First off let me state that the opinions stated here are my own. I have done no extensive research (other than a life time of observation), had no Hundred Thousand dollar grants, or a team of researchers providing information to me. If any of this is scientifically factual, it is just because of pure luck, and if it is scientifically false, it is still my story and I am sticking to it.
Western outerwear (coats, jackets, hats, boots etc.) have evolved from being a working mans tool to one of fashion and prestige. In the beginning a cowboy, farmer or any one else who earned his bread and butter outdoors year round needed clothes that would protect him (her) from the elements. From years of experience I know that the wrong clothing could mean the difference between life and death, or the possibility of losing various parts of your body. Unlike the individual today, who wears the oilskin duster for looks, there are still a vast number of folks who still depend on these coats to bring them home at night. A sudden rain shower in the American west, Australian Outback, or any where a long way from home, with the temperature in the balmy 70’s or 80’s and a little wind. Without the protection of some form of water proof outer wear for the entire body, your loved ones may get to say goodbye at the funeral home.
As with all things that become popular, the best looking and often with the best all around protection, become more expensive. There are those that are still not as expensive but as the old saying goes “you get what you pay for”. Then again if caught out, without the right gear, a plastic garbage bag, can, and has saved lives. As have plastic tarps, scraps of canvas or any thing else to keep the elements at bay. Next thing you know some movie star will start wearing plastic garbage bags, and then these will no longer be affordable. As you can tell, I am not enthralled with the fact that most of the survival and every day wear, I have used through out my life has suddenly become fashionable. I have been in and out of fashion so many times I no longer keep track.
I have learned that in my part of the American West, that when you walk out the door in the morning, (all except maybe a couple of days around the first of August). You take enough clothes, (coat, hat, gloves, rain gear, etc) to protect your self from Mother Nature. That knowledge has been drilled into me by not having the necessary items, and paying the price. So for all of you out there getting ready to venture out into the great outdoors, THINK AHEAD, STAY SAFE, AND WAKE UP SMILING.
D. Bleak
3 comments:
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Hi,
I enjoyed your blog entry. As I was reading it I had some thoughts along the same lines with the same, or even less, research, knowledge, or scientific background as your own. In our wonderings around the West it is interesting to notice the differences in the way the, what I will call cowboys, dress even when they all have the basic same kit.
In some places they will all wear Levi's and the one wearing Wranglers will stand out like a sore thumb and in other the opposite is true. I guess there are places where Lees are the jeans of choice but I haven't noticed them as often.
Also the style of hats are different in each region of the West as to the width of the brim, the height of the crown and the style of each. Hats are the most interesting difference among all the things a cowboy wears. Each not only tells what region it is from but also the generation wearing it and then the individuals own special way of forming it. In any given situation, even if the brand and style of the hats would be the exact same, each man has his own special way of wearing and shaping his hat and that is as identifying as his face or name. I suspect even on the Navajo reservation where the "res hat" is a black, flat wide rimed, tall unformed crown hat each man has his own identifying way with that hat even though they all look the same to me. I get a little choked up 20 years after losing my cowboy Daddy when I see his hat and have never seen anyone else having a hat just like his.
Western shirts all have the yoke to protect the cowboys shoulders from sunburn but the style and size differ from one region to another. The colors and style differ also even in the rodeo events the cowboy competes in. Bull riders wear different style shirts than bronc riders and some difference can be seen among the ropers too.
Some of the biggest difference are seen in the ethnic groups or those cowboys influenced by the region of ethnic differences. The cowboys of the deep south west are more influenced by the vaqueros than the cowboys of parts of the west. Some difference show in how much turquoise and silver are used from the Indian influences.
I noticed how different the choice of type of tobacco is different too. In some places chewing tobacco is in the hip pocket of every cowboy and in others it was the tag of Bull Durham hanging from the shirt pocket. The Shawnee "jingle" or "Skoal" skirts were a direct product of the discarded tops of the cans. The Bull Durham sacks were such a part of my childhood to hold marbles or jacks or other small precious toys. A fireman uncle used them to hold talcum powder to powder hard to reach body parts to prevent chaffing. That is a story only he can tell with authenticity and humor.
Saddles, chaps, boots, slickers, gloves and other essential parts of all cowboys kit differ according to the work done in what climates and what environments they find themselves.
Even though they would, and do, insist it is all based on need rather than fashion it is interesting to see the changes they all make as time goes by and generations come of age to make the choices. My mother was so thrilled when new fabrics other than cotton came out. It took forever to get the residue from the Sunday rodeo from Daddy's dress white cowboy shirt and even longer to iron it. The new wash and wear materials weren't but were much easier to wash and iron. Maybe the cowboy's wives had more to do with the change of fashion than the cowboy did.
Just some wondering thoughts but would like to know if you have noticed the differences too.
ttyl
Carol
The number two comment was sent to me via E-Mail. The author of this comment is Carol H. I pushed the wrong button when entering it into the comment box. Sorry Carol, great comment keep them comming.
D. Bleak
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