How History Weaves Western: A Cultural Legacy

Although cowboy boots and flare denim shape our conception of western style, they stand on the shoulders of Mexican, Spanish, and Native American heritage. The combination of these cultural blends create a style that has endured through generations, proving that the rugged yet stylish look of Western fashion is instantly recognizable - but its origins go far beyond cowboy culture. The iconic Western style is not solely an American creation, but a blended legacy of diverse cultural traditions and heritage. Western fashion as we know it is a mix of influences from Mexico, Spain, and Native American cultures. 

The first cowboys in North America were the Spanish vaqueros. Along with their traditions of cattle herding and ranching, they brought wide-brimmed hats, leatherwork, and embroidery. Their garments went beyond aesthetics; they were emblematic of a lifestyle. The intricate belt buckles with designs depicting elements of ranch life have pushed their way into modern style, taking shape as a crucial statement piece to any western outfit. The durable and flexible suede that protected them from the harsh climates now serve as a crucial pillar of the cowpoke style. Similarly, the wide brimmed hats, originally intended for sun-protection, are now the signature piece of any western outfit, recognizable by anyone. Born out of necessity and functional design, this style has transcended time and borders, becoming a defining force of modern fashion.

Mexican charros similarly contributed staple pieces to what we see as rodeo fashion. Charros were originally elite horsemen in colonial Mexico, and their attire reflected their high status. They gave us not only the studded jeans, belts, tops, and jackets that have taken over 2025 runways but also just within the everyday elevated basics. The silverwork that lined the charros’ everyday jackets now define this trend that has taken the fashion industry by storm. These meaningful designs weren’t just for show, rather they meant much more; These Mexican artisans took pride in their embroidery and metalwork, creating elaborate silver details that signified skill as well as wealth and social standing. These designs incorporated patterns with religious or folkloric meanings, connecting everyday attire to faith and heritage. 

The influence of Western style has also relied heavily on a Native American heritage that has shaped our Western attire. One of the most recognizable contributions is fringe, originally used by Native American tribes for practical purposes, allowing garments to shed rainwater and stay camouflaged. Whether on the side of pants, bags, boots, or sweaters, fringe adds a signature Western look to any outfit. Again, Native American artists are responsible for the leather and colorful beadwork that has become an essential element of Western fashion. Beadwork was historically used to communicate tribal identity and tell stories through their beautiful designs. Today, these intricate patterns and fringes appear on western belts, boots, and jackets. though many might credit Native American culture for this staple of the mainstream cowboy fashion of today. The turquoise beading that is so commonly woven into western style also comes from Native American culture, as they mined turquoise and saw it as a means of connection to the Earth and sky, as well as a symbol for happiness and self-confidence or protection from negative energy. The Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni tribes are known for their intricate jewelry and pieces decorated with turquoise, which are still worn by tribes today and have now made their way as a staple of western fashion. Just as Native Americans have profoundly shaped America through their contributions to heritage, agriculture, and innovation, their designs have left a lasting impact on Western fashion.

Many fashion brands have embraced and incorporated these cultural influences into their designs, whether it be on the runway or within everyday wear. Isabel Marant’s designs serve as a cornerstone of the “boho chic” trend that has taken the internet by storm, which, again, includes many influences from these cultures and incorporates them into a Parisian cowgirl look on their runways, such as suede and fringed accessories. In fact, in 2020, the designer apologized after the Mexican government criticized her for appropriating and selling clothes based on traditional indigenous patterns. She acknowledged that the native Frausto that Purepecha indigenous groups’ textiles had inspired this collection, and that her future designs would pay better tribute to these native pieces. By mixing these historical influences with her signature Parisian shabby and romantic touch, she creates a distinctive, effortlessly cool take on Western style. 

Western fashion is more than just a representation of cowboy culture—it is a fusion of diverse traditions that have shaped its distinctive look that we know and love. Together, these cultures created a legacy that continues to evolve in modern fashion and take over the runway. The rich cultures of Mexico, Spain, and Native American tribes that shaped America as a whole have big roles in modern fashion, calling us to acknowledge the cultural context of our wardrobe choices every time we look in the mirror.