Yes, another lovely internet search landed a visitor to this blog, with the query: “why would a gay man wear cowboy boots?”
Man, I have blogged about this a lot, but in this post I will avoid jumping to conclusions about implied stereotypes and answer it seriously.
Why would a gay man wear cowboy boots?
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Here’s another internet search that landed a visitor on my website. “What do gay guys wear under jeans?”
Answer: underwear. Yep, us gay guys wear underwear like anyone else.
Boxers or briefs? Answer: yes.
Life is short: ubi sub sub ubi. (An expression in Latin for “always wear underwear” LOL!)
Readers of my blog know that I look at how people find this blog, and I often comment on some of the more interesting search results — some of them are serious, and some are downright silly. Here is an example of the latter:
Yep, you read it right — the inquiry was, “how many pairs of jeans does a cow make?
I just about died laughing when I read this. Man, I wish we could train cows to make clothing. Just think about it, if we could train cows to make boots from their hides, we could cut out a lot of the middlemen. LOL!
I dunno — how many pairs of jeans can a cow make? I guess it depends on how well the cow is trained.
Okay, okay, perhaps the inquiry was more serious, but left out a word. “How many pairs of leather jeans can be made from one cow?” — perhaps that was the real question. That answer: it varies. One large hide from a side of a cow can be used to make a pair of jeans, with pieces left over for other, smaller garments. But I do not know for certain. I have not learned enough about the process to obtain hides from cows to make leather gear.
Life is short: wear leather, whether garments from it are made by cows or their trained people.
They always say to look for sales in the off-season. Such advice led me to find a sale on a pair of perforated leather jeans that go well with a perforated leather shirt (photo left) that I bought via eBay from NCBootdude in early 2011. I bought a pair of perforated leather jeans from CJ’s Leather in Denver, Colorado in September and received them, custom tailored to my size, in October.
What is perforated leather?
It is just what it sounds like — a leather garment that has small holes in it. The holes are in a pattern, spaced evenly, and not located anywhere near stress points so the garment will not tear during normal use (and the stretching stresses sometimes placed upon a garment when operating a motorcycle.)
When worn without underclothing (except briefs), air will blow through as you ride down the road, keep you cool on a warm day, and keep the sun from causing a sunburn, as well. At least that is how my perforated leather shirt performed this past riding season. I will have to wait until next May (or later) to see how the new perforated leather jeans feel.
Unfortunately, late autumn has already brought our first frost and some wet flakes of snow; not really suitable for trying out the perforated leather jeans outdoors (LOL!) I will, instead, be wearing warmer, thicker, leathers as I continue to ride through the autumn and winter, weather permitting.
If you’re interested, check out CJ’s Leather in Denver, Colorado. While CJ’s has a limited number of leather items, what they make is very good. Among the fetish leather vendors out there, they are among the most reasonable in pricing for quality custom gear.
Life is short: wear leather every day all-year through!
When I woke yesterday morning at 4am, I felt chilled. I reached for the remote control to adjust the thermostat for more heat while snuggling closer to my partner for one last warm embrace. Dayum! It felt like winter. I’m not ready for it. Not ready at all.
There was a prediction the night before for some rain. I thought, then, that with wet roads and cold temperatures, that riding my Harley to work would not be an option.
We threw off the covers and went about our morning routine. As I dressed, I pulled on a pair of cowboy boots to wear with my dress clothes to work.
I stepped outside to retrieve the morning newspaper, and thought, “hmmm, it doesn’t feel that cold. It didn’t rain after all!” I went back inside and checked the thermometer. It was 43°F (6°C) — above my riding threshold. Change of plans for the vehicle to use to drive to work — the Harley! “Switch to motorcycle boots” was my immediate thought.
I went back to my bedroom, pulled the cowboy boots off, and as I was putting them away, I saw my tall, Vibram lug-soled Bal-Laced Dehner boots in the closet and said to myself, “sure, they will be perfect!” I pulled my socks up over the ends of my pants, then pulled the Dehners on over my pants. Comfortable! Great traction! Terrific feel!
