It used to be that you would only see the western wear look on cowboys and country singers, but today, designers from New York to Los Angeles are adding a little western flair into their clothing lines.  It’s everything from cowboy boots and hats to big belt buckles and fringe.

Western wear doesn’t encompass the stereotypical cowboy anymore.  You see motorcycle riders wearing the infamous leather chaps; young college girls during spring break wearing the straw western cowboy hats and of course the classic cowboy wearing his tight Wrangler jeans and cowboy boots. 

But there's nothing like a true cowboy!  According to the dictionary, the definition of a cowboy is; “A man who herds and tends cattle on a ranch, especially in the western U.S., and who traditionally goes about most of his work on horseback.”  Herding and tending cattle is hard work with long grueling hours, but that's just one out of many jobs that cowboys do to keep the ranch running smoothly and profitable. 

• watering the cattle
• mending fences
• branding cattle
• feeding the cattle

For all this labor intensive work their workwear must be designed with durability and comfort in mind.  The Carhartt clothing line is popular amongst cowboys just for that reason.  One thing that has been a staple of cowboy life for generations are the jeans.  They must be the perfect cut, the perfect fit and of course, boot cut to fit over his boots.  Most cowboys wear high topped boots with a heel to keep from slipping through the stirrups on the saddle while riding.  Gloves are also an important part of cowboy workwear.  You'll always find a good pair of leather or cowhide working gloves sticking out of a cowboys back pocket.

And finally, the cowboy hat. Usually with a four to six-inch brim, it serves as an umbrella in stormy weather and shade from the sun in hot weather. Hats and their shapes are very regional. Did you know that you can tell where a cowboy is from by the crease in his hat?

If you ever get out West, take some time to stop at a working ranch and check out the real cowboys. These are not just guys that throw on a cowboy hat and a pair of boots and say they're a cowboy. These are the true cowboys in ever sense of the word. To them it's not just a job, it's a way of life!