How to Dress in Western Apparel

By: xdavid

I was born and raised in Texas. In fact, I currently live in San Antonio. Everyday, I see men and women dressed in Versace and Gucci. Of course, I also see cowboy hats, cowboy boots, and rodeo buckles, too. It seems that there is a widespread myth that in Texas, it's the norm to dress in rugged western wear all the time. The fact of the matter is, Texans are actually quite fashionable. Dressing in western apparel is a choice that many individuals make--and most of them do it in a way that is tasteful and stylish.

Don't get me wrong, there is that "real cowboy" look that is not meant to be a fashion statement at all. It is worn out of necessity of one's job. Ranch hands, for instance, wear chaps (a leather garment worn from the belt downward surrounding the legs to protect them from the elements of the range). Chaps are usually worn over a durable pair of woven jeans and cowboy boots. A high quality, long-sleeved cotton shirt is often worn in addition, sometimes with a vest.

Now, the basic Texan style would consist of a bright-colored or pastel long-sleeved shirt, jeans, cowboy boots, a big rodeo buckle and a cowboy hat. This basic western wear style is a fashion statement of sorts, but should not be mistaken for the Rhinestone or Urban Cowboy look that comprises yet another way of dressing in western apparel. At social events here in Texas, you will often see the Rhinestone Cowboy look. This consists of blue jeans, cowboy boots, a rhinestone-studded shirt, a cowboy hat, and often a bolo for good measure.

Native Texans like myself have witnessed a variety of western wear styles come and go over the years, and as far as I can tell in my old age, country and western has gone back to the more traditional look. Like any other fashion style, there are 'do's and don'ts' in western apparel. There is also a detailed etiquette to follow. For instance, a cowboy hat is an accessory, but it is considered a necessity to finish off the western wear look. But before you just go out and buy a hat, you should know the rules about them as they apply here in the Lone Star State. First, you never set a hat upside down. Put it on a peg--that way, it won't get dirty. Second, never put your hat on top of a bed. It's bad luck! Third, you have to practice putting your hat on with your three fingers holding the crease. Once you perfect that technique, you can put your hat on in true cowboy fashion.

Written by Melanie River. 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