Western belt buckles are very much a cultural icon – part of the cowboy and rodeo champ mystique. They are bold, brash and worn with much pride (the bigger, the better). These buckles are sported not just by cowboys, but people from all walks of life. Celebrities, rock stars, oil tycoons and politicians have been known to include western belt buckles in their outfit. Indeed, these belt buckles provide one with an excellent way to express their individuality and fashion sense.
Although Western Belt Buckles are thought to be an intrinsic part of a cowboy’s getup, cowboys in the wild, Wild West actually didn’t use them. More often than not, they “put up” (pun intended) with suspenders. It was actually the Hollywood set who popularized the belt buckles. Movie stars playing sheriffs and cowboys wore the belt buckles (with wide belts) to make them look more trendy and to attract attention to their getup. That started the trend.
Eventually, the buckles were proudly worn by rodeo champions. In fact, traditional western belt buckles have been given out as prizes for those who bested other rodeo riders. These are given as trophies or medals.
Western belt buckles as art and fashion
Western belt buckles sport various designs. The images of a charging bull, a bronco rider, an Indian riding a horse and a buffalo skull – these are just some of the popular designs of western belt buckles. The carvings and engravings in these are sometimes quite elaborate. There are also some buckles that have inlaid jewels or stones, most especially turquoise.
With the intricacy of the designs, you can even consider these belt buckles as artistic elements, as well as an important fashion accessory. It can also be a platform for expressing your political or religious stand as you can include phrases and symbols into the belt. You can actually order a custom made belt buckle with your own design.
Ordering a Western Belt Buckle
Your unique sense of style and the image you want to convey plays well into choosing your customized belt buckle. However, you should also know the elements that make for a high-quality belt buckle. First, you should decide the metal to be used. Popular choices include pewter or zinc based buckles with gold or silver finish. You can also go for the real thing. Belt buckles made with sterling silver not just give you the added shine – these also are durable and not given to fading or rusting.
Then, you should decide on the design you want. You can opt for a buckle with an image with a Western border. Or, you can add your initials or name. With Inola casting’s team of designers, you can come up with a great design, if you still aren’t decided on one. And before you sign off on the design, be sure that you thoroughly check for errors in spelling. Also make sure that specifications are fit to your body shape.
When you want to make your own belt buckle, you must remember that these take time, about 3 or 4 weeks. This is well worth the wait, once you see the belt buckle that is made especially just for you.