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As with anything else, the better care you take of your western wear clothing, the longer it will be around for you to enjoy it. Different types of clothing require different types of care, and fortunately, western apparel generally isn’t the sort that requires a whole lot of extra TLC until you get into specialty items such as snakeskin boots. This is a clear example of the distinction between the kind of western wear that you might wear for working in or engaging in more casual activities and the type of western apparel that would be worn for more formal events and special occasions. There is such a thing as formal western wear, after all!

So, about the care of western wear: You can divide this into several distinct categories: taking care of leather, taking care of denim and other cotton fabrics, taking care of cowboy boots and taking care of cowboy hats. It’s pretty easy to find instructions (and most people already know) how to care for denim, cotton, and other commonly worn fabrics. When it comes to boots and hats, however, there is a little more to it.

Caring for cowboy boots:

* Regularly remove dirt and dust from the boot with a slightly damp cloth- after every time you wear them and if they have been sitting for a long period of time.
* Using a leather conditioner appropriate to your boot, apply in small clockwise circles until absorbed. (exceptions: snakeskin; any leather with directional grain)
* Follow with a matching polish for boots that have a polish-able finish.
* Water seal and protect your boots as necessary.
* Store in a cool, dark place with plenty of air flow; make sure they are kept away from heat like a furnace vent or radiator which can shrink and dry out leather.
* The best thing you can do is ask your boot retailer when purchasing your cowboy boots exactly what are the best techniques to keep your boots in their best possible condition.

Caring for felt cowboy hats:

* Use a brush to go with the grain of the hat to remove dust and dirt; you can also use a vacuum attachment; available at specialty stores.
* Treat any stains by sprinkling them with cornstarch and let to set for several hours.
* Use a soft slightly damp cloth or soft-bristled brush to gently rub or brush the stain in counterclockwise circles.
* If any stains are still visible, use an art gum eraser or make-up sponge to blot at them – fine grade sandpaper is a good last resort.
* Keep the hat in a cool, dark, dry place- always be sure to protect your leathers from moisture and heat sources.
* Set the hat upside down, on a hanging rack or in a hat carrier/box.

Caring for straw hats:

* Start by brushing any dirt or dust on the hat off with a wisk broom.
* Follow with a slightly damp cloth, followed by a make-up sponge if needed.
* Keep the hat in a cool, dark, dry place.
* Set the hat upside down, on a hanging rack or in a hat carrier/box.

Western wear can be a real investment, since getting quality western apparel, particularly cowboy boots and hats can cost a little more than some of the more inexpensive boots on the market. However, getting cheap boots will result in having to replace them far more often, and normally you will deal with a poor fit and low comfort level. However, if you get a good pair of cowboy boots, and take care of them, they will last you years, making them well worth the cost. The Boot Store is a great place to get your cowboy boots and western apparel and their knowledgeable staff can help answer any questions you may have.

While western wear may have developed a little bit in isolation out in the American west as the cattle drives and rail towns carved out what would become a very classic period in American history, but today western wear can be seen all across the country. Sure, it might be far more popular in communities in the west where it is part of the culture, but after being seen on the runway in high fashion a few times, there are very few people who would not recognize at least certain elements of western apparel, such as cowboy boots and hats. Within western wear there are different levels of dress. Obviously for those heading out to interact with horses, cattle, dust and dirt, when working wear is in a rough and tumble category of clothing all its own and is completely separate from an outfit one might wear to go out dancing in the evening.

When purchasing western wear, it is always best to purchase high quality, well-made items that will last for a long time. This is actually true across the board for many things in life. You can spend less money by spending a little more on the products and items that you use on a regular or frequent basis. Western wear can be purchased in stores as well as online. There are some items, such as cowboy boots, that you may need to try on first so that you know what styles and sizes fit you properly, then you can turn to online vendors to make your purchase.

Western wear isn’t just sold in the west of course, it can be found all over the country. So, for those who might not have been brought up wearing cowboy hats, here is a quick primer on hat etiquette:

* Remove your hat when: standing for the national anthem, passing the flag, during funeral processions, at church, in a restaurant or at the dinner table, in elevators (mostly if ladies are present.)
* Tip your hat when greeting a lady. The hat can be replaced after the greeting, including for extended conversation with said lady.
* Never show the lining of the hat when removing it. Hold the hat with the lining towards the body so that only the outside of the hat shows to others.

One tip for making sure that your western wear lasts as long as it should is to make sure that you are caring for it properly. Find out when you purchase something what needs to be done to ensure long life. This may include special cleaning and storage instructions. For example, depending on the type of leather your cowboy boots are made of will determine what kind of cleaning and conditioning you should do and how often to keep your boots in the best shape possible.

Western apparel such as cowboy boots and hats, may have developed in a small population of cattle drivers and others living in the Wild West, even today it is still used daily in some communities. However, thanks to a couple different periods of popularity in mainstream fashion, western apparel, particularly cowboy boots have become regular items in closets across the country. When purchasing cowboy boots online, you may first want to visit a retail store where you can try on different styles and sizes of boots, because different styles, sizes, and manufacturers feel and fit differently for everyone. The Boot Store has quality cowboy boots and knowledgeable staff to help you get the perfect Western wear.