Carl & Ashley's Wedding (Western 101) ~ October 23rd, 2004


For all the folks invited to the wedding who were not country or western, we pulled together a quick Western 101. This page was so popular that we decided to leave it up. We won't be updating it very often, but it should still give you a start even though it is not at all a complete list. Please feel free to give us a call or send us an email if you want more information or are curious about anything. Western Clothes Bottom line, if you don't feel comfortable wearing western, anything you normally wear to play golf or show dogs will be just fine! We want you with us, with or without boots! Here's a little information to satisfy your curiosity or help you get some western wear if your interested. If you go down to the rodeo or out to a honky tonk, you'll see that cowboys and cowgirls dress a little different than the boys and girls you see out on the street. You'll find that cowboys and cowgirls generally wear the same type of clothes - boots, cowboy hats, jeans, belts with buckles and button down shirts. The differences between what the cowgirls wear and the cowboys wear are really in the details. Here's a quick overview, ladies first of course.

Cowgirls Western clothes on a woman really show off the waist, butt and legs regardless of body type. You will be surprised at how good you look in these clothes. Hat (Stetson \| Resistol) A hat on a woman is a powerful statement. Girls who wear hats, wear the same hats that the boys do - traditional cowboy hats. In the winter (and for formal events), generally a felt hat is worn. In the summer, generally a straw hat is worn. Sometimes, girls will dress up thier hats with a more feminine hat band (the buckle on the hat band is worn on the left side facing towards the back of the hat). The hat is generally worn with the band in the middle of the forehead. You'll know it fits if you can turn your head upside down and the hat stays on. Shirt/Top (Rockies \| Wrangler) Cowgirls have been known to "borrow" shirts from thier cowboys - just ask Carl :) Shirts are generally worn tucked in so that you can see your belt. If a button down shirt is worn, girls generally wear a tank top under the shirt and leave the top few buttons open so that you can see the tank top. Jeans (Wrangler \| Rockies \| Lawman) The two key words here are "tight" and "long". If you can't breathe and you're walking around with them over the ends of your feet (before you put on your boots), they fit. Just a tip, put on your boots before you zip up the jeans. Belt (Justin \| Tony Lama) Cowgirl belts often look identical to cowboy belts except that they are not as wide. The color of the belt is matched to the boots. If you're getting a belt, get the jeans first. Western jeans are often high rise. This causes your belt size to be smaller than what you might think because you are wearing the belt higher up on your waist. Buckle (Montana Silver) This is one part of the outfit that is distinctly feminine. A buckle will come with the belt, but there are lots of other beautifully crafted choices at any western wear store. A word to the wise, buy the belt first and try them on together for a good fit. Boots (Justin \| Roper \| Laredo \| Ariat \| Lucchese) Cowgirl and cowboy boots are generally the same although some girls will wear boots in colors other than black and brown (like red) and may wear silver or gold kilties. There are basically three types of boots: western (your traditional idea of a cowboy boot), ropers (a plain working style boot) and lacers (boots that lace up and have a leather tassle looking thing on the toe called a kiltie). You'll know the boots fit if they are snug in the toe and instep but a little loose in the heel. They'll feel like they are slipping in the heel. The more you wear them, the more comfortable they get. If you're going to dance in these boots, make sure you get a boot with a smooth sole like leather or plastic. To much traction will only make you frustrated.

