Gaucho Style

Gauchos are the traditional cowboys of South America and can be found in Argentina as well as Uruguay & Brazil.  Their livelihood is based on taking care of cattle and horses and traditionally were a nomadic culture that went from ranch to ranch helping as needed.  They are a national symbol of Argentina, much like the US cowboys, and are known to be strong, honest, silent types, with expert horseman skills.

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Stylish Basics

Gauchos have a distinct style of dressing and take great pride in their appearance.  I found that the longer I was around the gauchos (and the well-dressed guides), the more keen I was to start wearing similar articles of clothing - it is stylish while still being functional for horse riding.  The basics of their attire are the boina, pañuelo, apalgatas, bombacha, poncho....and of course a horse.  Always a horse.

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Boina

A beret of sorts but much wider than the ones you will find in Paris.  The hat fits tightly around the brim allowing for it to stay secure while trotting around the pampas grasses.

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Pañuelo

A beautiful silk scarf that is worn around the neck to add a bit of flair.  The prints and colors available are vast and each piece feels like artwork.  Their is a small silver accessory that is used to keep the pañuelo secure which traditionally has the imprint of a regional wildflower.

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Apalgatas

Canvas shoes, traditionally with rope soles, which now have been replaced with a rubber sole.  They are highly recognizable as they are the basis for the original TOMs shoes.  There is absolutely no grip, but the gauchos effortlessly use them for riding!

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Bombachas

Cotton wide-legged pants that taper by the ankle, usually with a bit of woven fabric detail near the pockets. They are the perfect riding pant, extremely comfortable and durable for long rides.

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Poncho

During colder weather, gauchos will typically have a poncho on over their camisa (shirt).  The poncho also doubles as saddle blanket and sleeping gear.

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Riding Gear

Ultimately, the gaucho is most concerned about how their horse is dressed to ensure they are properly outfitted for the ride.  I was so impressed with the level of attention and love they have when dealing with the horses.  All the saddles were stored in a special gear room and the colors and textures were true eye candy.  This alone had me romanticizing about changing careers!

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Shopping

After my few days at the Estancia, I was fortunately headed back to Buenos Aires and was able to go to Arandu to satisfy all my gaucho wardrobe wishes.  They have a huge range of leather goods in addition to all of the gaucho essentials listed in this post.  I am fairly certain this is Ralph Lauren's favorite shop!

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The Best Souvenir

Back home in California, I have been regularly wearing my apalgatas and it has been such a nice reminder of this special time in Argentina riding with true gauchos...