Cowboy Belt Buckles
From LoveToKnow Men's Fashion
You don’t have to ride on a rodeo circuit to love cowboy belt buckles. These rugged buckles make a statement and showcase craftsmanship and pride.
A Little Buckle History
Cowboys didn’t always wear belts, as pants in earlier times were held up with suspenders. The popularity of the big, shiny buckle took off when movies came on the scene; on-screen cowboys sported oversized buckles and this trend took off for admirers of Western style.
Most cowboy belt buckles you see will be silver or gold plated. There are some designs that are solid gold and much more expensive than a typical belt buckle.
While many men who love a country-and-western lifestyle discard a new belt’s standard buckle and replace it with the cowboy buckle of their choice, rodeo stars are famous for wearing these particular buckles. Rodeo riders often have their buckles inscribed with the location, event and year of the event. A popular rider may therefore have a big collection of buckles from various venues. There are many other styles of belt buckles for anyone who’s never set foot on a bucking bronco.
Characteristics
This is one man’s accessory that’s not trying to fade into the background and be discreet. Most guys who sport these buckles want them to be seen. Rodeo riders who acquired their buckles from events are especially proud to show off their belts. The usual characteristics you’ll find common in these buckles are:
- Shiny
- Large
- Detailed
- Raised detail
Typical Cowboy Belt Buckles
Naturally, expect a cowboy or country-and-western theme to dominate this belt buckle style. Even within this narrow field, however, you’ll find a lot of variation. Typical images you’ll find on these buckles include:
- Bull rider
- Guns
- Steer head
- Boots and saddle
- Eagle
- The word “Rodeo”
- Horseshoe
- Spur
- Horses
- Buffalo
- State outlines, especially Southern ones
Shapes of belt buckles are round, oval or square, but some horseshoe style buckles are made in that shape as well.
Where to Buy
You’ll probably find these buckles anywhere cowboy, rodeo or country and western items are sold. You can display your love of all things country with this inexpensive accessory. Online, these retailers stock a wide variety of belt buckles perfect for the man who considers himself a cowboy:
- M.R. Boots: With the huge number of belt buckles available from this retailer, you may have a tough time choosing which one you want. Prices are inexpensive so you could buy yourself a few buckles.
- Belt Buckles of Estes: You’ll find a large selection of silver, pewter and brass buckles at this site. This retailer carries a variety of buckles besides cowboy-related ones, but rodeo lovers can choose from many different kinds here.
- Beal’s Cowboy Buckles: This site offers one of the most diverse selections of belt buckles, in many sizes and styles. Some of the pricier items are rodeo or show trophy buckles and are very impressive to behold.
- Sheplers: You can find a multitude of western gear at this store and site; if you need anything to match to your belt buckle, you’re sure to find it here.
- American Cowboy: The Montana Silversmiths design team will fashion an American Cowboy belt buckle for you for $80.00 if you order from this site.
- Natural Reflections: The rodeo theme is prevalent on many of the buckles offered by this retailer. The prices are inexpensive; you’ll probably find a buckle you like for less than $20.00.
Also, don’t forget about eBay, which can yield something new every day. Because a belt buckle is one of those accessories that’s one-size-fits-all, you won’t have to worry about size or whether it’ll match everything in your closet. All you need to go with it is a pair of jeans, a western-type shirt, boots and your favorite ten-gallon hat.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 3,368 times. This page was last modified 19:37, 29 July 2008.
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