Cowboys Cowboys take pride in a clean tight appearance - ironed shirt, ironed starched jeans and a clean shave (or neatly trimmed mustache). Hat (Stetson \| Resistol) A hat is a very personal thing for a cowboy. Its like an extension of thier body. Girls, touching a cowboy's hat is flirting on a colossal scale. Guys, if you want to keep all your teeth, keep your hands off of the hats of other cowboys. As described above, the hat is generally worn with the band in the middle of the forehead. You'll know it fits if you can turn your head upside down and the hat stays on. Shirt (Cinch \| Roper \| Wrangler) Button down long sleeve shirts are worn year round, with or without an undershirt. Shirts are generally worn tucked in so that you can see your belt. Jeans (Wrangler) One word boys, "Wranglers". Cowgirls love a tight little cowboy butt! The two key words here (again) are "tight" and "long". If you can't breathe and you're walking around with them over the ends of your feet (before you put on your boots), they fit. Just a tip, put on your boots before you zip up the jeans. Jeans are also ironed and starched to the point that they will literally stand up on thier own. Just take 'em to the cleaners and ask for extra heavy starch with a crease. Belt (Justin) Cowboy belts come in tons of styles - everything from a plain working leather belt to a flashy belt with silver conchos. The color of the belt is matched to the boots. Buckle (Montana Silver) Buckles are (again) a very personal thing for a cowboy. Rodeos will often give buckles as trophies - the bigger the buckle, the bigger the win. A buckle will come with the belt, but there are lots of other beautifully crafted choices at any western wear store. A word to the wise, buy the belt first and try them on together for a good fit. Boots (Justin \| Roper \| Laredo \| Ariat \| Lucchese) There are basically three types of boots: western (your traditional idea of a cowboy boot), ropers (a plain working style boot) and lacers (boots that lace up and have a leather tassle looking thing on the toe called a kiltie). And, yes, cowboys do wear lacers. They are not considered "girly" boots. You'll know the boots fit if they are snug in the toe and instep but a little loose in the heel. They'll feel like they are slipping in the heel. The more you wear them, the more comfortable they get. If you're going to dance in these boots, make sure you get a boot with a smooth sole like leather or plastic. To much traction will only make you frustrated.
For those who you are interested in picking up some western duds, we've pulled together a list of western wear stores where you can find just what you need. Local Northern/Central Virginia Western Wear Stores Boot Hill (in a shopping center near the intersection of Rt.123 & Rt.95 off of Rt.1) 13231 Gordon Blvd Woodbridge, VA 22191 Phone: 703-490-0090 WJ Colt & Co. Outfitters (inside Springfeild Mall next to JCPenny) 6500 Springfield Mall Springfield, VA 22150 Phone: 703-971-7555 Hours: M-Sat 10:00AM - 9:30PM, Sun Noon - 5:00PM Myrna's Boots N' Bits (next to Petsmart and Home Depot off of Midlothian, look for the big Justin boot) 1112 Car Mia Way Richmond Virginia 23235 Phone: 804-794 6774 Hours: M-W 10:00AM-6:00PM, Th-Sat 10:00AM - 7:00PM Online Western Wear Stores Cavender's Rod's Drysdales The Fort Sheplers Renton Western Wear Country Western Dancing According to many people (especially Texans), there are only three types of dancing: Two-Step, Polka (Triple-Step or Double-Shuffle) and Waltz. Then, there's those "damn Side-by-Side" dances and those freakin' Line Dances! Seriously, if you're interested in learning how to do any of these dances, call up your local honky tonk. Many places have lessons for free (or for cheap) right before most people start showing up for the evening. Here's a short list: Nick's (see below for contact information) Line Dancing ($3 per person) Tu, Th 7:30 - 8:30PM Fri, Sat 8:00 - 9:15PM Instructed by Barry Howerton or Dee McNeely Couples Dancing ($5 per person) Tu 7:30 - 8:30PM Fri 7:30 - 8:15PM Instructed by Lloyd Thompson Cancun Cantina (see below for contact information) Line Dancing ($3 per person) Tu, Th, Fri 7:30 - 9:00PM Instructed by Herb and Mary Ellen Wed 7:30 - 9:00PM Instructed by Ms. Dottie Couples Dancing (no charge) Su 6:30 - 8:00PM Instructed by Herb and Mary Ellen Honky Tonk Ettiquette We found this list on a honky tonk web site. For those of you reading who are familar with honky tonks, you'll find this amuzing. For those of you who aren't, there is a heafty dose of humor in this list but all of it is based in truth. So, for ya'll... just a few "rules of the road" while on a country western dance floor: Common Country/Western dance floors are divided into Lanes and Areas. The traffic in the lanes are for traveling dances and move counterclockwise with the faster (usually better) dancers staying to the outside. The center areas of the floor are for stationary dancing: line dancing, swinging, free style, etc. Line dancers, swingers, free stylers, etc. should stay out of the lanes. If they see a couple progressing towards them in the lanes they should make an attempt to get out of the way. Couple dancers should realize that line dancing is here to stay and sometimes the floor fills up (Tush Push, Electric Slide, etc.). When this happens it's best to wait for another song. Heck, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em! Don't use the dance floor for a pathway to the other side of the bar. I'd be willing to bet there's another way around. Don't drink or smoke on the floor. When someone spills a drink on the floor it makes a real slick spot until it dries, then it turns into a real sticky spot. Either way its dangerous (and I didn't even mention if it's spilt on someone). Guy's if you want to dance with someone else's date/partner, ask the cowboy if he would mind if you dance with her before you ask her to dance. This not only takes the pressure of her (wondering if her date/partner would mind) but also could save you some teeth. Another little safety tip, NEVER take a cowboys hat!!! You can step on his boots, spill his beer, sometimes even dance with his girl but don't touch his hat without asking. Ladies, remember asking to wear a cowboy's hat is flirting on a colossal scale. When a song/dance is over, leave the dance floor. Don't hang out on the floor socializing. Even standing on the floor against the rail is not safe. This is the fast dance lane. Think about it. Would you lean against the inside rail of a horse track during a race? This one is for the ladies that can't get a partner to dance with. Girls, my advice is don't be too picky. If a cowboy asks you to dance, then dance with him. The chance's of getting asked to dance increase proportionally with the number of cowboys that see you know how (and want to). There only 3 kinds of people at a honky tonk dance saloon: 1) The ones that can and do. 2) The ones want to and get out there and learn/try. 3) The ones that want to and don't have the nerve to. So, if your just starting out, don't just stand there, get out there and go for it! Everyone will help you! Carl & Ashley's Favorite Honky Tonks Just 'cause we're married doesn't mean we aren't still Honky Tonkin' fools! We're always up for a few cold beers, good friends, good music and lots of dancing. So, give us a call if you want to go out. We'll take any excuse! Nick's (near the intersection of Rt.295 & Van Dorn Street) 642 S. Pickett St. Alexandria,VA Phone: 703-751-8900 If you're going to drop in at Nick's, say hi to Jeannie for us (behind the front bar). She's the best bartender in the joint and will be sure to keep you well hydrated all nite. Also, check to see if Kevin and the boys from Southern Winds Band are playing. If you see 'em, hollar at 'em for us and tell them thanks for playing the wedding. Cancun Cantina (near BWI off of Rt.95) 7501 Old Telegraph Road Hanover, MD 21076 Phone: 410-761-6188 The Banque (in Norfolk off of Military Highway, in a shopping center) 1849 East Little Creek Road Norfolk, VA 23518 Phone: 757-480-3600 If none of these are close to you, find a honky tonk near you online at Honky Tonkin' USA.