Western & Cowboy Americana & Clothing

If you want Western and cowboy clothing that is authentic because it was made in the United States, then you need to purchase "vintage" clothing, from antique shops, Ebay, or online stores like The Velveteen Rabbit.

What is traditional Western wear?

For the cowboy...a bandanna around the neck, Levi's jeans, chaps, slickers, vests, and Stetsons. Then there's hand-made buckskin, petticoats, gingham dresses for the ladies, and so on.

Cowboy boots

Cowboy boots are perhaps the defining articles when it comes to collectors of antique and vintage western clothing. Cowboy boots were designed with pointy toes - the better to fit through a stirrup, and a high heel - the better to be secure on that same stirrup when riding. The shafts of the boot reach to midcalf, which makes it easier to pull on and also protects the ankles and calves from debris.

The stitching on cowboy boots is something to see, as well as the design on the cutouts. Each boot designer had a definitive style, and their offerings can be recognized to this day.

Hats

When people refer to a cowboy hat, more often than not they refer to it as a Stetson, the type of hat designed by John B. Stetson in the 1860s while on a visit to the West. It's a felt hat with a tall crown and very wide brim, and like most things made for the cowboy, it served a dual function - it protected the wearer's eyes from the sun, and could also serve as a water bowl if need be. Interestingly - Stetson's business was based out of Philadelphia!

Clothing

Vintage and antique collectors of clothing have plenty to choose from when it comes to Western wear, from the classic two-toned shirts to fancy vests and string ties of the men to the petticoats and gingham dresses for the ladies.

Accessories

In order to prevent small hats from being blown away in a wind, women took to using hatpins to hold them securely in place. These hatpins became more ornate over time, and are true collectibles today.  For men, it's the stickpin that set off their ties which is the collectible, not to mention gunbelts and guns. Then there's always the arm garters!

In summary, collectors of vintage and antique clothing will enjoy the Western style. Whether this clothing will be proudly displayed behind glass cases, or still worn around the home or ranch, the spirit of the Old West will live.