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The History of Western Wear

For most Americans, there is something really special about western wear- cowboy boots in particular. The majority of people aren't sure why they feel a connection to this imagery, and this is true for people who never found western apparel appealing for their own personal style. You might suppose that it is just the reminder of the Old West and the romantic connotations that it has for many people. For those living in today's society, that imagery was most likely provided by movies- the dusty movie stars standing on their land, a "good woman" at their side.

The West stands for strength of character and for perseverance. Western wear is what was worn to conquer the unknown, to brave the dangers of lands uncharted. Cowboy boots, hats, and denim jeans have all become the foundation of purely American apparel. Amusingly, many visitors from overseas in years past have arrived in large cities on the East Coast, only to be disappointed to discover that Americans don't actually dress like cowboys and cowgirls. It is a style that truly felt unique and separate from the European settlements that came before.

So, here's the magic of cowboy boots- they were developed as a result of the changing needs of the American cowboy. Riding boots have existed for prior centuries, so it's less the actual item and more the style of the item that counted. For one, cowboy boots had a remarkably higher shaft than their predecessors, which were actually cavalry boots. The height of the boot served several purposes. One, it protected the ankle and lower leg from rubbing against the stirrups on a western saddle. It also protected the cowboy in dismounting the horse from elements such as rattlesnakes, brush, thorns and rocks. When in water, the high shaft prevented mud and water from finding their way into and filling up the boot. Even more importantly, the tall, wide shaft prevented riders from being dragged behind their horses should their boot become tangled in the stirrup. The weight of the rider's body is enough to pull the foot from the boot in case of such an emergency.

The cowboy boot did not stop developing there. Today there also exists what is known as a roper boot. These boots were developed to cater to the needs of rodeo riders, especially for those in the event of calf-roping. These boots have a lower heel that allow the rider to run more easily, as this can be just as essential as riding in such an event. Some have added lacing to the shorter shafts of these boots, but there is debate regarding the safety of this. The lacing may actually increase the chances of the boot getting caught in the stirrup if it were not smooth, and the boot no longer has the ability to slide off in the event that a rider is dragged. This is something that will likely work itself out in time. For now, riders have not only these styles to choose from, but they can have a rounded toe, a pointed toe, stylish stitching or cutouts. They can buy boots in just about any leather and dyed to be any color. There's a vast array of choices when it comes to this versatile staple of western apparel.

Article Source: http://blisspublisher.com

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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