In the days of the Wild West, cowboys didn't choose their attire with the idea of making a fashion statement. Instead, each item of clothing served a practical purpose. The life of a cowboy usually involved a lot of physical work done in the hot, unforgiving climate. In short, a cowboy rounding up cattle on a ranch would've had little need for extraneous pieces of clothing. An item of attire had to be durable enough to withstand the dust-filled winds as well as the heat. When a cowboy in the Wild West purchased an item of clothing, it was definitely put to the test.
Cowboy Hat
Many people refer to a cowboy hat as a, "ten gallon hat." The extra room in the round body of the hat allowed for a little bit of air to circulate above its wearer's head. In addition, some cowboys had the habit of filling a hat with water and then putting it on. This was an easy way to cool off in the heat. A cowboy hat also has a wide brim, which was useful as protection from the sun.
Cowboy Boots
A leather boot worn by a cowboy working on a ranch generally had a toe shape that made putting a foot in the stirrup of a saddle a quick, smooth process. When pulled on, a cowboy boot usually hit a man just below the knee. A particular pair of boots proved useful to a cowboy if they could endure extreme heat, rocks, dust, walks through creeks, and long periods of horseback riding. The fit of the boots and the reasonable amount of comfort they offered for a day's work were both significant factors.
Spurs
A spur is a rounded piece of metal worn on a cowboy boot. One can be fastened to the back of a cowboy boot's heel. The design of a spur includes a sharp point or edge that a cowboy of the Wild West would poke into the side of his horse causing it to move faster. In many instances, when cowboys dismounted and walked along the ground, the spurs would make a ringing metal sound with each footstep.
Chaps
Chaps were an especially useful part of a Wild West cowboy's attire. The construction of a pair of chaps consists of two long pieces of leather joined at the waist. They are fastened overtop a pair of pants. Chaps were used to protect a cowboy's pants from rips and other fabric damage encountered during a long period of riding. Consequently, if a cowboy rode through heavy brush filled with sharp branches the chaps would shield his pants from damage.
Bandana
A cowboy's bandana was certainly a helpful item on a hot day of riding and work. A bandana is a square piece of fabric that a cowboy wore loosely around his neck. This item made of lightweight material was used by a cowboy to wipe away sweat as well as remove dust from his face and neck. In fact, on a day when the dust was particularly thick in the air a cowboy might cover his mouth and nose with a bandana for protection.
Gun Holster
A cowboy's gun holster was made of dark leather and served the purpose of holding his gun securely at his side. The holster was generally attached to a belt worn by the cowboy. Plain gun holsters were available as well as ones with intricate designs. In the exciting days of the Wild West, a gun holster was only useful to a cowboy if it allowed for easy access to the gun inside it.
The practical qualities of the attire worn by the cowboys of the Wild West reveal something about the lives they lived. A cowboy needed durable clothing to help him meet the sometimes dangerous challenges of everyday existence.
Article written by Janice D. McDonald