Duster Coat

By Crusader1307

Another iconic piece of American Western Clothing from the 19th Century, The Duster Coat  (sometimes incorrectly called a “Jacket”), was a long Outer Garment worn by both Men and Women. Inspired  (in part), by the Military Greatcoat,  these garments were made of Canvas or Linen. Designed to reach the Ankle,  they featured a button down Front. Buttons were arranged in wide spacing which made it easier to button and unbutton with one hand. Generally made “one size too big”, this was more from a practical need – rather than a “one size fit all” theory. Often, Lawmen and Outlaws, need to reach their weapons around their waist in a hurry. The large size of The Duster made this easier to do so. Dusters were not lined with fabric. They were not designed to be worn during Winter seasons. They were however, treated with Tallow and allowed to dry. Thus created a “Rain proofing”, of sorts. Dusters were patterned to have a large Slit up the backside.  This was done to accommodate a Rider on a Horse to comfortably wear one “from The Saddle”. Colors were often Earthen or Black. This too was seen as practical, as a form of “Plains Camouflage”. Dusters are still manufactured today and used by Cattlemen on The American Plains.