first step to a nice casual western outfit is a nice pair of jeans. Wranglers or Carhartts are both solid options, but any other brand will work as well.
Three mistakes to avoid when wearing Western outfits
Here are three common mistakes that people make when getting into Western clothing.
Mistake #1: Wearing Pant Legs Inside of Boots
When wearing pants with boots, the pants should always go over the boots. Taking pants into your boots should only be done if you are protecting your pants from getting dirty for a time.
To wear jeans with boots, you will need pants that have a wider cut at the bottom so that they fit over your boots. You will probably want to buy them a bit longer as well so that the bottom of the pant leg rests at the top of your foot.
Mistake #2: Wearing Cowboy Hats Inside
Western Cowboy-style hats have some unspoken etiquette that varies across different regions. One pretty universal rule is to take them off while inside. The only exceptions to this are dances and other Western events.
Mistake #3: Wearing Other People’s Trophy Buckles
One of the main purposes of belt buckles is to serve as a trophy or reward for rodeos and horse competitions. If you find a buckle of this sort, don’t wear it unless you, or a family member, was the one that won it. It’s kind of like “stolen valor” so just don’t do it.
And don’t worry, some buckles are not trophy buckles for people who didn’t win them.
Final Thought
Western cowboy style is a classic style that mixes practically with tradition. By wearing these key pieces, you can show off your style while celebrating the history of the Wild West.
