Wild Rag: The Essential Cowboy Accessory
A wild rag, also known as a silk scarf, bandana, or kerchief, is an essential piece of cowboy gear with a rich history and multiple practical uses.
Origins and History
Wild rags originated in the mid-1800s when cowboys started making scarves out of old flour sacks to protect their necks from the elements. In the 1880s, upper-class cowboys and cattlemen wore silk wild rags as a symbol of dignity and status. Famous cattlemen like Charlie Goodnight and Oliver Loving popularized wearing fancy silk wild rags. Outlaws like Curly Bill and Johnny Ringo also wore wild rags, often to conceal their identities during robberies.
Practical Uses of Wild Rags
Wild rags serve many practical purposes for cowboys. They provide warmth in cold weather by wrapping around the neck. During cattle drives, wild rags protect from sun, dust, and wind by covering the face. In emergencies, a wild rag can be used as a bandage, tourniquet, sling, or improvised dog leash. The fabric can also be used to filter water for drinking.
Styling and Wearing of Wild Rags
There are various ways to tie and wear a wild rag. Common knots include the square knot, Windsor knot, and buckaroo knot. Wild rags can be worn loosely draped over the chest or fastened with a scarf slide. Women often wore wild rags too, like famous figures Belle Starr and Annie Oakley. In modern fashion, wild rags are incorporated as bracelets, belts, hair accessories, and even shirts.
Here are the steps to tie a basic square knot for a wild rag, which is the easiest knot for beginners:
How to Tie a Square Knot
Start by folding the wild rag diagonally into a triangle shape.
Drape the folded triangle around your neck with the point in front and the two ends crossing at the back.
Take the end in your right hand and pass it over and under the end in your left hand.
Then take the end now in your left hand and pass it over and under the end in your right hand.
Gently tighten the knot by pulling on the two ends until it sits comfortably at your neck.
Tips for Tying Wild Rags
Square knots are simple and create a classic cowboy look. More complex knots like the Windsor and buckaroo knot take practice.
Wild rag slides or keepers can be used to hold the knot securely in place without having to retie it each time.
Specialized wild rag tying tools provide a form to wrap the fabric around, making it easier to achieve intricate knots like the buckaroo.
Video tutorials and printed instructions with diagrams are helpful for learning different knotting techniques.
Practicing with an inexpensive bandana helps to master the steps before using a nicer wild rag.
With a little practice, you'll be able to tie your wild rag like a genuine cowboy. The square knot is the perfect starting point for beginners, while more experienced wild rag enthusiasts can attempt advanced knots for added flair.
Wild Rag Materials and Designs
Traditionally, wild rags were made from silk, but cotton and other soft fabrics are also used. Solid colors make it easy to match with outfits, while printed designs are popular as well. Larger sizes, around 40" x 40", are preferred for more versatile tying and wrapping options.
Wild Rags Tying Techniques
The easiest knot for beginners is the square knot. More complex knots like the Windsor and buckaroo knot take more practice. Wild rag slides, tying tools, instructional videos, and printed diagrams can help with learning to tie wild rags properly.
Creative Styling Ideas
Beyond wearing around the neck, wild rags can be styled in many creative ways. They can be worn as headbands, hair accessories, bracelets, belts, bag embellishments and more. Adding unique accessories to the knot provides extra flair.
Famous Cowboys and Their Wild Rags
Several iconic cowboys were known for their distinctive wild rag styles:
Billy the Kid often wore a red bandana that became associated with his outlaw persona
Tom Mix, the movie star, had a trademark look with large, bright wild rags knotted at his neck
Rodeo cowboy Monty Montana was known for wearing vibrant wild rags draped loosely around his shoulders
Actor Ben Johnson frequently sported simple black or navy wild rags
Artist Charlie Russell always wore wild rags with bold Native American designs
Conclusion
The wild rag is a highly functional and stylish piece of cowboy gear with a rich Western heritage. It serves practical purposes like protection from the elements and first aid, while also allowing cowboys to express their personal style. The wild rag remains an iconic and essential part of cowboy culture.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.