With so many different boots and jean styles available, it can be hard to know how to wear cowboy boots and jeans. These ideas will get you on the right track.
Both cowboy boots and jeans have evolved to include a wide array of cuts, designs, washes, and colors. From dress boots to work boots, straight-leg jeans to boot-cut, there’s a lot to choose from. But finding the right combination of cowboy boots and jeans is as easy as understanding a few style rules and tapping into your own personal preferences.
How do you wear cowboy boots with jeans? As a general rule of thumb, we recommend wearing medium to dark-wash jeans over your boots (not tucked in). The jeans should be fairly form-fitting in the upper legs but have enough space in the lower leg to accommodate the boot, without showing an outline. In the sections below, we’ll talk about how to find the right length, cut, and color.
Cowboy Boots and Jeans: Finding the Right Length
When choosing a pair of jeans to wear with your cowboy boots, it’s important to find the right fit. The jeans should be long enough to protect your legs and cover the shaft of the boots, but not so long that they drag in the back or get stuck under your heel. Ideally, they should rest just above the heel of your cowboy boots by a quarter to a half inch. If you want to wear shorter jeans to show off your footwear, have the hem rest right above the instep of your cowboy boots.
The Best Pant Cuts for Cowboy Boots
When talking about how to wear cowboy boots with jeans, you can’t overlook the cut. The best pant cuts to wear with your cowboy boots are:
Boot-Cut - Boot-cut jeans and cowboy boots go together like peanut butter and jelly. The flared leg accommodates your boots without bunching around your legs.
Regular/Straight Leg - Regular and straight-leg jeans work fine with cowboy boots, but you might have a little trouble putting on your boots, since you’ll have to roll up your jeans to get them on, then roll the jeans back over the boots.
Wide/Relaxed Fit - Wide and relaxed-fit jeans are okay to wear with cowboy boots, but you might want to consider a shorter inseam to compensate for the extra bagginess.
Jean cuts narrower than a straight leg probably won’t fit over your cowboy boots, meaning you’ll have to tuck them (not advised unless you’re doing some heavy-duty work).
The Best Denim Color for Cowboy Boots and Jeans
These days, people are wearing nearly every color of denim with their cowboy boots. But generally speaking, the best color for a modern look is a dark blue or charcoal wash. Medium blue jeans are perfect for daytime wear, and darker washes are great for nights out. Light-wash jeans with cowboy boots have largely fallen out of fashion, but if you want to recreate a retro look, they could be the piece that pulls it all together. If you want to learn more about the different styles of cowboy boots, check out our Cowboy Boots Style Guide.
Ultimately, your choice on how to wear cowboy boots and jeans comes down to personal preference, but with this little bit of knowledge on proper length, cut, and recommended colors, you’ll have an even better starting point.
Boot cut, flare and wide leg cuts should be worn over the top of your cowgirl boots. Cropped jeans are ideal for ankle booties. Riding jeans are perfect for the women working or competing horseback, and they pair well with traditional cowboy boots.
As a general rule, men should almost always wear their jeans over their cowboy boots. Fellas, the only times you should opt for the boots-over-jeans look is when you're working outside, riding through the dirt, mud, or water, or taking part in some other rugged outdoor activity.
You want the boot to be snug to your body so that the straight-leg jean opening can fall nicely over them. This helps to also elongate your leg and not create a break in the eye.
For a sultry look, try pairing a garter-style skirt, fuzzy sweater, and a pair of metallic cowboy boots. The mix of textures is unexpected, while the boots and lingerie details keep things undoubtedly on trend.
“Denim jeans have always served the cowboy well,” Phyllis says. They're durable and they protect from the elements. “Wrangler and Levi Strauss are the normal brands, but there are hundreds of varieties now to choose from.” See 'em, starch 'em, and sport 'em, is the motto, with one addendum: don't sag 'em.
Tucked-in skinny jeans are on the table for tall and short boots, while boot-cut, regular, straight, and wide-leg jeans also look fantastic when planned accordingly.
If the boots have a taller shaft or larger opening, they'll be more comfortable with your jeans tucked into them. However, if there isn't much room, it won't work as well. When wearing high-top, knee-length, and other styles that cover the leg, you might need to tuck in your jeans so they fit correctly.
That cuff allows the decorative part of your boots to get a little attention while sitting. Practically any pair of relaxed-fit, straight-leg jeans will work for this look. Go for a slightly longer length than you usually wear to give yourself enough denim to cuff.
How do you wear cowboy boots with jeans? As a general rule of thumb, we recommend wearing medium to dark-wash jeans over your boots (not tucked in). The jeans should be fairly form-fitting in the upper legs but have enough space in the lower leg to accommodate the boot, without showing an outline.
Instead, try a wrap dress or a banker-stripe shirt. If you are wearing jeans, don't wear a jeans jacket. Take a cue from Princess Diana, who famously wore her cowboy boots with blazers. A shorter dress rather than a long prairie skirt will keep them from seeming too Laura Ingalls Wilder.
There should be no pinching, rubbing, or discomfort when wearing them, but they should not be loose enough that you experience excessive heel slippage. The boots should feel snug around the instep and allow enough space for your toes to move freely.
In a new pair of boots, it's normal for your instep to feel snug but comfortable–like a firm handshake. Like we said, our boots are meant to be comfortable out of the box, so if you struggle to get your boots on, or once they are on they pinch or squeeze, consider going up a half size or opt-in for a wider style.
If you're out in the field roping or working on a ranch, you can go ahead and tuck your jeans into your cowboy boots. But if you know you'll be tucking your jeans into your cowboy boots, opt for more narrow-cut Western jeans. You might also want to wear ropers instead of traditional Western boots.
As the name suggests, bootcut jeans are made to be worn with boots. The legs are slightly flared at the bottom so they can be worn well over boots. But also straight cut jeans and even tighter cut jeans like skinny and slim are suitable in combination with boots.
Address: Apt. 915 481 Sipes Cliff, New Gonzalobury, CO 80176
Phone: +6773780339780
Job: Sales Executive
Hobby: Gaming, Jogging, Rugby, Video gaming, Handball, Ice skating, Web surfing
Introduction: My name is Carmelo Roob, I am a modern, handsome, delightful, comfortable, attractive, vast, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
