How to Dress Like a Cowboy?
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It's time to embrace the western style!
When we talk about cowboys, it often involves the stereotypical image of the 19th-century American West cowboy, proudly riding his steed with his cowboy hat and lasso in hand. While this representation may seem accurate, the traditional aesthetic of cowgirls and cowboys goes far beyond this image. Indeed, every element of their outfit had a very specific function. Whether it was the chaps, the spurs, or the jeans, everything was chosen for its practicality.
Nowadays, wearing western-style clothing is a real pleasure. Even better, it is a fashion choice that is still trendy! Although this style is more common and popular in the southern and western states of the United States, it has spread widely around the world.
Whether for vacations, special occasions, or even daily wear, choosing to dress in cowboy style can be an original way to stand out. If you are interested, we invite you to continue reading, as we will give you all the information you need to get started.
The basics of dressing like a cowboy
Western-style clothing, found in both men’s and women’s wardrobes, was popularized from the 19th century in the American Far West. These outfits were mainly worn by pioneers, mountaineers, Civil War soldiers, and of course, cowboys.
We have all seen westerns in movies or on television, and we all know historical and fictional characters who dress in this very distinctive style. This trend was popularized in the United States by singing cowboys such as Gene Autry and Roy Rogers in the 1940s and 1950s.
Adopting the cowboy style is easy. Just keep fashion rules in mind while choosing comfortable and durable clothing.
Most cowboys wear blue jeans, but any pants can do. Leather western belts with decorative belt buckles are essential pieces to enhance the outfit. Women who want to dress as cowgirls can also wear jeans, but a loose mid-length skirt can also work.
Western shirts and ponchos
Cowboy shirts, an integral part of western attire, are characterized by their unique style, traditionally made from denim or tartan. These long-sleeved shirts are decorated with embroidered panels and stylized yokes.
Jackets, for both men and women, often feature many fringes, a very common characteristic in the late 19th century in the American West.
Annie Oakley, the famous sharpshooter, was often seen wearing a fringed jacket during her performances in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.
Ponchos were also popularized in the 1960s thanks to Clint Eastwood’s role as the Man with No Name, but this trend did not stand the test of time.
Men’s and women’s shirts are generally buttoned with a collar. Over the years, the addition of snap pockets has become common practice. Western clothing is available in a variety of natural colors, often featuring plaids and gingham fabrics. In short, western clothing offers a wide range of options for fans of this style.
Jeans: the symbol of the modern cowboy
In the early 19th century, American West cowboys favored wool pants, but these were quickly swapped for canvas models during the summer months. However, after the 1840s gold rush, miners began wearing denim overalls for their great durability. It was then that Levi Strauss created a denim pant model inspired by overalls, which was quickly adopted by ranchers and cowboys in the early 1870s. Even today, jeans remain one of the most popular styles of pants among cowboys.
Cowboys also placed great importance on the appearance of their clothes. They wanted to look stylish and manly, even in the toughest conditions. Decorative details such as embroidery, fringes, and ornamental belt buckles were therefore common. Natural colors such as brown, beige, and black were also popular to give clothes a rustic look.
By the late 19th century, women of the American West wore clothing such as prairie skirts to the knees, red gingham dresses, or suede fringed skirts inspired by traditional Native American clothing. However, after World War II, many women in the region began adopting a more practical and functional fashion by wearing jeans, which were durable and comfortable for their active lifestyle.
Jeans quickly gained popularity and became a common clothing choice for women in the West, offering a practical alternative to more traditional skirts and dresses. Today, women can still wear jeans as a central piece of their western outfit, paired with buttoned shirts and cowboy boots for a classic and authentic look.
Next, the clothes they chose for work had to be durable. Their days spent on horseback tending cattle put their gear to the test.
Today, jeans remain the essential pants for a traditional western look.
No western outfit without cowboy boots
As soon as someone says cowboy, the first thought that comes to mind is the famous cowboy boot. However, it was not originally the most popular shoe in the region. In fact, Wellington boots were the most popular among cowboy communities until the 1860s. Later, the trend shifted to a boot with a Cuban heel, round or pointed toe, and high shaft, forming what we now consider the traditional cowboy boot.
Although normally made from cowhide leather, some boots are known to be made from incredibly exotic animal skins, including alligator, buffalo, elk, and even ostrich! The boots have laces to prevent them from getting caught in the stirrups during horseback rides. Some boots are equipped with spurs attached to the back of each heel to signal their horse.
Today, there are many very stylish cowboy boot styles. Everyone, from ranch workers to movie stars, country singers and rock stars, and even presidents and former governor/movie star Arnold, wear them on screen or simply in their daily lives. These people wear them because they have a very authentic distinctive look that not everyone can achieve by wearing other types of shoes. No matter if you are a man or a woman, no matter what you wear, a pair of cowboy boots will be a stylish addition to your wardrobe, looking great and able to stand on its own.
