General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why Texans Dress Like Cowboys [View all]Xithras
(16,191 posts)Outside of the major urban areas (and even in them, to a far lesser extent) "cowboy hats" are ubiquitous throughout the western United States. Do I wear one when I have to drive into the office in Dublin? Not usually. Do I wear one when I'm working around my property in the Central Valley? Or hiking on a trail? Or doing generally anything else that requires me to be outdoors on a typical 105 degree summer day out here? Yes, every time.
"Cowboy clothes" weren't developed as a fashion statement or style, but as a cheap and practical solution to western conditions. They have withstood the test of time because they are as cheap and practical today as they were in 1850.
By the way, your 49er comparison falls flat on its face too. Do you own a pair of blue jeans? Congratulations, you're dressing like a California gold miner. Denim jeans were developed for the miners during the 1849 California gold rush. They became ubiquitous afterward because they were cheap, durable, and good at doing what they were designed for. Just like the cowboy hat and cowboy boots.