What did ranchers in the olden days wear?

Answer 1

Clothes of a rancher were very important in their job. It could mean a matter of life or death to the rancher or even his horse. Most ranchers were poor and could only afford second-hand clothing. Most shirts and pants were of a wool material since jeans were not introduced until the 1873. Most of their boots were flat heeled marching boots from the military. Vest were introduced because reaching into their pockets while riding was difficult. So the vest had pockets which made it easy access for their personal belongings. Heavy canvas jackets were worn to protect the cowboy from thorns and bushes. This reason is also why chaps were invented. Leg protection for the area the coats did not cover. Bandanna's were worn around the neck to help protect the cowboys face during bad weather. These bandanna's were normally bright colored so that the other ranchers could see them more easily in the bad weather. And finally a cowboy hat. The hat was used to keep sun off the face, neck and head, to be used as a water bucket if needed, and to wave to attract attention.