I went downstairs to the kitchen. I handed my partner the lunch that I made for him, wished him a great day, and kissed him goodbye as he ran out the door to get to the Metro for his job in the city.
I got my lunch and other stuff that I needed to bring with me to work and went into the garage to get the bike ready to ride. I pulled out my truck and rolled the Harley out. After my usual T-clocs safety check, I donned my thick leather chaps, warm biker jacket, put on my full-face helmet, warm gloves, and off I went.
Okay, some of you may be wondering, “did he really wear his pants tucked into his Dehner boots around the office?” While I did tuck my pants into my boots before taking off on my ride, I did that in order to keep the pants clean. Somehow, road crap tends fly around and make my pants dirty, even if covered with chaps. However, when I parked the Harley and took off my chaps, I pulled my pants out of my boots and pulled the ends of my pants down over the boots. That way, my boots look much like laced dress shoes, and unless I sit across from someone and cross my legs, no one is the wiser.
It is possible, therefore, to wear Dehner boots at a typical business office with dress clothes and not have the boots be noticed (as an ostentatious display.)
Sorry for no photo — I tried taking one with my cell phone, but I could not download it directly into my computer due to some technical problem which I do not have the time to figure out, and I am not about to pay the carrier’s exorbitant fees to send photos to myself. (I will not pay for a data plan or a per-usage fee.)
Life is short: wear tall boots to work!
A recent internet search on this question [sic], “can u wear cowboy boots with a bussiness suit?” directed a visitor to my “How to Wear Cowboy Boots” page on my website.
Well, yes, a guy can wear cowboy boots with a business suit. No problem.
But whoever searched this question needs to learn how to write and how to spell. Oh well, with so many people texting these days and using abbreviations, I can understand (though I still dislike) using the letter “u” to represent the word “you.” However, if the guy can’t spell “business,” then he should just go back to wearing his boots with his jeans and return to school.
Life is short: lern hw 2 spel n compleet sentensses (nd uz apostrophe’s rite. Employerrs notis itt.)
Happy Halloween to my blog visitors. This is an odd American holiday, marked by story-telling, tales of ghosts and goblins, and children dressing in a costume and going door-to-door in the evening to collect candy by yelling “trick or treat!” (Either you give them a treat or they play a trick on you).
Many adults enjoy doing something for Halloween as well. Some dress up in costumes and attend parties, usually held the weekend before October 31. From the number of visitors to this blog, many are curious and interested in dressing as a cop.
This year, my partner being the usual recluse that he is, did not want to go to a party on the weekend. Two of my friends invited us to attend an adult party, but … nahhh… Partner didn’t want to go and be around people. He hates that. I did not go anywhere not only because my partner did not want to go, but I also cannot stay awake past 9pm. I’m the party-pooper in this case.
We were invited to a family get-together yesterday afternoon, where the kiddos were dressed in their Halloween costumes and us uncles (and aunts) brought candy. I went (my partner didn’t — again, noisy kids are not his choice). We were encouraged to wear a costume, too. I went as a “biker dude.” Simple enough to construct an authentic costume without going to a lot of trouble and expense. I was thinking about riding my Harley to get there, but was reminded that the mild storm that occurred on Saturday brought down a lot of leaves which remained wet (and slick) on the roads. I didn’t want to run the risk of riding on wet leaves, so I drove my truck.
Tonight, I will continue the theme, dressed as “biker”, when neighborhood kids come to our door and I distribute candy to them. Then we turn out the lights precisely at 9:00pm and go to bed. If kids can’t complete their rounds before 9pm, they’re probably up to no good anyway.
Happy Halloween!
Life is short: go with the flow.
Sometimes I am annoyed when I read these on-line “style guides” whose authors have made some statements that are derogatory about wearing boots in particular situations, such as in a business settings. Oh well, their loss; some of them just don’t get it.
