The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Western Wear

Western Fashion

Western fashion is here, and it’s here to stay. It is becoming much more widespread and fashionable than before. Western style isn’t just for ranchers, cowboys, or rodeo junkies anymore. Here at Broken Horn, we love the western lifestyle. As a family-owned western store, we see everything from the hardcore western lifestyle lovers to the surfers that want to wear boots for the weekend. Let’s dive in and see what you need to pull off your first western outfit. 

History Of Western Wear

Every piece of the outfit suits a purpose. If we go back to the history of western wear, it wasn’t a fashion statement it was designed to hold up to long days in the sun or on horseback. Today western pieces have become a fashion statement. With the rising popularity in country music, western fashion is becoming part of many people's everyday wardrobe

Cowboy Boots

Where to start? The Boots. Cowboy boots hold the foundation of the outfit. Many people choose the boots they want to wear and build an outfit around that. For a beginner a basic square toe boot with a walking heel is a great place to start. The square toe will give you more room for your foot to adjust and the walking heel is easier to walk for people. There are many toe shapes out there and heel types but don’t worry that s a blog for another day. 

Bootcut Jeans

Next, jeans. Always try to go with bootcut jeans. The most used jean brand in western wear is Wrangler, but there are many other great brands out there including Ariat, Kimes Ranch, Stetson, Cinch, and Levi’s.  Western style jeans are usually always bootcut. For men the different fits are slim fit, original fit, athletic fit, straight leg (which still has a boot-friendly opening). For women, you’ll see high rise, mid-rise, and low rise. With these different styles you have plenty of options to choose your perfect fit. 

Western Shirts

The shirt. For men, pearl snap shirts have popular over button shirts. Make sure the shirt you choose has pointed yokes, that’s what gives it a western look. To start a safe solid color or plaid is great choice. As far as types striped, plaid, solid colors, embroidery style, printed patterns, and denim shirts these are all western. For women, it’s simpler we get the leniency of making any top western. You can go with the traditional snap shirt as well for the authentic western cowgirl style, but with the rise in western fashion any blouse or top can be paired with bootcut jeans and boots can create a western look.

Cowboy Hats

The cowboy hat. Straw hats and felt hats, both can range from $50 to upwards to $1,500+. But as a first time buyer we are going with the safe route. Tradition says straw hat from spring through Labor Day and felt hats from Labor Day through winter. Today, that tradition isn't followed as closely, felt hats and straw hats are chosen based on occasion and weather. Straw for outdoor events (rodeos, fairs, etc.) and hotter summer days. Felt for formal occasions (weddings, black tie events, etc.) and on colder days. Whichever you go with just make sure the hat sits about one finger above your eyebrows, it should feel snug, not be to tight and not move around easily. If you need help finding the right size or shaping your hat, our team at Broken Horn is always happy to help you find your first cowboy hat.

Accessories

Belts, buckles, caps, and jewelry. All these give your outfit that final western touch. They help you personalize your outfit. As a beginner, keep things simple and build up your collection over time. Belts start with a leather belt brown, tan, or black depending on your boots. Matching your belt to your boots is traditional. Buckle don’t have to be huge; a simple oval or square buckle is perfect to start. Western brand snapback caps are great if you are not quite ready for the cowboy hat. Jewelry, turquoise is the most recognizable stone in western fashion. Silver is also classic western. Jewelry can be incorporated by both men and women. Women often match their jewelry to their belt or outfit. Accessorize as much or as little as you like, but remember don’t let this part overpower your outfit.

Dressing for occasions

Western outfits are versatile. The style and the look can be worn for work, everyday wear, concerts, fairs, rodeos, weddings, and date nights. Of course, you have to match the appropriate attire to the occasion, but western fashion can be styled for just about any event. Everyday wear, simple - denim, boots, blouse or shirt. Concerts, wear your favorite hat, boots and accessories and show off your style. Rodeos, pull out that straw hat and belt buckle and rodeo. Weddings, I actually love a western themed wedding outfit. Outfits are more formal but you can still bring out that western style with a beautiful felt hat.   

Beginner Mistakes

Beware! A few pointers to avoid when making taking this western journey. Your jeans have to be long enough to cover at least to the bottom of your boot heel. No skinny jeans, just no for both men and women especially when wearing boots. Hats have to fit snug, but sit close to your eyebrows, if it leaves deep marks, it’s probably too tight. Boots are supposed to be like a soft hug on your feet, not to tight but not loose where you feel your ankle moving with every step. Remember, the more you wear the boots the more the leather will mold to your foot and feel comfortable. Don’t ignore comfort, even though western clothes are tighter fits all around if you feel uncomfortable in it resize or don’t buy it. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone wear western clothing?

Of course! Western fashion is for all. If you enjoy the style, wear it your way.

Do I have to wear cowboy boots to be western?

No, there are actually a lot of western brands out there that have shoes and sandals to fit that western look

How should cowboy boots fit?

Boots are supposed to be like a soft hug on your feet, not to tight but not loose where you feel your ankle moving with every step. Remember, the more you wear the boots the more the leather will mold to your foot and feel comfortable

How should a cowboy hat fit?

Hats have to fit snug, but sit close to your eyebrows. If it leaves deep marks, it’s probably too tight.

Should my boots match my belt?

I actually wrote a blog about this topic. Short answer no. long answer traditionally yes, if it doesn’t match it should be in the same color zone. More so for men, women can match their boots to their outfit or jewelry.

What’s the difference between a western shirt and a regular button up?

Honestly, the yokes. Just in case you don’t know or are like what the heck is a yoke on a shirt.

A yoke is the extra piece of fabric sewn across the shoulders and upper back (and often on the chest) of a shirt. On western shirts, it's usually pointed instead of straight.

Can I wear western clothes every day?

Yes, if you love the style rock it every day 

Are cowboy boots comfortable?

At first, not always you will need to get used to the boot. If your used to tennis shoe or sneakers you’ll have to go through an adjustment period. But overall, once your used to the feeling of wearing boots, they become more comfortable with wear.

How much should I spend on my first pair of cowboy boots?

Boots can range from $150 to $1,000. But, for your first pair I’d go with a solid color leather that you can match easily, black or brown. I’d skip on the exotic leathers for now. Depending on the brand, around $250 or less is a good budget for your first pair and will give you options on quality. 

Are you ready to start your western journey? I hope this blog gave you enough knowledge and confidence to start. If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to reach out to us here at Broken Horn. Our staff is always happy to help. If you’re shopping online shoot us a email, we are always eager to assist you.