Leather Chaps and Their Part In Cowboy History

Leather has always played an important part in the Western lifestyles of cowboys. Leather has been used for many western wear items, including cowboy boots and cowboy hats. Today I wanted to focus a little more on leather chaps and what role they have had in western wear.

Leather chaps have been used for hundreds of years. They have been re-vamped quite a few times, but they have been around one way or another for centuries now. Chaps have constantly been a part of livestock handling equipment and have continued to serve the same functional purpose.

In the nineteenth century leather chaps were mostly stepped into garments, meaning they were attached to a belt that a person stepped in to. Mexican's called these leather protectors Armitas. Armitas were made out of calfskin, deer, or even goats.

Texas cowboys evolved their own style of chaps from the Armitas. They were one of the first to use full leather britches. The only problem with this shotgun style was that they did not have a seat and were often referred to as closed legs.

By the late 1880s chap makers were beginning to evolve again. They started to make leather chaps in pieces. This solved the stiff problem, and later even curved the waistband to fit cowboys better.

Batwing chaps provided wider cuts and better movement for cowboys. Thanks to the nature of Wild West Shows and Rodeos, the need for more movement became apparent. The Batwing chaps were one of the more decorated forms of chaps, with fancy stitching and brighter colors so the rider could be easily recognized during shows.

In the hot summers full length leather chaps were uncomfortable for some cowboys. A new western wear item became popular around the 1940s called Chinks. Cowboys had been cutting off the bottoms of their chaps to get rid of the restrictive nature of the full length chaps, and in the 1940s they finally started producing them that way. Chinks usually only went a few inches past the cowboys knee.

Leather chaps have always played an important part in western wear items for cowboys and ranchers. They have been used for Centuries for helping out with herding, yard work, branding, outdoor feeding and fencing. Chaps are still used in modern day for protection as well, and have continued to evolve to produce even better results.

Why Leather Cowboy Hats Are Beneficial

Leather is a popular choice among cowboys. This article will feature the leather cowboy hat and its relevance in the western wear world. Leather is a great material for western wear items.

Cowboy hats are made out of many different materials. Leather has always been a popular choice for cowboys because animal hide was always easy to come by. Leather cowboy hats have continued to be a symbol of cowboys.

Leather is easy to mold and very pliable to ensure a good fit. Leather cowboy hats are easy to shape. Leather also tends to not wrinkle or stretch out easily.

Leather can be worn at all times of the year and is resistant to wind and rain. Leather works well in all types of weather. It is a definite benefit that your hat be weather resistant.

A straw hat, for example, would not do a good job protecting cowboys from harsher weather. During the hot months, sunlight still got through the straw fibers of the hat and did not protect against the sun. In the cold it did not protect the wearer from rain or snow.

During the summer time leather, on the other hand, protects against the sun and can be used to fan you off. In the winter time leather adds protection against wind and snow, and provides warmth and durability.. Leather provides protection against the elements no matter what type of weather.

When using your cowboy hat in the rain make sure to allow leather to dry on its own. Also be sure to store your hat out of the sun so it does not discolor. It is good to remember to take proper care of your hat, even if it is made out of more durable material.

When cleaning your hat test out the cleaner in an inconspicuous place on your cowboy hat first. If nothing harmful happens you can move on to the rest of the hat. Ask your western apparel shop what item they recommend using. They should be able to recommend good cleaning agents that are safe with leather.

Buying a Saddle

A saddle is the most expensive part of your riding outfit. A huge part of what your ride is like depends on your saddle. This makes a saddle not only expensive, but most important. Here are some things keep in mind when you are ready to purchase a saddle.

The first thing you want to do is begin researching. Saddle research involves knowing exactly what you want in a saddle and then finding what’s available Pricing will surely also be a big part of your research process. Researching the best venue for buying is also important.

In researching venues, let’s first think about brick and mortar stores. You may prefer to do business and research by shopping inside a store where you can physically touch products. But maybe you then, when research is done, like to buy online to find the best pricing and selection. Or maybe you prefer to do the opposite. You may like to research online then go to local stores for final purchase. However, you may be someone who has no access to good horse supply stores at all, in which case the internet would be the only research and purchase forum.

Ok, let’s say you have researched where you want to buy, now let’s take a closer look at pricing. Because saddles are pricey, consider purchasing one as an investment. As most investments, you will get what you pay for. This means that the more expensive a saddle is, the longer it is likely to last. To understand this further, read consumer reviews of saddle brands of interest to you. Find out how saddles have been rated by real consumers.

The next part of pricing research is to decide if you want to purchase a new or used saddle. Obviously a used saddle will be less expensive, so if your budget is tight give used saddles a second look. Purchasing a used saddle will require a lot of physical research. This means that buying a used saddle will involve a thorough inspection to make sure the equipment won’t hurt you or your horse. Inspect the status of the saddle’s exterior, interior and foundation before buying. If you expect your western wear saddle to last it will need to be in good physical shape.

Now if you are sure you’re ready to buy used, decide if you are going to purchase from a retailer (online or otherwise) or from an individual saddle owner. If you chose to purchase from a used selection in a supply store, you will notice right away some benefits in doing so.

