Significant outfit of a cowboy
Their company expanded later on continuously with the groups of new immigrants from Europe, and then they were joined in large numbers by freed African Americans and Native Indians. Each group contributed its own elements to the well-known appearance of cowboys (and later cowgirls). Everyone who became a cattle driver brought along the traditions of their own people, which manifested in the purpose and decoration of primarily practical clothing items.
These elements then acquired a distinct American flavor and shaped the later cowboy style that we still recognize today.
Let's go through, one by one, the components of an authentic cowboy attire and toolkit!
On their heads, they wore Western hats made of leather or stiff canvas, with wide brims that protected them from the scorching sun and the branches of bushes. Numerous styles are known, some of which bear similarities to sombreros and military hats of the time.
On their faces, they wore cotton bandanas, called "bandannas," which protected them from dust storms and heat, and also absorbed sweat in hot weather.
As pants, they wore denim or coarse canvas trousers that shielded their legs from injuries while riding, and the softer inner seams aimed to prevent chafing and blistering on their thighs.
As further protection for their pants, they also put on leather garment-like pieces called "chaps," which safeguarded against scratches from branches and provided safety when dealing with moving animals.
They secured this garment, consisting of two pant legs and a waist section that held them together, with a sturdy leather belt worn over their trousers. Often, the belt was adorned with a belt buckle resembling a traditional symbol.
Their lower legs were protected by Western boots, whose pointed toes facilitated entry into the stirrups, and the spurred, raised heels aided in maintaining their position while working. The boot toes were frequently safeguarded by a boot tip to prevent damage to the material.
Their gloves were often made of deerskin to maintain dexterity while handling rough ropes, tools, and vegetation.
Their upper bodies were typically covered by long-sleeved Western shirts, and the festive versions often featured decorations in vibrant colors and folk motifs characteristic of the region and national roots.
Depending on the weather, they often wore leather vests and jackets, or the long canvas coat called a "duster." The duster protected both themselves and their attire from the dust storms, while its long rear slit allowed freedom of movement during all-day rides.
As time passed, cowboys increasingly adorned their attire with accessories such as the American bolo tie made of braided leather strands and a metal ornament, boot chains, or collar embellishments.
These clothing items, as well as the accessories, greatly reflected the uniqueness of the respective region and, of course, the individuality of the wearers.
In addition to these, their demanding work and the harsh world they lived in required numerous other items that are inseparable from the cowboy image – think of the Colt tucked into their holster or the lasso tied to the saddle. However, we will talk about these separately later, as each of them deserves its own story...
