Women's Clothing In The Wild West

Women's clothing, both as an identity marker and as a fashion statement, has been around for a long, long time. But today's cocktail gowns or designer shoes still has its origin from somewhere, even if it can be hard to picture Kim Kardashian swagger around outside the saloon located on the muddy main-street of a pioneer village.

But for the ladies of the wild west as it is for the modern ladies of today, still had to, and was apparently interested, in acquiring the proper outfits for where they were in life. The question of status was even more tied to their wardrobe than it is today.

The Pioneer

The women living in a pioneer community, which meant breaking new ground into unknown territory, living under hard conditions and dire circumstances, their wardrobes was equipped accordingly. If you have seen "The Little House On The Prairie" you probably know what I am talking about. Even if life out there was seldom as cuddly as that shows portrays it, at least the outfit with a tight collar, strict blouse and white linen cap covering their hair was based on a real story.

The Western Lady

Although a substantial middle class was hard to come by during the days of the wild west, there was still plenty of elegant ladies around, carrying themselves with poise and dignity, with their ankle long black skirts and embroidered vests, at times even sporting a smaller version of the typical cowboy hat.

This was the attire for a mature woman, someone who had and still was, raising a family, someone who had a home to tend to and man to care for.

The Saloon Girl

This is really the true origin of the entire lingerie business. The sexy outfit of the girl who was hired to strut around the crowded tables with the assignment of getting cowboys and gun-slingers to drink as much possible, has provided the base for countless of collections of girdles and stay-ups.

The Teacher

As a respected profession this required a professional attire. Being a teacher was one of the few jobs a single female in the male-dominated world of the wild west could have without risking to be looked down upon by their female peers or men of moral.

Women had to carefully navigate through a social landscape that viewed gunning a man down for cheating during a game of cards was swift justice, but a woman showing too much of her leg as a deviant. So the schoolteacher was often seen wearing a long patterned dress with a wide base at the ankles. The only accessory they allowed themselves was a small umbrella, more for sun protection than heavy rains, and you could see them on their way to and from school with that umbrella resting on a shoulder, gently twirling it with one hand.

So you could easily claim that the supply and fashion when it comes to women's clothing has come a long way since those early days of hardship.

This article is brought to you by MATCHMAKING.