Anyway, I found a silly “25 Shoe Rules” on the about.com website, and thought I would offer a Bootman’s perspective. Below, the “shoe rule” is in regular type. My suggested “Bootman’s Rules” are in italics below each “shoe rule”. Enjoy!
1. Your shoes should be darker than your pants.
Your boots should be darker than your pants if wearing dress pants. Otherwise, boots that contrast with jeans look great!
2. Your shoes should be the most expensive part of your wardrobe.
Your boots should be the most expensive part of your wardrobe.
3. No socks with sandals.
Men should not wear sandals. Period. Nobody wants to see your feet. Nobody.
4. Buy new flip-flops each summer.
Never buy or wear flip-flops for any reason. They are unsanitary, unsightly, and just plain wrong on so many levels for adult men.
5. Be careful when wearing sneakers with khakis, you run the risk of looking older than you are.
Wear boots with khakis for an interesting appearance of style and fashion.
6. Your socks should be a nice bridge between your shoes and your pants.
When you wear boots, no one will see your socks. But always wear comfortable socks that are part wool, part cotton, and part synthetic, to have the advantages that these materials offer (absorption of sweat, comfort, and durability).
7. Your dress shoes should always be shined and looking good.
Your dress boots should always be shined and looking good.
8. The darker your suit, the darker your shoes.
The darker your suit, the darker your boots.
9. No flip-flops at work. Unless you work at a surf shop.
No flip-flops, period. See revised rule #4.
10. Match your socks to your shoes.
This is repetitive. See revised rule #6.
11. Know how to shine your shoes, and if you can’t do it, find a professional shoe shiner. You’ll get great looking shoes and an interesting conversation.
Know how to shine your boots, and if you can’t do it, find a professional shoe shiner. It will probably cost a bit more to have boots professionally shined, but you WILL have a great conversation (as those guys rarely have the chance to shine men’s boots).
12. Always spend money on shoes rather than shirts or pants.
Always spend money on boots rather than shoes, shirts, or pants.
13. Loafers go with just about anything.
Repeat after me: loafers are what you find sitting on the couch. Boots are what you find on your feet.
14. When in doubt, go conservative over edgy.
When in doubt (about wearing boots), go conservative, but stop obsessing about what other people think. Wear boots!
15. Always choose fit over style.
For boots, always choose fit over style, even if that means having boots made custom to your size requirements.
16. Cowboy boots don’t work with suits. Unless you are a real, honest to God cowboy.
This is bullshit stereotyping. Cowboy boots DO work well with a suit, regardless of your employment. Get over the self-imposed fear and learn that dress cowboy boots go quite well with suits! (proof here).
17. Be fitted for running shoes if you’re going to push yourself.
Be fitted for tactical boots if you’re going to push yourself.
18. Wingtips are cool again.
Wingtip boots are cool again.
19. Make sure you have one great pair of boots.
Make sure you have at least two great pairs of boots so you can let your boots breathe between wearings. As you obtain more pairs of boots, you can donate your shoes to charity.
20. Your shoes should match your belt.
Your dress boots should match your belt.
21. Replace your workout shoes at least every six months.
Replace your tactical workout boots at least once a year (boots last longer than sneakers.)
22. Don’t wear sandals if you have gross feet.
Don’t wear sandals at all. See revised rule #3.
23. Buy a nice pair of brown oxfords, they go with almost anything.
Buy a nice pair of brown dress cowboy boots to alternate wearing with your black dress cowboy boots. They go with almost anything.
24. Splurge once a year on that pair of shoes you really want.
Splurge once a year on that pair of boots you really want.
25. Try out the new athletic shoe trends before training with them.
Just cut to the chase, and buy tactical boots to wear if you will be engaging in sports or running.
So, there you have it — a Bootman’s take on silly “style rules for shoes.”
Life is short: wear boots! Dump the shoes and never, ever, wear sandals or flip-flops.
As my regular blog followers know, I ride a Harley. One may think that given the opportunity, I would be out there riding all day, every day.
