Gearing Up To Be A Cowboy

Cowboy attire, sometimes called Western wear, started out as a practical need for cowboys for protection against the difficulties of their job - the heat, the dust and sand, natural brush and plants in the area and of course tending the cattle.

However, these days, cowboy wear and its distinctively western style has grown outside the practical need to be properly clothed, rather, it has become a fashion statement that projects style, strength and sexiness.

But originally, most of the items and the uses for the items stemmed from the Mexican cowboys, though some also come from other cultures who are part of the greater cowboy trend, including Native Americans and Mountain Men, who also contributed to the basic cowboy get-up.

Here are some of the basics:

Cowboy Hat - a hat, usually made of leather or hide with a wide brim to protect the cowboy from the sun and overhanging branches or brush, and the natural elements, too, of course, is maybe the most indicative of cowboy style. Even in today's fashion scene, any attire can be considered "cowboy inspired" if you are sporting a cowboy hat.

But on a more historical level, the modern, and most well-known cowboy hat, the Stetson, was initially influenced by John Stetson, called "Boss of the Plains" who blended design elements from the Mexican sombrero and the hats the Union and Confederate soldiers wore during the Civil War.

Bandanna - usually a large cotton "neckerchief" similar to the kerchiefs worn by women, that has a diverse list of uses starting from the most basic cleaning material for sweat and dirt. It can also be used to mask the face from dust storms or on a blisteringly hot day. In case of accidents, it can be used as a tourniquet or protection for the hands, in the absence of gloves.

In modern and non-working circumstances, the bandanna is more for warmth or just decoration and can even be made of silk.

Cowboy Boots - usually sturdy, leather boots with a high top to protect the lower legs and the trousers from snagging in the bush, in addition to other accessories. These boots are also a staple and very indicative of the cowboy look.

The boots usually have pointed toes to help guide the rider's foot into the stirrup, so he can easily get on the horse. The heels of the shoes are also a bit higher than usual to ensure that the foot of the cowboy does not uncomfortably slip in through the stirrup while the cowboy is on the saddle.

The heels also help the rider from strains on the ankle and the arch of the feet. Lastly, although some cowboys forgo it, spurs are attached to the boots to help the cowboy to cajole the horse into going faster.

Jeans - another cowboy staple, jeans or other very sturdy close fitting trousers made of canvas or denim are usually for protection for the legs against brush, tools, barbed wire and other hazardous things on the field. Jeans that are especially designed for riding have a smooth inside seam so the cowboy will not suffer from blisters in the inner thigh and knee while riding his horse.

Gloves - usually made of deerskin or other soft leathers must be flexible enough for working around thin objects like rope but strong enough against sharp items like barbed wire, tools and for clearing away brush.

These items do show some variation as one moves from one cowboy state to another. In the hotter areas, the hat brim is wider than others and the height of the boots also alter, depending on the environment. But all these are common clothing for cowboys, all generating from their vaquero roots.

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Comments

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 at 11:28 AM, by -o0(GoldTrader)0o-
Cowboy hats are usually made of beaver fur blended with cheaper felt material, straw, and rarely leather. The original like you suggest was called the “Boss of the plains,” and had a 4-inch crown with a wide flat brim to protect against sun and rain. Apparently the design dates back to the Mongolian horsemen who raided Europe.

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