Belt Buckles
Southwest Belt Buckles
Belt buckles, signature staples for rugged rodeo kings and cowboys, have a somewhat complex and incredibly colorful past. Originally designed as sturdy replacements for suspenders in the early 19th century, Southwest belt buckles were primarily used as clasps for leather belts, coming especially in handy for ranch handlers and rangers. But what began as pure functionality has flourished into somewhat of a popular American fad. Today, belt buckles have managed to seep into the style of most all kinds of cultures, ages and emerging trends. But while the buckles have managed to amass a more widespread cultural appeal, there’s no doubting their direct tie to rugged, rustic cowboy style. Belt buckles have been used as glimmering trophies for a number of rodeo riders, used to emphasize dominance, power, tremendous strength, and most importantly, victory in the dirt-padded rodeo arena. And now Alltribes, America’s premier carrier for stunningly classic and eye-catching southwest-inspired jewelry, is proud to announce the release of our revered collection of sturdy, statement-making Southwest inspired belt buckles for the man with both a cowboy demeanor and sense of style.
A Southwest Staple Transcending Culture, Age and Gender
When it comes to the ways we associate belt buckles, it’s not too surprising to lump “ranch handler”, “cowboy” and “ruggedness” into the description. But while belt buckles remain a signature accessory for any cowboy, rodeo or bull-rider, buckles have begun to seamlessly transcend those stereotypical barriers that used to define it several decades ago. Today, Southwest belt buckles clasped on the belts of the young and old and of men and women. And they’re being seen adorned on individuals residing on both ranches and in sky-high urban sprawls. For women, the personal statement emitted from wearing a belt buckle tends to fall into a number of descriptive categories. From an edgy, rocker-style silver plate decorated with tiny jewels, to an earthy, rustic buckle adorned with flowers, each piece accentuates a particular personality and style. And of course, belt buckles have seamlessly transitioned onto women’s belts in the country/ranch scene. As fashion starlet Julianne Hough popularized in the recent remake of Footloose, rocking a country-inspired, feminine belt buckle can turn more than a few heads on the line dance floor. And in terms of age, buckles seem to show now boundaries or limitations. From the very youngest trendsetters rocking a pair of sturdy jeans, to some of the ‘ol western cowboys from decades past, belt buckles continue to make a highly personal statement of self. However, the trend has (and continues to have) a deep and rich past with cowboys and rodeo kings. In a way, Southwest belt buckles have become a cowboy-inspired, cultural phenomenon, popularized by the likes of rugged lone riders like John Wayne in early western films. As a western wear staple, belt buckles show no signs of teetering off or finding their way out of the rodeo arena and in authentic American style. So long as there’s a job to get done, there’s a sturdy hand – and sturdy belt buckle – to help.