Western Neckties Are Back!
Wednesday, August 20th, 2008
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.
