The Old West – a time of daring adventurers, thrilling horseback rides and traveling the open lands, with nothing but your cowboy hat, other Western gear and a trusty steed by your side. While some of us long for the classic Western lifestyle, many people are actively living it, whether they reside on a ranch or in a suburb.
Whether you’re someone who works hard on the farm or simply enjoys the clothes of the time, Tractor Supply can help you achieve the perfect Western fit, adding style and flair to your wardrobe. From Western women’s apparel to Western men’s clothing, everyone can take on the persona of a real-life cowboy with these styling tips.
Denim Reigns Supreme in Women’s and Men’s Western Apparel
When it comes to achieving a Western look, denim is a great place to start. Denim has always been a staple in the Western community, offering durability and dependability on the ranch or farm. Not only that, but it was also the most affordable and readily available fabric during that time, especially for those who didn’t have the resources to travel far. Denim was originally designed for laborers, providing cost-efficient workwear for hardworking individuals across the American West, but it’s widespread availability and durable design eventually became popular among cowboys.
Denim gets its durability from its construction, which uses a basic twill weaving pattern process to create diagonal ribbing. Because this process is so simple, it allows manufacturers to sell this fabric at a more affordable cost. Today, denim is still a popular fabric, and many cowboys and cowgirls continue wearing it for its ability to hold up against rigorous ranching tasks, as well as to pay homage to their Western predecessors.
From denim jackets to men’s jeans and women’s jeans, this fabric is always fashionable for cowboys and cowgirls alike. Denim jackets pair well with flannels, with some featuring Sherpa-lined collars for enhanced warmth. Denim jeans are also a top choice for those who work outside or with heavy machinery, as the fabric is durable enough to withstand scratches, animal bites and other wear.
Denim Western clothing pieces for men and women are also extremely versatile, complementing virtually any shirt or jacket style. For instance, men’s flannels and button downs are easy to match jeans with a comfortable yet put-together look for the big game. On the other hand, jeans can be dressed up with women’s tunics and blouses or turned into a barn-ready outfit with women’s t-shirts and sweatshirts.
Cowboy Boots: A Must-Have for Western Style
Historically, cowboy boots have been seen as tools rather than fashion pieces, as they were designed to be comfortable, durable footwear for long days riding or hiking, and help protect legs from ranching hazards. Gaining popularity in Texas or Kansas around 1865, these shoes changed the game, using durable leathers to provide reliability and comfort.
Traditionally, cowboy boots were made with cowhide leathers, as this was the easiest to access and most affordable type of leather. Their design takes inspiration from military boots, such as Wellington styles, as well as English riding boots, using leathers and more durable components to give you a hardworking tool that stands up to long days on the farm.
With the rise of Western movies in the 1930s and 50s, cowboy boots started to be seen as a fashion choice rather than tool, with shoemakers trying out new boot shapes, leathers and styles. Today, cowboy boots can be made with many stylish, textured leathers, including kangaroo leather, snake leather or alligator leather. They can also come in a variety of toe shapes, heel heights and stitch designs, allowing them to pair well with anything.
When sourcing pieces for your Western wardrobe, take the time to find the perfect pair of women’s shoes or men’s shoes. Obviously, Western boots take the cake in terms of achieving a Western look. However, there are many types and styles of these boots to choose from, each designed to fit your foot well and offer protection from ranching hazards.
If you need reliable work boots to keep feet safe while working on the farm, consider a pair with steel toes. Steel toe boots are made with specialized steel materials, located in the top toe portion. They provide a barrier to protect the toes if you drop something heavy onto them or other circumstances. You can also find men’s Western boots and women’s Western boots with different toe shapes, depending on your preferences and how much foot room you require, including:
- Pointed toe boots: These feature sharp, pointed toe shapes to give off a classic appearance and style, and allow for easy slipping into and out of stirrups.
- Round toe boots: These come with rounder toe designs to give toes more room, while still offering a slender and thin boot look.
- Square toe boots: This is another classic cowboy boot style, providing even more wiggle space for toes and better suited for those with wider feet.
Cowboy Hats that Fit You Perfectly
When it comes to Western accessories, no outfit is complete without a cowboy hat – but with so many materials and styles to choose from, how can you tell which one is right for you? Traditionally, there have been rules as to how you should wear Western hats throughout the year. For instance, lighter weight, straw cowboy hats are usually worn in the summer, while thicker, warmer hat materials are saved for winter. But today, these rules are less important, meaning you can pick any material and style that works for you.
When fitting a cowboy hat, you should make sure it’s loose enough that you can remove it with ease, but also tight enough that it stays secure through horse riding and wind. As a general rule, you should only be able to fit one finger between your head and the hat. This ensures they stay on your head, even throughout rigorous ranching and farming tasks.
You should also consider your face shape when purchasing a new cowboy hat, as some styles may be more flattering for certain face types over others. For example, those with rounder faces can benefit from a hat with a slanted brim and higher crown, which helps to thin faces and flatter cheeks. Square-shaped face types should opt for hats with a rounded brim and crown, as well as ones with softer lines, to find balance with your shaper facial features and bring attention to cheekbones.
Don’t Forget Western Apparel for the Kids
Whether you’re training little ones to take over the farm someday, or you want hardworking Western clothes that hold up against playtime, kids can join in on the fun, too! To start their look, get them a short- or long-sleeved button-down shirt or T-shirt, featuring neutral colors to match any outfit or brighter ones to show off their personality. Shirts can also come with stylish features, such as fabric shoulder patches, embroidered designs and contrasting piping, to give any outfit a unique touch.
The most important element to your little one’s ensemble that truly shows off their Western style is a pair of cowboy boots. Not only do they work to give the perfect Western vibe, but they’re also built more durable than other kids’ shoe options. Shop for boots with comfort features, such as breathable ventilation or cushioned soles, as well as those with side zippers for easy on and off. It can also help to find waterproof boots, which keep little ones’ feet dry when playing in puddles or out in the rain.
Next, you’ll need a pair of kids’ jeans, which are a versatile capsule piece they can re-wear time and time again. Consider jeans with slightly flared bottoms, offering enough leg room for kids to slip boots on with ease. For a more formal look, try pairing cowboy boots with an adorable dress, giving outfits the perfect touch of Western flair while remaining stylish for any occasion.
To make outfits even more Western, top it all off with a cowboy hat, available in smaller kids’ sizing so you can find the right fit. While some children may not enjoy wearing hats, they’re still necessary for protecting fragile faces from the sun’s harsh rays. So, whether your little cowboy or cowgirl keeps it on or not, having a Western-style hat can add style while also keeping skin safe from the sun.
Find the Clothes and Accessories You Need at Tractor Supply
From Western women’s clothing to accessories, such as men’s overalls, we offer a variety of men’s and women’s workwear designed to stand up to the most rigorous of farming and ranching tasks. But you don’t need to be skilled on the farm to be a true cowboy – you just need the right mindset. As long as you’re honest, courageous, hardworking and loyal, you will always have the heart of a real cowboy. To learn more about how to take your Western heart and soul and bring it to the clothes you wear, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.