West Dressed

by Steve Weil

Western wear is a lifestyle not a costume, unless you are a rock or country star. Wear whatever works for you—the entire outfit or just an accent piece like a belt or shirt. Everyone needs something Western (unless you are an unrepentant preppy, in which case we should do an intervention).

01. If you are new to Western, you can start slow with a shirt, hat or boots. It does not have to be an entire statement, but just a pop of color or personality.

02. Shirt designs are highly varied from casual to dressy, conservative to flamboyant. Western shirts are all about the design details and special treatments including: front and back yokes, our signature “sawtooth” flap pockets and diamond-shaped snaps. Vintage embroidered shirts often have “smile” pockets in various designs, shotgun cuffs and piping. You can pick whatever you prefer in a huge range of fabrics and colors from denim, solid cotton, plaid, warm flannel, even fleece, or styles with vintage embroidery. Everyone needs a basic white or stonewashed denim shirt.

03. Hats are personal. Never wear one with more personality than you have! Choose a straw for warm weather or felt for winter. Both are good to protect you from the sun and elements.

04. Accessorizing adds fun to your look. Nothing is nicer than a tooled leather belt with a handmade buckle. Bolo ties add a twist to black tie. Women look great with a concho belt. Scarves add a personal touch.

05. Boots can be an easy choice or a long-term decision. Finely made boots can last a lifetime, so pick something that will age well.

 

THE DETAILS

Western is in the DNA of Steve Weil, president and chief creative officer of Rockmount Ranch Wear. His grandfather, “Papa Jack” Weil, made the first Western shirts with snaps and founded Rockmount Ranch Wear Mfg. Co. in 1946. Steve’s father Jack B. joined the firm in the 1950s and they helped popularize Western fashion and expanded across the country. Steve joined them in the 1980s and the business became international, manufacturing and selling to stores across the USA and most developed countries. Their flagship store in LoDo is where the company started and is a historic landmark. It opened to retail in 2001 when Papa Jack turned 100 years old. It carries the full product line of shirts for adults and kids, hats, belts and buckles, bandanas, silk ties and scarves, fleece blankets and more.

Rockmount Ranch Wear

1626 Wazee St. | Denver, CO 80202 | 303-629-7777

rockmount.com