Retailers are going to naturally do most of the inspection work in testing the wear and tear of a used saddle, thus, making it easier for you to buy. A retailer will scrutinize used merchandise for pricing. They should also know what kind of shape a saddle is in.

But with this benefit comes the down side: a resell shop has to make a profit so they will add in a price markup. This mark up that you pay as the consumer may be worth the money. Take for instance if you bought directly from a saddle owner. In this case, you would have to do all saddle inspections yourself. Missing any big blemishes or foundational problems, would end up costing you more money in the end.

Last of all, and now that you’ve researched, selected, and purchased your saddle, you can think about adding the finishing touches to your saddle. Just like all western wear can be accessorized, so can the saddle. And with so many accessories to choose from, you can balance any western wear with the perfect saddle accessories and complete your western outfit. Just as each rider has his or her own unique western wear preferences, you too can modify your saddle to make it truly yours.

Most Common Western Wear Choices

Below is our list of western wear items that are popular choices to western wear fans. Western wear started out with complete practicality in mind to protect cowboys and ranchers from the harsh environment. Now western wear fits both a practical purpose and a stylish choice as well.

a.) Jeans: Jeans are sturdy, yet comfortable to wear. Cowboy jeans are close-fitted to protect the cowboy's thighs and knees while riding horses. Denim jeans in particular are a favorite choice.

b.) Chaps: Chaps protect a cowboys legs. Riding can have a lot of wear and tear on pants and legs, and chaps help with that. They are very handy when riding through tall bushes or working with livestock.

c.) Cowboy Hat: This is the most popular choice for western wear items. Cowboy hats are a stylish choice because they come in a variety of styles and colors. It is easy to choose one that fits your taste.

d.) Gloves: When working with a horse or livestock, gloves are a very good choice. Choose gloves that are flexible and made out of soft material to allow you a firm grip. Leather gloves are the best choice.

e.) Cowboy Boots: Cowboy boots work well with any style of clothing. They are still made to help aid cowboys that ride on horses. They also bring a lot of style to your wardrobe if you do not.

f.) Bandanna: A Bandanna was used for practical purposes when it first became a cowboy accessory. Cowboys used it to protect themselves from the elements. Now, most bandannas work well to accessorize and pull together an outfit.

All of these choices can really work well together. You can find all of these items at Western stores. Shop around and find one that fits your style and tastes. You can still look fashionable in practical clothing.

Uses For Horse Tack Boxes

Horse tack boxes, or western trunks, have a variety of uses. They are durable and sturdy, which make a perfect tool for any shed or barn. They are most often used in stables to help keep items organized.

Horse tack boxes can also be used during horse shows. Portable units allow you to take the boxes storing your western wear show items with you easily during shows. Horse tack boxes work great for storing western wear show clothing and western wear show accessories.


Some horse tack boxes work well as a first aid kit. Scrapes and scratches are part of the cowboy trade. Horse tack boxes definitely come in handy for those situations.

Horse tack boxes can be fitted with an extra set of items you may need. That way you just have to bring your tack box along with you and you will be covered. This is handy if you accidentally forget an item or break an item.

Just like most trunks, you can easily find a tack box to fit the size of items you will be storing. There are many different sized tack boxes. They also come in a variety of colors to match your style.

The most popular types are plastic or wood. Plastic is more light than wood, and attracts less dust. Most of the tack boxes are made out of sturdy materials.

Tack boxes that store western wear items need to be ready for travel. Find one that is lightweight and has handles for easy transport. Some boxes do not come with handles, which make them harder to move.

Horse tack boxes are a handy tool to have around the home. There are many types of boxes to choose from, making them a nice choice. They can be designed to fit a variety of needs, whether it is to store western wear show items or to hold first aid materials.

Using Western Wear Items to Decorate Your Home

Western wear decor can really liven up a room. There are many ways to decorate your home so it has a beautiful western theme. Adding boot accessories and other western wear items can bring some authentication to your western decor choices.

Begin your decorating plans by deciding what you would like to accomplish with the room you will be decorating. What area of the house will it be in? Would you like to decorate more than one room in the house?

Once you know the location in your home, decide if there are any specific items you would like placed there. Some rooms work well with decorative shelves that you can place items on. Other rooms, such as the kitchen of your home, would be better suited for wall hangings and small trinkets that can be placed on the window ledge above the sink.

It is also important to figure out your budget. While you may have grand plans for your home, a budget helps you make smart choices with your expenditures. Beautiful antique western wear can still be bought on a budget, as long as you use affordable items along with them.

Using western wear items can turn an average item into a beautiful western theme. Small details can make a mediocre room into a beautifully decorated one. Here are a few examples of ways you can add small details to a room to bring in a western theme.

Many times when you enter a home there is a coat rack on the wall by the door. During the summertime, when there are no coats to hang, consider using the hooks as a western decoration. You can hang western wear items, such as cowboy boot straps, cowboy hats, and straw rope to add a western theme.

