Faced with the task of cracking the rodeo dress code, I called on John G. Bloodsworth, owner of the Publicity Ranch and former marketing director of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.
A few pearls of wisdom Mr. Bloodsworth shared with the Current:
“Don’t show up in a straw cowboy hat. It’s winter, so you wear a felt hat.” Beaver is best. (Beaver cowboy hats range from $200-$800 at Paris Hatters, 119 Broadway, (210) 223-3453.)
“Jeans are a must, and should be either Cinch or Wrangler, butt-fittin’ tight — no lowriders. If you want them to look authentic, starch ’em to the point that you can’t hardly move in ’em.” (Wrangler and Cinch jeans can be purchased at Cavender’s Boot City and cost $26-$66 depending on the style, cavenders.com. Non-aerosol, eco-friendly spray starch can be purchased at most drugstores, or you can make your own — all you’ll need is corn starch, cold water, and a spray bottle).
“No sparkles — that includes belt buckles. Do not wear a big fancy belt buckle unless you earned it. The only time you’ll see sparkle on a real cowboy is if he’s got a gold tooth from being knocked out from riding too many broncs.”
“Rodeo women pretty much dress like the men, except for the big hair — ‘whomped up’ is the best way to describe it. The old saying is still true: The higher the hair, the closer to God.”
— Bryan Rindfuss
