2021 First-Class Forever Stamps - Western Wear

Issue Date:  July 23, 2021

First Day City:  Abilene, TX

Type of Stamp:  Definitive

Printed by:  

Printing Method:  Offset

Format:  Pane of 20

Self-Adhesive

Quantity Printed:  175,000,000

Western wear was originally worn by working cowboys on the range or ranch.  Over time, it has become a fashion trend among non-cowboys as well.  The United States Postal Service issued four Forever stamps in 2021 picturing iconic clothing items worn by cowboys.  The stamps feature a cowboy hat, belt buckle with longhorn skull, cowboy boot with spur, and a western shirt.  Around each centerpiece are popular western symbols such as roses, cacti, snakes, and stars.

Cowboy fashion became popular with the public when Hollywood began filming Westerns in the 1940s and 50s.  These movies introduced the world to famous silver screen cowboys like Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and John Wayne.  As these films grew in popularity, more people became interested in dressing like their favorite Western stars.  This meant an increase in casual wear of cowboy hats and boots, western shirts, and accessories like bolo ties and bandanas.

Today, western clothing can be seen almost everywhere in the United States.  For some folks, it's a fun way to show off their love of cowboy culture.  For others, it's the uniform they put on every day before going to work in the saddle.  Western wear is a reminder of simpler times, and it's hard not to smile when you see someone proudly wearing it.