If there’s one style of footwear that knows no season, age, or region, it’s cowboy boots. They’ve been worn by everyone from singers and festival go-ers to real-life cowboys and U.S. presidents. The staple piece never fails any of us when it comes to style—at least when styled the right way.
There’s a right way to style cowboy boots and jeans? While there aren’t any hard and fast rules, there are a few little tricks you can use for effortless styling every time. Ready to get started? Follow this guide to create your own authentic take on the timeless style!
Styling Men’s Cowboy Boots and Jeans
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It doesn’t get more classic than cowboy boots and jeans. But there’s more to meet the eye with this pairing. It’s about choosing the jean style, length, and yes, even color that complements women’s and men’s cowboy boots, rather than overpowering them.
Consider your own comfort and personal style preferences above all else—this is your style we’re working with, cowboy.
Finding Your Jean Length
There’s nothing wrong with wearing long jeans unless it’s with your cowboy boots. When wearing cowboy boots, your jeans should never be so long that they touch the ground or get stuck under your heel. Instead, you want your jeans to hit just above the heel by ¼” to ½”. They should also cover the shaft of your boots (no tucking unless you have heavy-duty work or you’re riding). Want to show off unique stitching or style? Choose jeans with a hem that rests right above your boots’ instep!
The Best Styles to Wear with Cowboy Boots
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When it comes to wearing jeans and cowboy boots, certain jean styles work better than others. And we’re not just talking aesthetically. The type of jeans you choose also makes all the difference with fit and comfort. Three options will typically work best: boot cut, straight leg, and a relaxed fit.
Bootcut Jeans
True to their name, bootcut jeans are made to accommodate almost any footwear, especially boots! It’s all thanks to their design. These jeans fit closely from waist to thigh, then flare slightly below the knee.
Regular/Straight-Leg Jeans
Equally as popular with cowboy boots are straight-leg jeans. These jeans have a straight up-and-down fit from waist to hem, offering just enough space to slip on your jeans without a struggle.
Relaxed-Fit/Wide-Leg Jeans
Loose yet not baggy, relaxed-fit jeans are another option that can be worn with cowboy boots, though it’s not done as often. Make sure you choose a shorter inseam than you would with bootcut or straight-leg jeans to compensate for the looser fit.
Jean Color
While any color can be worn with cowboy boots, your best bet is going to be classic medium blue to dark wash jeans or an earth-toned pair, like tan or olive. They’ll give you a more modern look that can be styled for daytime or nights out. Prefer a lighter wash? You do you!
Styling Women’s Cowboy Boots and Jeans
All those guidelines for styling cowboy boots and jeans go straight out the window for women. You have more opportunities to explore your style, play around with colors and fit, and mix and match styles. Let’s take a look at your cowboy Western styles!
Jeans Style Lineup
There are plenty of options for women, including skinny jeans, bootcut jeans, flare jeans, cropped jeans, straight-leg jeans, and more.
- Skinny Jeans: These jeans are the perfect option for ladies who want to show off their cowboy boots from shaft to toe.
- Bootcut: Bootcuts are as timeless for women as they are for men with cowboy boots. The bottom of your jeans should rest above the heel—between ¼” to ½”—and shouldn’t touch the ground. The same rule of thumb applies to flare and wide-leg styles.
- Flare & Wide Leg: Relaxed, oversized clothing is back and better than ever with cowboy boots. Both flare and wide-leg jeans let you wear your boots without distorting the look of your boots or jeans. Keep in mind you don’t want to tuck these jeans, since all the excess fabric will make it an awkward fit.
- Straight Leg: Straight-leg jeans are a relaxed alternative to skinny jeans, offering a touch more versatility since they can be worn tucked or untucked. Tuck these laid-back jeans with boots for a relaxed, trendy look, cuff your jeans to wear with a bootie, or wear untucked for a classic feel.
- Cropped Jeans: Cropped jeans are the other stylish option for showing off your cowboy boots. This works best with shorter shafts, but can also be worn with your other boots for a contemporary, Americana-inspired style.
Shades of Denim
As for the color of jeans, that’s up to you. Lighter, medium, and darker washes all pair stylishly with cowgirl boots. You do want to consider the occasion, though. Dark washes add a little more polish to formal occasions and nights out, while lighter jeans are better suited for daytime wear. Don’t know which jeans to choose? When in doubt, go for dark wash or black jeans, which will take you from day to night.
Timeless, American Style
Cowboy boots certainly aren’t just for cowboys anymore. The epitome of Americana styles, these iconic boots offer a tried-and-true style that people all over the globe can’t get enough of. Grab your favorite pair of cowboy boots and your best pair of jeans to see why!