If you have a shelf in your home decorate it with cowboy boots. The more worn down the boots, the more authentic they will look. Make sure to clean off the boots well before placing them on your shelf, and add other small details such as a straw cowboy hat if there is room on the shelf.

Garage sales are great places to find western wear to use for decorations around your home. Use an inexpensive wood frame and hot glue straw twine around it. You can hang a beautiful western art piece in it to pull off the frame.

American Indian Clothing

Before the white man came, Native American western wear consisted mainly of animal hides. Native American Indian men wore leggings or a loincloth, seldom adding a shirt. Women wore leggings, a skirt, or a one piece dress - depending on which tribe they belonged to.

American Indians used paint as decoration on clothing and on the body, and indicated what tribe they belonged to. Specialized war and ceremonial clothing also varied by tribe. The amount of clothing worn depended largely on weather.

Traditional winter western wear consisted mainly of clothing made from furs for added warmth. Indians of all tribes wore moccasins. The biggest difference between the tribes was in their headdresses and ceremonial clothing.
Clothing adornments differed according to tribe. The Crow liked to use elk's eye teeth, either natural or carved from bone. The teeth represented longevity since they remain long after the rest of the carcass has decayed.

In Idaho the Blackfoot tribe used natural colorings in their clothing. Their western wear emphasized the beauty found in nature. They emphasized the natural beauty of leather and combined colors that blended well together.

As tribes came into closer contact with one another, they began borrowing each others tribal dress. Fringed buckskin clothing, headdresses and woven blankets soon became widely used by all tribes. Indian women also began adding beads, embroidery and other decorations to embellish their clothing.

With the increased availability of cloth, western wear for Indians included cloth skirts, dresses and shirts. "Indian cloth" had white edges that hadn't been dyed during manufacturing. The American Indians used these edges a part of their design along the edges of sleeves and the hems of skirts.

It is still possible to buy and purchase traditional American Indian western wear. It is mainly used for ceremonial purposes. Preserving the American Indian's dress also helps preserve their heritage.

The Most Popular Cowboy Attire

1. Cowboy western wear attire started out of a necessity to protect cowboys from their environment. Now western wear attire not only fits a practical purpose, but a designer purpose as well. Here are the most popular western wear items currently on the market.

2. Jeans: Denim jeans are a favorite pick for cowboys. They provide protection because of their sturdiness, but are comfortable to wear. Most cowboy jeans need to be close-fitted to protect thighs or knees from blistering when riding on horses.

3. Chaps: Chaps are still a popular item. Chaps protect cowboys legs while they are riding horses. They are especially handy when riders have to ride through harsh conditions, such as working with livestock.

4. Cowboy hat: A cowboy hat is easily identified and one of the most popular western wear items to date. A cowboy hat comes in a variety of styles and colors now to fit everyone's tastes and likes. Plus, it is still very practical for anyone working outside in the sun.

5. Gloves: Gloves are a perfect accessory to a cowboy. They are normally made of soft material that is flexible and easy to work with. Leather is the most popular glove material, though deerskin can be a good substitute as well.

6. Cowboy Boots: Cowboy boots are very popular as well. They can bring a lot of style to any wardrobe. Cowboy boots are still a handy accessory for cowboys out of the field as well.

7. Bandanna: In the past cowboys used a cotton bandanna around their necks. It provided cowboys with a neckerchief that protected them from the sun and dust storms, and also was handy for wiping of sweaty faces. Today bandannas are normally only used as an accessory to a cowboy outfit.

8. All of these items have had a history with cowboys back in older days, but they continue to be a popular choice for western wear attire. Western stores are a wonderful place to look around and shop for these items. It is fun to shop for practical pieces of clothing and fashion items as well.

Most Common Western Wear Choices

Below is our list of western wear items that are popular choices to western wear fans. Western wear started out with complete practicality in mind to protect cowboys and ranchers from the harsh environment. Now western wear fits both a practical purpose and a stylish choice as well.

a.) Jeans: Jeans are sturdy, yet comfortable to wear. Cowboy jeans are close-fitted to protect the cowboy's thighs and knees while riding horses. Denim jeans in particular are a favorite choice.

b.) Chaps: Chaps protect a cowboys legs. Riding can have a lot of wear and tear on pants and legs, and chaps help with that. They are very handy when riding through tall bushes or working with livestock.

c.) Cowboy Hat: This is the most popular choice for western wear items. Cowboy hats are a stylish choice because they come in a variety of styles and colors. It is easy to choose one that fits your taste.

d.) Gloves: When working with a horse or livestock, gloves are a very good choice. Choose gloves that are flexible and made out of soft material to allow you a firm grip. Leather gloves are the best choice.

e.) Cowboy Boots: Cowboy boots work well with any style of clothing. They are still made to help aid cowboys that ride on horses. They also bring a lot of style to your wardrobe if you do not.

f.) Bandanna: A Bandanna was used for practical purposes when it first became a cowboy accessory. Cowboys used it to protect themselves from the elements. Now, most bandannas work well to accessorize and pull together an outfit.

All of these choices can really work well together. You can find all of these items at Western stores. Shop around and find one that fits your style and tastes. You can still look fashionable in practical clothing.