The traditions of each country makes them unique and stand out. These traditions are distinct, which differentiates us from others. From the way we dress to our hairstyle, languages and the way we relate to others, all these are important parts of a nation’s tradition.
In this article, we’ll be considering USA traditional attire. We all know that the USA is a highly populated country that has diverse kinds of traditional attire. The traditional attire of a particular place tells a story about the people who live there and the history of the place.
The USA traditional attire has a very long history that has been carved and defined by the geography, history, and culture of the people there. In the USA, there are different types of dress sense and styles in different parts of the country.
The South is widely known for its bright colors and patterns and on the other hand, the North is known for a more formal style with suits and ties and the cowboy and cowgirl styles of the West cannot be ignored.
Each of these USA traditional attire tells a lot about the history and culture of the people and the place. In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the USA traditional attire and learning a lot about it.
USA Traditional Attire
1. Cowboy Boot
The cowboy boot is one of the most popular USA traditional attire. The cowboy boot has been part of the very rich culture of the Americans. The Cowboy boots were first seen in the 1900s and they were worn by the cowboys in the western part of America.
The boots were not originally designed for fashion but they were made to keep the feet and legs of cowboys protected as they rode their horses and worked on the ranch to prevent injuries. As time went on, cowboy boots are no longer used only as protective wear but are now an iconic fashion statement that can be styled in different ways based on the preferences and taste of the wearer.
Today, cowboy boots are not just worn by Americans; they are worn by people all over the world, from all ages and backgrounds and they are still an iconic symbol of American style and culture.
2. Cowboy Hat
The next item on our list of traditional USA attire is cowboy hat. The cowboy hat and the cowboy boots most times go together. Just like the cowboy boots, the cowboy hats have their roots in the western part of America. The major reason why the cowboy hat was designed is to serve as a shade and protect the cowboys from the harsh sun and elements while they are working on the ranch.
The Cowboy hats can be styled in different ways. You could choose to style it with cowboy boots or something else. Cowboy hats are usually decorated with bands or pins and they are made from felt or straw with a wide brim and a high crown.
As fashion trends increase, the cowboy hat is no longer used as protective wear; it symbolizes the rugged spirit of West America and is now an iconic fashion piece.
3. The Little Black Dress
The next USA traditional attire item on our list is the little black dress. The little black dress is a common fashion piece among women in the USA. It has been worn by women not only in America but all over the world. The little black dress has been beautifully worn by women to different events, from wedding parties to dinner and everyday wear.
The little black dress came into the spotlight in the 1920s when it was popularized by Coco Chanel, a french fashion designer who saw the beauty and simplicity of the little black dress. The simplicity and beauty of the little black dress have made it a very popular dress and a must-have wardrobe dress for women from all ages and backgrounds.
4. Denim Jeans
Denim jeans are a very popular USA traditional attire. They have a rich history in the USA and have become widely used all over the world. Denim jeans came up in the 1800s and they were originally designed as workwear for miners and cowboys. The Denim Jean are made from a very durable fabric, cotton twill, making them perfect for heavy-duty jobs.
Well, denim jeans took a nosedive, as the jeans became a symbol of rebellion and counterculture among teenagers in the 1950s and 1960s. Denim Jeans have now evolved from just being workwear to a very stylish fashion piece that can be styled differently.
5. Bandannas
The next USA traditional attire is the Bandanna. The Bandannas got their style from the cowboys. They were usually worn by cowboys along with their boots and hats to help them protect their faces from dust and exposure to the sun. Apart from being protective wear, the Bandannas are also used by cowboys to enhance the beauty of their horses or cowboy hats by decorating them.
Bandannas have become a very popular and useful accessory among a lot of people in the USA and beyond. Apart from being used as protective wear by cowboys, other people tie the bananas around their neck for protection from the hot waves from the sun and they can also be used as a nose or face mask to keep dust out of the mouth and nose, as well as a face mask. The Bandannas are a must have accessory, serving both fashionable and practicable purposes.
6. Pinstripe Suit
The pinstripe suit is made from wool or a blend of wood fabric with very thin vertical stripes. It is usually in contrasting colors like gray and black. The pinstripe suit is worn with an inner long sleeved shirt and tie.
The Pinstripe suit is an important fashion piece of the USA traditional attire as it is used to symbolize American work culture and business success. Since the Pinstripe suit came out in the 1920s, it has been commonly worn by the working class like bankers, politicians and other influential figures. The pinstripe suit is used to project a sense of air and power. It is now commonly worn by people of every class all over the world.
7. Hawaiian Shirt or Aloha Shirt
The Hawaiian shirt, also known as the Aloha shirt, is a very colorful shirt with vibrant colors. It was named after the Hawaiian Island where it originated. The Hawaiian shirt was designed by Ellery Chun, a Chinese-American stylist in the 1930s and his major aim was to create a simple yet stylish shirt that would be very suitable for the warm climate conditions of Hawaii Island.
The Hawaiian shirt is not just stylish but is also brightly colored with bold floral and tropical prints. The shirt is now widely used all over the world and it gained popularity due to the tourists who purchased the shirt from the island and took it to their home country.
8. Flapper Dress
The flapper dress is made from silk, chiffon and satin. It was designed to be lightweight. The style was common in the 1900s and it was common among young women in the USA. It was used as a symbol to show the change of values and culture during the Jazz age. Not only that, but the flapper dress was also associated with the rise of women’s rights and independence in the USA.
The flapper dress is commonly worn with low-heeled shoes and also designed with fringes, which help draw attention to the movement of the wearer as she dances. The flapper dress is usually styled with accessories like long strings of beads, feather boas, and cloche hats, which makes the dress more beautiful. The Flapper dress has faced a lot of criticism, as it has been said to be too revealing.
9. Khaki Pants
Who doesn’t own khaki pants? Khaki pants, also known as chinos pants, is one of the most widely used USA traditional attire. Khaki pants originated in the military. In the 1900s, it was part of the British uniform.
The Khaki pants are made from cotton twill fabric. They are dyed with a yellowish-brown color that helps the soldiers blend in with the desert and other dusty environments. Well after World War II ended, khaki pants were widely used among American civilians, as soldiers who fought in the war brought them home and started wearing them as an everyday wear.
10. Cowgirl Dress
The last USA traditional attire is the Cowgirl dress. The cowgirl dress is made from durable materials like denim, canvas, or wool and it is also designed in a way that allows easy movement. The cowgirl dress is commonly used by women who rode horses or worked on ranches.
The cowgirl dress is now widely used in the USA and it is common among people in rural areas and people who ride on horses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we’ve looked at 10 different types of USA traditional attire. The one’s listed above are just a few of the many USA traditional attire. These traditional attires show the rich history, culture and values of different regions and communities within the USA.
