Western Apparel: A New Look at An Old Style
By Kacy Suther
Despite what history and popular culture dictate, you don't have to be a cowboy to dress up in western wear. That's right. Contrary to popular belief, western apparel isn't just for cowboys anymore. Although it is an expression of the flavor of the Wild West, western wear also gives off a sense of freedom, strength and longevity, and a feeling of home. It makes a statement that is uniquely American, and not many of our fashion genres can do that.
Famous western boot designer Pedro Muņoz once said that cowboys never go for the fanciest cowboy boots, or as they would prefer to call them- western boots. This rule of thumb is certainly not applicable across the board--it was meant to refer to actual cowboys, not urban cowboys or modern young women who choose to incorporate western wear into their wardrobes in an attempt to come up with a conglomeration some might refer to as "cowgirl chic." Real cowboys went for comfort and durability, pieces that could withstand even the harshest wear and tear. But western apparel can be worn solely to make a statement, as well. Cowboy boots, like other aspects of western apparel, can be strictly utilitarian or strictly for show. It's up to you and your personal reasons for dressing up in western wear and cowboy boots.
It is not uncommon, especially these days, to see cowboy boots grazing red carpets, urban sidewalks, and high fashion runways. Today, fashions influenced by western apparel are not just worn by cattle ranchers, banjo players, and people from Dallas; quite the contrary--western influence has become a widely accepted aspect of contemporary American fashion. The fact that so many celebrities love the look, particularly the boots, says something about how well-established western wear is in fashion. Pedro Muņoz has made boots for Tom Cruise, Goldie Hawn, Kevin Costner, Madonna, and Bob Dylan, to name a few.
Cowboys depicted in 1930's and 40's Hollywood westerns popularized items like cowboy boots, blue jeans, belts (belt loops are a 20th century creation) and "smiley face" shirts. Suddenly, normal people began wearing these things to emulate stars like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. The ten-gallon hat made famous by western stars Tom Mix, Tim McCoy, and others, was more of a Hollywood device than something used in reality. They were popular among movie stars and rodeo cowboys but were not used by the working cowboy. Back when western apparel was becoming popular, Americans who lived "back East," went for vacations on dude ranches, bought pairs of denim overalls and brought them home with them. Just an example of how little things that people latch onto can turn into such widespread movements.
About the author
Written by Kacy Suther. Brand name cowboy boots and western wear at The Boot Store online store for western apparel. Ariat boots, Justin boots more at western-wear-store.com .
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