How to Dress Like a Cowboy: The Complete Guide

Posted by Guest Post on May 14th 2021

If you're trying to figure out how to dress like a cowboy, you came to the right place. Our helpful guide here has you covered.

Let's start with the obvious: Cowboys are effortlessly cool.

While their attitude helps with their confident vibe, a lot of their "coolness" comes down to their fashion.

Cowboy fashion is functional, yet iconic. What goes into the cowboy look?

If your reading this, you're probably ready to change up your look. Continue on to find out how to dress like a cowboy in your everyday life.

Picking Out Your Cowboy Look

Not all cowboys are the same. When you want to dress like a cowboy, get specific and creative with your look. You can go for a classic cowboy look from the early 20th century or you can go on a more modern version with simpler touches, it's up to you. Here are some cowboy aesthetics to get you started:

Western Cowboy

The western cowboy is going to be your classic cowboy. When you picture a cowboy, you probably picture the western cowboy with a hat, big belt buckle, cowboy boots, and probably some fringe on the pants or jacket.

Modern Cowboy

For the modern cowboy look, you might want to swap the blue jeans for some darker denim. In addition, you'll look more modern if you mute your colors to just black and white.

Street Cowboy

The street cowboy is another version of the modern cowboy. This type of cowboy doesn't look ready to go out to work on the ranch. Instead, they look ready for a night at the saloon.

Preppy Cowboy

The preppy cowboy might be more put together and might even play with some color. To go for the preppy look, try layering with a plaid flannel shirt in a brighter color.

No matter what look you choose, your cowboy clothes are going to be more or less the same. The main difference is going to be the colors and the way you accessorize.

Boots

A cowboy isn't a cowboy without his boots. There are many different types of leathers (including snakeskin, alligator, crocodile, ostrich, and even kangaroo), colors, and patterns that you can choose from. To see a range of options for the best cowboy boots, check out our online store.

Boots can be decorative but they can also be functional. You can focus on having a designer boot to show your personality, or you can choose a boot that will be comfortable for a long day of work. For your cowboy boots, you can customize different heel heights, as well as whether you want the toe to be rounded or pointed.

Jeans

While Levi Strauss invented the denim jean, the cowboys are the ones who popularized the style. For your cowboy look, denim boot-cut jeans are essential. Obviously, they're called boot-cut for a reason: the length should cover your boots.

More so, your pants should not be high-waisted as they should sit nicely at your hips. Pockets shouldn't be too deep and should only hold your essentials, like your keys and your wallet. The wash of your jeans shouldn't be too light and avoid any jeans with holes or rips.

Shirt

To top off your look, pick out a clean and durable shirt. Don't get too flashy; your shirt shouldn't be too bold that it draws unnecessary attention.

For colder weather, a simple colored flannel should do the trick. A long sleeve denim or plaid shirt with buttons and fringe is classic. When you need another layer, try a long duster, fringed jacket, or even a denim jacket to go with your denim pants.

For warmer days, try out a plain cotton t-shirt. White or black are standard colors and, if you wish, you can add a pop of color with your hat, boots, or other accessories.

In any weather, cowboys typically opt for the long sleeve shirt. This is because the cotton fabric is naturally cooling. Plus, you don't want to get sunburnt during long hours on the field

Hat

Every cowboy needs a cowboy hat. And every cowboy has a different-shaped head. The good news is there are different sizes and shapes of cowboy hats that can fit anyone who desires to be a cowboy or at least look like one.

Hats come with all different circumferences of brims and shapes of crowns (the top part of the hat). You can also don different colors like a classic Tan or Black, it all depends on your personal style.

Finishing Touches

While most of your cowboy attire should be pretty simple, you can show some personality with finishing touches. However, treat these finishing touches as accents and compliments to your overall outfit. Cowboys aren't horribly extravagant with their dress, so leave the sequins and bold patterns at home.

Belt

For your cowboy outfit, you're gonna need a belt. Your belt should be as wide as the belt loops on your jeans. It should also be leather and should complement the leather of your boots. For example, if you have black leather in your boots, you need a black leather belt.

Spurs

If you don't have a horse, or at least if you're not planning to ride your horse, you probably don't need to add Spurs to your boots. Spurs are attached to the boots to control the horse as you're riding it. While they add flair to your outfit, they are worn for a practical purpose.

Chaps

You might have seen cowboys wear chaps in movies and TV shows. Chaps are leather garments that cover nearly the whole leg. Unless you plan to be out doing some heavy fieldwork, you probably don't need to invest in some chaps.

Bolo Tie

Bolo ties should be reserved for formal events. A normal cowboy doesn't wear a bolo tie every day.

Facial Hair

If you really want to commit to the look you can grow a mustache. Most cowboys grow facial hair along the upper lip and then they curl it upwards with wax.

Horse

Obviously, we can't forget the main accessory to a cowboy outfit: A horse. Take a ride on your trusty horse in your cowboy outfit to get the full experience.

Have fun with the accessories to your cowboy clothes. Remember, though, to stay simple and not to overdo it with every bell and whistle you can get your hands on.