Cowboy Belts Channel the American West

Western belts have a unique place in American history. During the time of pioneering the west, belts did more than support trousers. Most men at one time or another were required to carry a firearm. It would be holstered on the belt and the holster may have also been tied to the leg with a thin piece of leather string for additional stabilization. As the west became more civilized, western stories written as books and later viewed as movies depicted hero gunslingers and bad guy train robbers all wearing cowboy belts. These men were viewed as ultra-masculine tough guys every little boy wanted to emulate. When these little boys grew and became men western belts still held a strong cultural influence.

Cowboy Culture

Today there exists a strong sub-culture of the American population that still identifies very much with the western lifestyle. This is not only in the American western states but across the country. Line dancing is a popular entertainment, western bars are everywhere and movies are still being made featuring cowboys. Country music today features prominent male and female artists sporting traditional western attire. For the men western belts are a required part of the costume.

Men’s western belts are a popular item alone and as part of a culture style of dress. Western belts for men are sold in specialty western wear stores as well as many general stores. Many online stores carry them as well. For example, mensusa, a men’s warehouse store online carries several brands of leather cowboy belts. There are cheap western belts and western belts that can cost several hundreds of dollars and more for the ornate buckles.

Buckles

Ornate and large belt buckles are an intricate part of men’s western belts. It seems the more a man wants to display his association with the cowboy persona, the larger the belt buckle he sports. Many are very expensive laden with precious or semiprecious stones. Some are intricately designed using turquoise, mother of pearl or other colored mineral stones. Even cheap western belts usually have a prominent metal buckle. More expensive ones may be made of gold or silver. The buckles on western belts have become an art form.

Belt History

The entire history of men’s belts is interesting. There have been periods of time in American history when they were more popular than others. Wearing belts became more standard when pant waists began being worn lower. Belts were necessary to support the pants staying up. Over the past recent history it has become convention to include a belt in everyday dress. The notable exception being the recent trend of “sagging” started from the prison population having their belts taken away.

The future of western belts appears stable as country music and western culture persists. Western belts for men make excellent gifts for the man who has everything or just as a fashion accessory. A monogramed belt buckle makes a unique and personalized gift. Western wear is an icon link to America’s history and a fashion statement.

About the author:

Go to mensusa or a look at available western belts and western wear.