Western Apparel: Not Solely for the Wild, Wild West

Most of us have had the experience of watching movies about the old American west. And even if you haven't, if you grew up in America, chances are that you've seen at least tidbits of old western movies. Some of us have even played cowboys and Indians, and some of us have even gone through periods (usually during youth) where we wore cowboy boots routinely. Even if you grew up in New England, it is highly likely that you have been exposed to the concept of the "wild wild west" enough to have a good idea of what it all stood for...and it's importance in American culture.

If you think that the whole wild wild west phenomena is all Hollywood, you are correct to an extent. But not to worry--some of what you see is based on truth, it's just not nearly as glamorous in real life. Being a real cowboy means that you're not just a person who looks good in western apparel; it is a lot of really hard work in all kinds of inhospitable conditions. In fact, the actual cowboy lifestyle couldn't be further removed from the romanticized Hollywood version.

One aspect of Hollywood's portrayal of the wild west that carries over to reality is the western apparel that our cowboy heroes wore. Ranches are still full of folks who adorn western wear every day because it's practical and it's functional for the work they do, which does not in any way involve battling the natives or rescuing women. Cowboys have to do arduous, dangerous tasks--and because of that, they require the strength, comfort, and durability that western wear provides. Everything from the cowboy hat to cowboy boots serves a purpose in either protecting the cowboy from any number of perils, or giving him the range of motion he needs on his feet and in the saddle.

While "real" cowboys still wear the straight-legged woven jeans, yoked shirts, belt buckles and cowboy boots, that style is also seen in both street and high fashion looks among the rest of us who exist outside of the minuscule portion of the population that actually does cowboy work. In other words, if you want to wear cowboy boots, you don't need to be on a ranch or out on the range. You can wear them anywhere and anytime you like--just make sure they work well with the rest of your outfit...and luckily, cowboy boots are diverse enough to wear with almost anything.
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