Designing Western Costumes, Part 2… The Parts and Pieces…

The Second Act…

The parts and pieces that make up the clothing of the old west is some of Costume’s most recognizable garments. These iconic pieces of clothing are legendary in the world of entertainment attire.  The traditional elements of Western Wear are very recognizable.  Some of the basic appointments for both men and women are Chaps of which there are three styles; The Shotgun chaps…long and straight, the Batwing Chaps with the wide flanges and the Woolly Chaps that were made from Angora Goat Fur.  Other elements that are iconic were the gloves with gauntlets which added a cavalier flair and were probably adapted from the Cavalry men.  Vests, Long Duster Coats and Pommel Slickers, which was the early rain coat, were very traditional for men.  And of course the Cowboy Hat, which came in two basic categories… straw and felt, but were made in dozens of styles. Straw if it was either a casual setting or it was summer.  All other portrayals were usually felt.

Other standard elements to Western Wear were tooled leather wrist cuffs, a bandanna or handkerchief and Blue Jeans and they all have their iconoclastic heritage.  Tooled western belts with big silver buckles, nailheads, studs and Conchos reflected light in contrast to the matte finish of suede or worn leather and of course… READ MORE AT CostumeUniversity.com