Real Cowboys

Working cowboys wore wide-brimmed hats that combined features of the Mexican sombrero and the hats worn by both sides in the Civil War. Cowboys wore cotton bandannas to wipe off sweat and protect their eyes and nose from dust.

Leather cowboy boots had pointed toes to help them slip easily into stirrups, high heels to keep them to the stirrups, and high tops to guard the cowboys’ calves while riding. The standard cowboy pants had a smooth seam on the inside to protect from blistering and while riding, leather chaps were worn over the jeans to give added protection.