What do we use as a barometer of what clothing styles are “in”? What the “kids” are wearing? What shows up during New York City’s fashion week? Or how about what ever is the hottest new look in Paris? Well we at Cacties will take what’s hot in Paris for a thousand, Alex. Fashion house Hermes just showcased it’s new summer line designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier which is all western wear themed.

Gaultier’s 2009 Spring/Summer "cowboy chic" collection offered a new interpretation of Hermes’s equestrian roots - the fashion house started as a saddle maker.

Recurring items included crocodile-skin bustiers and jackets, fringed ponchos and floppy sand-colour suede hats.

But many other accessories such as tall leather boots and soberly cut leather bags, remained faithful to the classic Hermes style.

The Parisians have spoken: western wear it is.

Image by: Gonzalo Fuentes

The perfect accessory for any western wear piece whether that be just a classic western shirt or an entire ensemble with woven dungaree pants would have to be the belt buckle. Many are given out as prizes at rodeo competitions, but even you the city slicker can have a fantastic looking belt buckle to tie that western outfit together. If you are looking for something special, look no further than silversmith Clint Orms. Clint designs very intricate and elegant belt buckles for all tastes. Named after counties in Texas, they can be found in 1”, 3/4”, and trophy buckle sizes, or you can have one custom designed to fit your exact desires. If you are in the market for a great looking belt buckle, look no further than ClintOrms.com.

And hey Clint, as a fellow Texan, how about naming your next buckle after our home county of Brazoria? You know how bad Texas pride can be.

For many college students and people in their 20s, vintage and thrift store shopping has been their primary clothing source. Along with that love of vintage clothing has come a resurgence of western wear, and as many “kids” find western shirts from decades gone by, they have made the look very fashionable once again.

But you’re not a kid anymore, and I doubt that sifting through racks and racks of clothing at a thrift store appeals to you. The look however, you still like. So why not check out some of the great classic western shirts in our collection? You still get that great vintage look, but in a quality product that will stand the test of time. All things that the “kids” would approve of.

If you are going to be in the Denver area the weekend of September 5, then be sure and check out The Denver International Western/English Apparel and Equipment Market, put on by the Western and English Sales Association. According to their site, The Denver Market is “distinguished as the Industry’s leading trade show for Western apparel and accessories, tack, leather goods, animal health products, English apparel and equipment, and equestrian-related home décor, gifts and jewerly.” Cacties will be in booth MB312, so pop on over and check us out!

The world of western clothing suffered a huge loss this month with the death of Jack Weil. Mr. Weil, who passed away at the age of 107, is credited with inventing the snaps to the front of western shirts in the 1940’s. He is also known as being the originator of the infamous bolo tie.

Photo credit: Barry Gutierrez - Associated Press

The LA Times profiled the life of the man who changed western wear as we know it:

Considered the Henry Ford of the western shirt and a major force behind a notably American fashion, he was also said to be America’s oldest chief executive.

A visionary and a classic innovator, Weil conceived the idea more than 60 years ago that “Westerners needed their own fashion identity,” according to grandson Steve Weil.

Aiming to give western wear a look as distinctive as the region’s topography and lifestyle, his grandson said, Weil created a slim-fitting shirt with a cut, cuffs, pocketing and fastenings that would make it immediately recognizable.

“Every design element was given a flourish,” his grandson said. Distinctive in their dash and flair, the shirts featured a special yoke and elaborate hand embroidery.

Other designers, of course, helped create the western look, but Weil was there at the beginning and was considered “the father of the snap western shirt.”

Where would the world of western clothing be without Jack Weil? I’m pretty sure those long sleeved western shirts you love so much wouldn’t be quite so, well, snappy.

Are western neckties back in? According to William C Reynolds, editor of Living Cowboy Ethics magazine published by the Paragon Foundation, they certainly are. Mr. Reynolds writes in the latest edition of Cowboys and Indians about how the western tie is back in grand style. According to the article, entitled “Ride and Tie”, the popular thought that cowboys at the turn of the century did not care about their appearance is just a myth.

Pride in one’s appearance and one’s work was not alien to the working cowboy - then or now. For the serious, it has always been prideful work. And as the 20th century wore on, along with the evolution of the necktie and its design came the advent of  unique accoutrements and accessories to help hold the tie down and keep it from flapping - an advantage for those working horseback and throwing loops.

These days, the western necktie is seeing quite the resurgence after being lost from popular culture sometime in the 1960’s. Once the popularity of the western television shows died out, so did a lot of cowboy culture. And now?

Today, there is a renaissance of sorts occurring in may aspects of the Western horsemanship world - a return of respect, if you will, for some of the old ways in working and training fine bridle and using horses. Along with that has come an increased interest in ranch ropings and classic vaquero-style roping techniques. It is only natural, then, that an interest in certain aspects of classic Western dress would follow. Re-enter the necktie. Today, at may ranch ropings and competitions - from the Californios Ranch Roping and Stock Horse Contest held every April in Bed Bluff, California, to the Jordon Valley Big Loop Rodeo each spring in Jordon Valley, Oregon, among many others - “Western gentlemen” can be seen roping in neckties. Is it a fashion trend that will catch on, or will it remain a style for only the purist? Time will tell. One thing’s for sure, it’s a style that is “tied” to the West.

If western ties are your thing, be sure and check out our vast collection of ties. With 21 different styles, you are sure to find one that suits you perfectly.

In today’s society we are becoming increasingly relaxed about the outfits we wear. Some companies are following suit by allowing workers to wear more comfortable clothes to work. However, if you’re a large corporation, the last impression you want to give is that your workforce is untidy. In today’s modern business world, first impressions could be the difference between landing that large client, or losing out. How you represent yourself could be the deal breaker.

This is not to say that companies who employ workers are undermining themselves, far from it. There are certain work scenarios that are beneficial to both employer and employee if the dress code is relaxed. The internet related industry is one of those situations. A coder or a designer working behind a desk for over eight hours a day should be comfortable - that’s where they spend the majority of their day.

However, if you’re trying to land clients and attending sales meetings wearing jeans and a t-shirt, you’re probably not going to attract the clients you aspire to. It is important be professionally dressed at a business meeting, and a unique western tie completes part of the outfit you need.

A dressed shirt with slacks is a good outfit to wear, but it could look so much more complete and professional with a necktie. For creating a long-lasting and memorable impression, we recommend the Western styled Sheriff Badges necktie. Wearing this tie will give you a feeling of authority and will command respect. The tie is handmade in America so the money you spend goes directly into the economy.