Well, not quite. While I ride during the week to commute to work, that’s about all the riding I can do during the week due to time constraints. During the summer after work, I may ride my Harley to get to a meeting, but if I do not have a specific place to go, then the Harley remains in the garage and I stay home.
That leaves weekends. My motorcycle club offers a lot of rides from which to choose every weekend. But then again, my partner “offers” a number of activities that also have to be done to maintain our home and the rental properties that I own. My senior pals need some attention, too. Such is life with competing demands on one’s time.
Fortunately, the rides that my club offers are scheduled far in advance, so if there is a ride that I want to go on, I can negotiate the time for the ride and get time off from my partner’s never-ending list of “honey-do” projects when I know a date certain.
As I consider rides to go on, I think about the following factors:
* Where is the ride going? — I enjoy discovering new places that I have not visited before, or riding on new-to-me roads.
* How long will the ride be? — an estimate of the distance and time of the rides from which I have to choose is provided. If the ride is scheduled for the whole day, then I usually cannot go. I have a lot of things that have to be done crammed into a tight weekend and cannot spare a whole day and leave my partner at home (who will do lots of work while I’m away, making me feel guilty that I was not there to help him.)
* Is it an overnight ride? — as I have mentioned before, I do not go on overnight rides. The guys like to sit around and drink after dinner. I don’t drink alcohol, and though I don’t mind if others do, what I do mind is that their tongues get loose when they get intoxicated, and they say things about gay people or about women that I just don’t want to be subjected to hearing. So I avoid being in such a situation.
* What distance will the ride cover? — distance is a major issue for me. Rides over about 200 miles are out. I have a physical condition that tires me faster than the average bear. Riding when tired is unsafe. I will not put myself in that situation.
* What is the purpose of the ride? — is it a casual ride on back roads and byways, a ride to support a police or fire charity or memorial, or is it a poker run sponsored by another club? I like the casual back roads rides, and have supported more than my share of memorial and charity events. But I don’t like poker runs and will not go on them.
* Who is leading the ride? — every ride leader brings his or her personality to the ride. A ride leader known to “ride aggressively” is not someone who I want to ride with. I don’t have any fun trying to keep up all the time. I realize that my riding skills are not the same as others, so I want to “ride my own ride” — relaxed, casual, and unhurried. I will not go on a ride with someone who I know to ride too fast for my liking.
* What roads may be involved? — I have learned my lesson. I will not (deliberately) ride on roads that are unpaved, covered with gravel, or that involve stream crossings over fords. I also will not go on rides where I know there will be turns that are too tight and impossible for me to handle. (Believe me, I know my limits!)
* Safety factor — implied in the above considerations is how safe I think I will be on a ride. That’s based on my health, the road conditions, and what I know about the ride leader’s attention to safety.
* What’s the weather? — always a last-minute decision, but if I want to enjoy a nice, casual ride, I want to do it when the roads are dry and preferably when it is sunny. I won’t go if the roads are wet or if it is raining or rain is predicted. I also have my low-temperature threshold. I will not ride when it is lower than about 40°F (4.5°C). That’s about as cold as I can take it, despite all my leathers and gear.
So there you have it — how I, personally, choose to go on an organized motorcycle ride (or not.) Every biker is different. Some have more time, some have better skills, some don’t have a non-riding other-half with a long honey-do list. Most of all, the motto is, “ride and have fun.” If I think the fun would be limited for me on a ride due to its purpose, destination, choice of roads, ride leader, or the weather, then I may go for a short ride by myself, or stay home and tackle the honey-do list.
Life is short: make your choices.
My twin brother, J, sent me this photo that his wife took of him on their recent extended second honeymoon throughout Europe during September. No, my brother is not about to walk into the Mediterranean from an island off the coast of Greece, but it looks like that.
Isn’t the setting gorgeous? What a stunning photo! My sister-in-law has quite the eye for photography!
Life is short: celebrate joy and happiness with family!