Western blog
Saddle up and step into the spirit of the West with our Western Blog — your go-to destination for all things country and cowboy. From timeless style tips and hat etiquette to tales of frontier life, rodeo culture, and modern-day ranch living, we cover it all. Whether you’re a seasoned wrangler or just discovering your western roots, this blog is where tradition meets trend, one post at a time.
07/06/2025
Howdy friends!
Welcome to Cowboy Customs – Where the West Gets Personal
We’re thrilled to tip our hats and introduce Cowboy Customs – your new go-to for customised Western-themed hats and accessories. Whether you’re a seasoned ranch hand, a country music lover, or simply someone who appreciates timeless Western style, Cowboy Customs is here to bring your vision to life with quality craftsmanship and authentic flair.
Who We Are Cowboy Customs was born out of a love for the Wild West and a desire to let people express their unique style through custom gear. We’re not about mass-produced or one-size-fits-all. We believe every hat tells a story – and yours should be as bold and original as the cowboy who wears it.
What We Do At Cowboy Customs, we specialise in fully customisable Western hats and accessories, each one made to reflect your personality and spirit. Choose from classic styles like cattleman, pinch front, or gambler hats, then make it yours with options like:
- Personalised hatbands and featherwork
- Burned initials, symbols, or branding, or your own vision
We also offer a curated selection of Western-themed accessories including:
- Enamel pins and badge sets
- Hair clips
- A lots more exciting things coming soon
Why Cowboy Customs Because real style comes from individuality – and nothing says “authentic” like gear that’s made just for you. Every piece we create is designed with passion, made with care, and built to ride with you for years to come.
We’re proudly UK-based but inspired by the spirit of the American frontier. Whether you’re heading to a country music festival, a rodeo, or just looking to turn heads on the high street, Cowboy Customs is here to kit you out in one-of-a-kind Western style.
Ready to Saddle Up? Custom orders are now open! Browse our collection, get inspired, and let us help you create something that’s truly you. Keep an eye out for our latest designs, styling tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at how our pieces come to life.
Follow us on socials and join the Cowboy Customs community. Because around here, we don’t just wear hats—we wear our story.
Cowboy Customs – Western style, made yours.
17/06/2025
Cowboy Hat Wearing Etiquette (Especially in Western and cowboy culture):
Wearing a cowboy hat isn’t just about style—it comes with its own set of traditions and etiquette, especially in more traditional or rural settings. Here are the key guidelines:
When to Wear Your Hat:
- Outdoors: Cowboy hats are typically worn outside. They offer protection from the sun and are a practical part of cowboy gear.
- At Events: It’s appropriate to wear a cowboy hat at rodeos, country fairs, horse shows, and Western-themed events.
When to Take It Off:
- Indoors: Traditionally, remove your hat when entering a building, especially a private home, restaurant, church, or someone’s office.
- During the National Anthem or Prayer: Hold your hat in your right hand over your heart as a sign of respect.
- When Greeting Someone: Especially elders or women—tipping or briefly removing your hat is a respectful gesture.
Tipping the Hat:
- A small nod and tip of the hat is a courteous way to greet someone.
- It’s often used to say “hello,” “thank you,” or show respect.
Other Unspoken Rules:
- Don’t touch another person’s hat—it’s considered personal and can be seen as disrespectful.
- Never place your hat brim-down on a surface. Lay it crown-down to protect the brim and preserve its shape.
- Store it properly—on a hat rack or in a box when not being worn.
Following these customs shows respect for Western culture and keeps the cowboy tradition alive with pride and authenticity.
05/07/2025
The Timeless Allure of Turquoise
Few stones hold as much cultural weight and visual appeal in the western world as turquoise. Known for its vibrant hue and spiritual symbolism, turquoise has long been a cornerstone of western jewellery — from Navajo-crafted cuffs to modern-day rodeo-ready statement rings. But what makes this stone so iconic?
A Legacy Carved in Stone
Turquoise has been used by Native American tribes for centuries. For the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi peoples, turquoise was more than a pretty stone — it was a sacred protector, believed to bring strength, health, and good fortune. These communities perfected the craft of turquoise inlay and silverwork, creating intricate pieces that were passed down through generations.
As cowboy culture evolved in the American Southwest, turquoise naturally found its place. Worn by outlaws, ranchers, and rodeo queens alike, it became a bold signature of western identity.
Why Turquoise Still Matters Today
Turquoise stands out because:
It’s naturally unique: No two stones are ever exactly the same.
It’s believed to protect and guide: A wearable talisman for modern cowboys and free spirits alike.
It pairs beautifully with earthy tones, distressed leather, and worn denim — the core of western style.
Styling the Stone
Whether you’re rocking a turquoise-studded hat band, layering turquoise pendants with suede fringe, or adding a flash of colour with turquoise claw clips — the key is to let it tell a story. Your story.
Turquoise doesn’t just accessorise an outfit — it anchors it in something deeper: tradition, strength, and wild-hearted freedom.
Spotted Legends: The Legacy of the Appaloosa Horse in Western Culture
When you picture the Wild West — dusty trails, open plains, and fearless cowboys — one iconic figure often gallops across the scene: the Appaloosa.
Known for its distinctive spotted coat and fierce loyalty, the Appaloosa isn’t just a beautiful horse — it’s a living symbol of strength, survival, and the western way of life. At Cowboy Customs, we draw inspiration from this legendary breed not just for its unique look, but for what it stands for: individuality, freedom, and deep roots in heritage.
🔸 A Horse with History
The Appaloosa's story goes back centuries. Originally bred and prized by the Nez Perce people of the Pacific Northwest, these horses were valued for their speed, endurance, and intelligence. The Nez Perce were skilled horse breeders, and their selective breeding made the Appaloosa a standout both in appearance and performance.
When the American West expanded, settlers and ranchers quickly recognised the Appaloosa’s value on long cattle drives and rugged terrain. Its sure-footedness made it the perfect companion for work — and its unmistakable coat made it unforgettable.
🔸 More Than a Pretty Pattern
From glossy leopard spots to bold blanket markings, every Appaloosa tells a story through its coat. But what makes this breed truly western is its temperament — loyal, alert, and ready for anything.
Whether thundering into rodeo arenas or starring in western films, the Appaloosa has become a fixture of cowboy imagery. It’s the horse you’d want by your side in a shootout, a round-up, or just a long ride into the sunset.
🔸 Our Western Inspiration
At Cowboy Customs, we believe in honouring tradition while carving your own path — just like the Appaloosa. Our custom hats, jackets, and accessories are designed with that same wild spirit in mind. Distinctive, bold, and one-of-a-kind — just like the horses that helped build the West.
🐾 Spotted Style, Timeless Soul
Looking to bring a bit of that western legacy into your wardrobe? Browse our latest collection inspired by the heritage and beauty of the American frontier.
📲 Follow us on Instagram & Pinterest: @cowboycustomsuk