In 1952, Arthur A. Callister began trading wool with his father in a little shop on Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, Utah. Noticing how many customers were in need of quality tack to outfit themselves and their horses, AA Callister's Western Wear and Tack was born! Over 50 years and many satisfied customers we are still a family owned tack shop still located on the original site. We are proud to represent the traditions and lifestyles that made the West famous. We are also proud to feature some of the finest tack, clothing, and equipment made. Come live part of the American West today!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Quick History of Western Wear


Western wear apparel came in to being during the 19th century. It was worn by now famous cowboys such as Wyatt Earp and Billy the Kid. While the styles worn back there are different than western wear worn today, it founded the styles that have evolved today.

Western wear began with plain origins. Simple trousers had canvas tucked in them to keep their legs from chaffing and their pants from wearing down. They also wore cotton shirts that were simple, with no collar so they could easily slide the shirts on and off.

Bandannas were an important accessory. They kept cowboys safe from the elements. It protected their necks from the sun, and protected their wind pipes from dust storms while out on the plains.

Cowboy hats were another essential accessory. Cowboy hats also provided a lot of protection from the heat of the sun. It was also a handy drinking cup whenever they ran across a stream or watering hole.

These simple styles remained for some time. It was revived when Hollywood began making Western movies. Western wear styles became popular once more thanks to movie stars such as John Wayne.

The public started wearing western style clothing more regularly starting in the 1960s. Cowboy items were making their way in to general stores and people who were not cowboys began making fashion statements with cowboy attire. Even the Beatles wore cowboy boots and cowboy hats.

The apparel became even more popular once Nashville musicians began wearing them in concerts and music videos. While these stars are obviously not cowboys, but musicians, they brought a new dimension to western wear attire. Distressed leather, and more varieties of cowboy boots and hats were introduced in a more trendy style.

Currently there are hundreds of different styles of western attire available. You can choose to buy replicas of authentic cowboy attire from the pioneer days, or more trendy styles like Nashville country music stars wear. With so many options available, you are much more likely to find something that fits your taste and style.

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