What's the difference between a wild rag and a bandana?

Some argue that a bandana is a wild rag, but a wild rag isn't a bandana. Functionally speaking, they are one and the same: a stylish, yet very functional piece of fabric. The Cowboy Accountant describes it well in this post: a scarf worn about the neck for both work and play.

What is a wild rag?

Everything a cowboy wears has a use, and everything he uses has some sort of element of fashion. One accessory nearly every cowboy owns is a wild rag, which is a square scarf, usually made from silk or a silk blend, worn around the neck.

What do cowboys call a bandana?

Cowboy bandanas go by many names, bandana, mascada (scarf, in Spanish), kerchief, or buckaroo scarf. Bandanas have always been one of the most valuable tools of a cowboy. Even though they go by a lot of different names, one thing is certain- no real cowboy in the old west would work without his cowboy bandana.

What are wild rags called?

The answer, undoubtedly, is the scarf, also known as a neckerchief, handkerchief, or, as so many in our world refer to it, the wild rag. Wild rags come in an array of colors, patterns and sizes to fit the style of any cowboy or cowgirl. Wild rags come in many different colors, patterns and sizes.

Do cowboys still wear wild rags?

In many regions wild rags are still a standard part of cowboy dress whether it be for work or social occasions. They come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and fabrics, with silk and polyester being some of the most popular fabric choices joining cotton and even linen.

How to tie a winter western Wild rag

How long should your wild rag be?

Our standard size wild rag is 36″ x 36″ which will allow most people to wrap the rag around your neck and tie it in the front.

Why do they call it a wild rag?

The wild rag was historically worn by cowboys and cowgirls; as far back as the 1800's. The primary use was protection from the cold, dirt, sun and wind. Way back when, these scarves were made out of anything a cowboy could find to cut and tie around his neck.

Why do cowboys wear Paisley?

In those days exploring the Far West was on its peak and the Paisley print became the most popular pattern for the bandanas used by the cowboys. They mainly worn them at their faces to protect against the dust, wind and sun, besides to prevent being recognized when convenient, what wasn't unusual.

Why do cowboys wear leggings?

Chaps are intended to protect the legs of cowboys from contact with daily environmental hazards seen in working with cattle, horses and other livestock. They help to protect riders' legs from scraping on brush, injury from thorns of cacti, sagebrush, mesquite and other thorny vegetation.

Are wild rags in style?

They are a western style staple that dates back to the 1800's and is still widely worn today. You can get them in a variety of colors, sizes, fabrics, and patterns.

Do wild rags keep you warm?

(1) It's a natural fiber and is naturally insulating. (2) Because it's natural you don't sweat when you wear it because while it does keep you warm, it also breathes. And if you're working on the ranch, and you're bundled up and get warm, and then sweat, well then if you slow down you just get cold.

Why wear a bandana around your neck?

To wear a bandana around your neck, it can be loosely folded into a triangle and tied at the back, or alternatively shaped into a neck gaiter for greater protection from cold and wind. Using this additional layer is a perfect way to protect your neck and face up to the chin preventing heat loss and promoting warmth.

Can you wash a wild rag?

How should I care for my wildrag? For the best result and to maintain the natural luster, it is recommended to dry clean only. Hand wash only with mild detergent such as, Dawn dish soap. Do not use bleach.

Can cowboys have tattoos?

Tattoos have been part of the Western culture for years. After all, they have been and are still used to identify horses and cattle. While cowboys with tattoos might seem to be an oxymoron, it really shouldn't be a big surprise. Cowboys like art – just look at the popularity of western art shows.

Why do cowboys wear Levis?

After receiving complaints from miners that the weight of gold nuggets was causing pockets to rip, Levi Strauss added copper rivets that hold the pants together. That's when cowboys in Texas realized jeans were great to wear as rugged work pants.

Why did cowboys wear baggy pants?

They needed a smaller leg opening to protect their legs from brush while riding a horse and to protect their boots. The smaller leg opening also allows cowboys to "'stack" their jeans — a Western tradition that lets cowboys buy their jeans four inches longer than normal inseams to fit right on their boots while riding.

What is a cowboy neck bandana called?

A wild rag is a scarf worn around the neck by cowboys and others involved in western heritage. They are worn by both cowboys and cowgirls, for both work and for play.

How big is a cowboy wild rag?

Wild rags come in different sizes, but most common ones are 22"x22", 36"x36" and 44"x44". The 22 inch wild rags are small and suited for lil' cowboys and cowgirls, or for a quick fashion statement with your fancy outfit, but not as a working wild rag.

Do cowboys wear silk scarves?

WHY WEAR A SILK SCARF/WILD RAG? The scarf performs many functions for the cowboy. It is often pulled over the nose and mouth to cut down the choking effects of trail dust. It is employed as a cover for a spooked horses eyes.

Can you put wild rags in the dryer?

After washing, you might be tempted to put your clean, wet wild rags in the dryer. Saying it with me—DO NOT WRING OUT! DO NOT PUT IN THE DRYER!

Do cowboys take off their hats indoors?

It's customary to remove hats indoors.

One of the most basic cowboy hat rules is to remove your hat when entering a public building or private home. If you're attending a formal occasion, your hat should remain off while indoors. If it's an informal occasion, feel free to put it back on.

Why do cowboys remove their hats?

There are times that cowboy hat etiquette demands you remove your hat as a sign of respect, and these include: During the singing of the National Anthem, Passing of the Flag or Pledge of Allegiance. During prayer or when you are in a church. When you are meeting someone for the first time, especially an elder.

Why do cowboys wear their jeans so long?

They were wearing their jeans day in, day out without washing them so often, so most of these jeans stayed too long for a long time. Cuffing their jeans was a practical thing, but it became also a very handy tool while riding their horse to place personal belongings.