Americans have been captivated by the romance of the cowboy and his lifestyle for decades. In many parts of our country, the western dress is still de rigeur for both work and social settings. You may not be of this sort of background, but you may still wish to capture a bit of the look of the cowboy or cowgirl.
Let’s take a look at the foundational pieces of the western wardrobe.
1. Denim, denim, and more denim
Every cowboy and cowgirl wear jeans, but not just any jeans will do. Western brands such as Wrangler, Ariat, and Cinch produce jeans with the right look and features. Essentially, western jeans have few adornments and are longer and wider in the lower leg to accommodate cowboy boots.
Ladies may also look to denim skirts, and any self-respecting cowboy or cowgirl needs a well-worn denim jacket in their closet. Gentlemen can rock denim head to toe for the “Texas tuxedo” look.
2. Cowboy boots
This may be the first piece of the western uniform to come to your mind. Cowboy boots are available in several standard styles such as true cowboy, stockman, roper, and western work.
Calfskin is the most commonly-used leather, but they’re produced in a wide variety of exotic skins including lizard, ostrich, and caiman (crocodile).
You likely associate a cowboy boot with a thin toe. This style was intended to get the boot into a stirrup easily, and while it’s the style you’ll most often see, there are a wide variety of cowboy boot toe shapes on the market.
3. Cowboy hat
A beautiful cowboy hat can be a real showstopper. The shape and brim are intended to protect the cowboy or cowgirl from sun and rain, but the styling has become a functional piece of art. Hats are constructed from straw for warmer weather and more informal situations and felt for cool/cold weather and formal events.
Felt is a blend of rabbit and beaver fur; as the content of beaver fur increases, the prices typically increase.
Proper hat sizing is critical, and you’ll want to visit a local western shop to get it just right.
4. Western shirts
A proper western shirt is distinguished by a stylized yoke and front pockets. Pearl snap buttons are another common feature. You’ll need to pick up a few in denim and twill fabrics to mix up your look.
If you want to take the look a step further, look for shirts with fringe or rhinestone adornments.
5. Western belt
Your belt can be straightforward leather, or it can be adorned with silver/nickel details or branding. If you choose an exotic leather for your boots, you’ll want to find a matching leather belt.
Of course, your belt will need to be made to accommodate a large belt buckle.
6. Accessories
Your choice of the belt buckle is the most personal and expressive choice in your western wardrobe. You may choose a buckle reflective of your accomplishments, your beliefs, or something unique and whimsy.
Outside of the buckle and possibly a western-styled wallet, men are somewhat limited when it comes to western accessories.
Women, on the other hand, may choose from a wide range of lovely jewelry. Sterling silver and turquoise pair brilliantly and instantly call to mind the American West.
Conclusion
Depending on your location and the level of your propensity for social risk, you may wish to go all-in with your western wardrobe, or you may wish to add one or two items to a more conventional outfit to evoke a more subtle touch of the West.
Either way, you’ll be tapping into a beautiful and romantic expression of American style.
