Ouessant Sheep

Anyone who has ever lived or worked on a farm can tell you that comfort matters most when it comes to what you are wearing. Rugged is grand, sexy is overrated. Its all about the fit, the movability. The same is true for men, women, and children of all ages. If you are taking a trip to the sheep farm or living there full time, you definitely need to know what to wear while there.

As the Seasons Change

Chances are good that your wardrobe will change with the seasons. However, this depends on the task at hand. Most who work on the farm keep the jeans and riding boots year-round. They may opt for teeshirts, tank tops or button-up shirts with short sleeves during the summer. Cowboy hats and such also play an important role each season. Long johns, sweatshirts, and denim or flannel jackets can be worn in the winter.

Other clothing items may include:

• Chaps
• Jackets
• Knives
• Ropes
• Ponchos
• Gloves
• Bandanas
• Belts/Buckles
• ETC.

Prepare for Your Area

Your wardrobe may also depend on where you are located in the world. Different climates and such will all have different requirements. In the southern U.S., you may want to consider darker colors to keep sun damage minimal, hats, and other items. Mosquito repellent bracelets and netting may also be preferable, more so during rainier seasons.

Northern areas may not have to worry about the sun or as many mosquitoes, but there will be times of snow, ice, and other problems. Jeans will protect your legs, no matter where you live and boot, like the Tony Lama VF6003 fit nicely in the stirrups and keep your feet dry. They are also very stylish for times when you leave the farm. Stylish boots are always good if you have on a pair of nice chaps.

The Real Reason behind the Cowboy/Cowgirl Style

If you look at each thing a cowboy wears, it all makes sense.

The hats that a cowboy/cowgirl wear is unique. Most people think of Stetsons. It is a Mexican-style hat that has dual purposes. It protects their head from the sun, rain, and more. However, it can also provide them with a space to carry water from the stream which can be enjoyed by them or their horse.

Boots are made narrow, have no laces, and a small heel. It can give ranchers stability when walking on uneven terrain as well as provides protection from mud and water. What you may not consider is that it also protects their lower legs from snakebites, which can happen when you are walking through a field with heavy brush. Most cowboys also like that boots slip off easily. A fact that is very helpful if they get knocked off their horse while their “shoe” is caught in the stirrups.

Chaps are something that cowboys wear to keep their legs from getting hurt. It is an extra layer of protection from thorns, heavy brush, and other possible hazards while roaming the fields.

Shirts and other types of clothing are less important. When sitting on a horse, your lower body is mostly exposed to a variety of things. It may have started once upon a time, but some traditions will simply always be there. Cowboy style is one of the big ones.