Cowgirl Canteen Purses: A Timeless & Iconic Western Accessory

The Iconic Cowgirl Canteen Purse

A staple accessory for any cowgirl's wardrobe is the classic canteen purse. These vintage-inspired purses are making a major comeback thanks to their timeless style and unmatched functionality.

History of the Canteen Purse

Canteen purses first became popular in the 1950s and 1960s when actual metal canteens were repurposed into fashionable handbags. Cowgirls appreciated their durability and roomy interiors - perfect for stashing all their rodeo necessities.

Over the years, canteen purses evolved from recycled utilitarian canteens to boutique-quality leather and cowhide accessories. But they still maintained that iconic cylindrical canteen shape with buckle straps and front pocket details.

Why Cowgirls Love Canteen Purses

There are many reasons why canteen purses have been embraced by cowgirls across the country:

• They have a vintage yet timeless look that epitomizes Western style
• The structured shape and thick leather withstand heavy everyday use
• Roomy interiors hold all your cowgirl gear - phone, wallet, lip balm, bandanas, and more!
• The hands-free shoulder strap makes wrangling kids or animals easy
• Canteen silhouettes pair perfectly with your boots, hats, and Western wear

Choosing Your Perfect Canteen Purse

From embroidered floral designs to solid leather hues, there are endless canteen purse options to choose from. Here are some tips for selecting your ideal cowgirl companion:

• Size - Consider what you'll need to carry on a daily basis. Bigger purses hold more but smaller ones are more lightweight.
• Material - Cowhide leather is hardy and stylish. But faux options offer affordable durability too.
• Color - Classic brown and black suit any outfit but don't overlook fun colors to make an outfit pop.
• Hardware - Pay attention to strap clips, buckles, zippers, etc. You'll want components that won't easily break.
• Organization - Look for interior pockets to keep your items neat and compartments for optimal storage.

Styling Your Canteen Purse for Any Occasion

From the arena to the saloon, canteen purses bring rugged cowgirl vibes to any outfit. Some stylish ways to sport them include:

• With jeans, boots, and a cowboy hat for a classic rodeo look
• Over floral dresses and skirts for a feminine Western vibe
• On top of sleek black leggings and a denim jacket for modern cowgirl edge
• With cutoffs, tanks, and lots of turquoise jewelry channeling desert cowgirl
• With waxed canvas jackets and beanies for an effortless fall look

Their versatility allows a canteen purse to seamlessly transition from day to night. Just swap hat for heels and you're ready for an evening out!

Classic Canteen Purses from Midwest Boutiques

When you're ready to add an iconic canteen purse to your accessory arsenal, check out these Midwest boutiques offering fabulous finds:

Emily Orlowski

This Kansas-based shop from cowgirl entrepreneur Emily Orlowski overflows with trendy and timeless canteen purses. Her designs even come in mini sizes to accent your hip.

The Rusty Boot

The Rusty Boot boutiques in South Dakota and Montana specialize in small-batch handmade leather goods with lots of custom canteen purse options.

Wild Rag Co

Another great spot for one-of-a-kind canteen purses is Wild Rag Co. Their Colorado store offers artisan-made bags along with their signature wild rags.

Or check local flea markets and second hand stores to score vintage 1960s metal canteens. With some DIY craft skills, you can transform them into Bohemian canteen purses full of worn-in cowgirl character.

Tips for Styling Your Canteen Purse

Once you've got that dream cowhide or leather canteen purse in hand, it's time for some styling fun. Here are tips to make it the star accessory:

• Cinch paper inside during storage to hold structure
• Stuff with wild rags when not in use for slouchy chicness
• Tie colorful bandanas around the straps for a pop of color
• Wrap leather strips or conchos around the base as a cute detail
• Hang charms like horseshoes or cowrie shells from strap rings

Let your canteen purse show off your unique cowgirl spirit! With the right outfit pairing and added flair, this Western staple will quickly become your most reached-for bag.

FAQs

What exactly is a canteen purse?

A canteen purse is a cylindrical, bucket-shaped handbag typically made out of leather or cowhide. It gets its name from resembling an old-fashioned metal canteen or flask.

What fits inside a canteen purse?

Thanks to their roomy barrel design, canteen purses fit all your daily essentials - wallet, phone, lip gloss, bandanas, and more. Some have open tops and others secure closed with buckles or flaps.

How do you wear a canteen purse?

The long shoulder strap of a canteen bag allows you to wear it hands-free crossbody style. You can also detach the strap and carry it by the handle as a chic clutch.

Why are canteen purses a cowgirl staple?

Cowgirls love canteen purses for their vintage-inspired Western aesthetic. But also their functionality - the durable leather and ample storage works hard to keep all your rodeo road trip gear secure.