By: Ask Bill
Submitted: 2010-02-03 01:33:58 | Word Count: 516
When you love the cowboy classics, accessories and fashion details like western belts never go out of style! Many designers are even taking a more modern and youthful approach to western belts, but don't worry, we still stand by the old classics as well!
Western belts are truly an American fashion icon, picked up and modified by design trends all over the world.' From Europe to Japan, you can find variations on the tried and true style of western belts. Not only are Western Belts finding their way into modern fashion, they are also a truly unique demonstration of generations of craftsmanship in the leather and metal trades. Check out our guide to western belts and see for yourself!
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Crafty Showcase
Western belts are the pride of a long line of craftsmen who work meticulously with metal and leather. From buckles and clasps to studs and rivets, western belts are well known for their beautiful metal detailing, enamel work, and ornate stud designs. Leather workers have worked long and hard to perfect the belt-making process, and because of that we can enjoy the delicate etching and embossing of fine quality leathers on western belts. The makers of western belts are truly masters of their craft.
Tony Lama's classic 'Hair on Hide Leather Belt' is the quintessential display of a combination of fine craftwork on western belts. Metalwork includes smooth billets, studs, and star conchos around the belt while the scalloped buckle has a beautiful brown inlay, scrolling detail, and large Texas-style star at the center. To add a little flavor, you can also catch a glimmer of gold-tone accents on the buckle border and at the tops of the stars. Same metalwork design appears on the back of the belt. Leatherwork includes multi-tone calf hair set on genuine distressed brown leather. Worn with bootleg jeans and tucked in collared shirt with rolled up sleeves, western belts like this one pack some serious style punch!
Contemporary Cowboy
Modern designs in cowboy belts include enameled buckles, bold studding, and unique leather designs. Some western belts that hit the runway are clad with more feminine detailing or armed with untraditional leather work. Even some of these western belts are designed to sit lower on the waist, bypassing traditional belt loops ' and the intended purpose of the belt in general.
The 'Western Rhinestone Crown' has modern and flashy written all over it, for the true show pony. Forget weather worn and rugged western belts. This one is loud and proud and ready for a night in the city. It also features a removable and interchangeable buckle ' so if the hardware is too much for you for everyday, simply replace it with a more basic buckle for the time being. Compliment this fancy belt with steel tipped cowboy boots and a thick, masculine studded leather cuff for around your wrist.
Whether you have cowboy in your blood, or you've always wished you did, today's western belts are sure to add some good ol' country spice to your everyday attire and a little Wild West to your waistline!
