10/06/08 The nuances of cowboy culture

The nuances of cowboy culture They say life is in the details, well that couldn't be more true when it comes to the clothing a cowboy wears. From the shape of his hat to the brand of jeans, cowboy clothing is America's signature style and the hundred and seven year old man who passed this August in Denver was legendary for designing those western details we take for granted. Here is Susan Allen with more on Jack. A. Weil's famous contribution. Jeff, the Alps have their lederhosen and the West, well we have the diamond snap button shirt courtesy of Jack A. Weil, founder of Rockmount Ranch Wear in Denver . In 1946 this visionary introduced the first snap shirt for cowboy's weary of sewing on buttons snagged riding the range. Known as " Papa Jack" this man understood that cowboy's needed tough and practical clothing thus he devised the cotton, button down, square pocket shirt forever associated and beloved by the American cowboy and cowgirl. He was quick to remind the all the "dudes" that wore his Rockmount shirts, like Elvis Presley and Robert Redford that the "West wasn't just a place but a state of mind". You know Susan, Papa Jack also knew cowboys like to flaunt a bit, so he developed the first commercially produced bolo ties. From snap buttons, silver buckles or bolo ties when it comes to western wear it has always been about the details thanks to Jack A Weil. I'm Jeff Keane.