In 2021, most of us associate trophy buckles in Utah with cowboys, rodeo champions, and the Wild West. Today, those immersed in the culture surrounding country music and rodeos don these ornate, oversized belt buckles to make a statement. But where do trophy belt buckles come from? Your custom belt buckle maker, A Cut Above Buckles, is here to answer that question.
Before cowboys ever wore belts, they wore suspenders. In fact, in the 1800s, most men wore suspenders, not belts. The only time belts were worn in the United States before the 1920s was by military personnel, who wore them not for function but for decoration. In Europe, it was customary for soldiers to go into battle looking their best by wearing large, engraved belt buckles. While soldiers wore buckles made of brass, higher military officials had buckles made of gold.
This tradition made its way into the United States. Revolutionary War veterans would don such belt buckles, as well as those who were fighting in the Civil War. At first, belt buckles were mostly decorated with engravings of military symbols, but soon symbols of Western culture began to be incorporated into belt buckle designs as well.
Rodeos have long been a cornerstone of Western culture and tradition. As competitive events that showcase the skills of cowboys and cowgirls, rodeos became the perfect platform to honor and reward participants. In the early 1900s, trophies were the standard awards for rodeo champions. However, as rodeos grew in popularity, organizers began seeking prizes that better reflected the rugged, Western heritage of the sport.
Trophy belt buckles emerged as the ideal solution. These buckles not only served as a wearable award but also a symbol of achievement and pride. By the mid-20th century, a custom belt buckle became the hallmark of a rodeo champion, often featuring intricate designs that reflected the rider’s accomplishment, event, or personal style.
In the 1920s, Levi Strauss started producing jeans with belt loops. This was the first American brand to mass-produce these types of pants, and consumers—including cowboys—began making the switch from suspenders to belts, as they were much more convenient and functional. Around the same time period, rodeos began awarding winners with rodeo belt buckles.
The transition from suspenders to belts marked a turning point in cowboy fashion. Belts were not just functional; they became a canvas for self-expression. Cowboys would adorn their belts with buckles that represented their heritage, personality, or accomplishments, turning these accessories into cultural symbols.
The artistry of belt buckles is one of the reasons they hold such a special place in Western culture. Each buckle tells a story. Whether it’s a rodeo trophy buckle, a personalized gift, or a keepsake, the craftsmanship involved is truly remarkable.
Buckles are typically made from durable materials such as brass, silver, or stainless steel. Many are engraved or embossed with intricate designs, featuring everything from floral patterns to depictions of Western life, like horses, cattle, and ranches. Trophy buckles often include details like the winner’s name, the event, and the year, making them one-of-a-kind treasures.
Modern advances in technology have made it easier to create highly detailed and customized designs. Companies like A Cut Above Buckles specialize in crafting unique pieces that honor the history and spirit of the West while incorporating contemporary elements.
Around the same time as the belt renaissance of the 1920s, Hollywood was producing a number of films that romanticized the lives of cowboys — think Tumbleweeds (1925), The Virginian (1929), and The Big Trail (1930). Filmmakers would turn up the cowboy aesthetic to make their films more appealing, and soon real cowboys started dressing more like movie cowboys.
Hollywood was also responsible for popularizing shiny belt buckles. Edward H. Bohlin, a Swedish immigrant and leather crafter, worked closely with the movie star Tom Mix, making him custom saddles and belts. Mix was primarily known for his roles in cowboy movies, where he would sport Bohlin’s custom belts, which featured silver trim and accents. Bohlin’s belts were some of the first to have the luster we see on belt buckles today.
Over time, belt buckles have taken on a deeper meaning. Beyond their practicality, they’ve become symbols of identity, heritage, and achievement. For rodeo champions, a trophy buckle is a badge of honor, representing countless hours of hard work and dedication. For others, a custom buckle might reflect personal style, family history, or pride in Western culture.
Even outside the world of rodeos, belt buckles have become a popular accessory. Musicians, ranchers, and fans of Western aesthetics often wear them as a way to connect with the traditions of the past while making a bold fashion statement.
With so many styles and designs available, choosing the right belt buckle can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect one:
At A Cut Above Buckles, we pride ourselves on creating high-quality custom buckles that honor the history and artistry of Western culture. Whether you’re a cowboy, a veteran, a rodeo champion, or simply a fan of the West, we have something for you.
Belt buckles have come a long way from their military origins to their role as iconic symbols of the American West. They’ve evolved into much more than a practical accessory, becoming a way to celebrate achievements, express individuality, and carry on a rich cultural heritage.
At A Cut Above Buckles, we’re proud to be part of this legacy. Our founder and president, Andy Andrews, is a real cowboy with a deep appreciation for the history and tradition behind each buckle we create. Whether you’re in search of a trophy buckle, a custom design, or a timeless piece, we’re here to help you celebrate your story.
