The Best Jeans for Cowboy Boots – Your Ultimate Style Guide

The Best Jeans for Cowboy Boots – Your Ultimate Style Guide

Cowboy boots, with their timeless style and rugged charm, are a staple footwear choice that transcends trends, but what are the best jeans to wear with them? When it comes to pairing them with jeans, achieving a cohesive, stylish and authentic look can seem daunting. Fear not, because Cavender’s has your western wear guide to success, no matter what your profession or style.

Today, the iconic pairing of jeans and cowboy boots is a universally recognized fashion statement and still one of the most practical ensembles to live everyday life. Is it okay to wear cowboy boots over jeans? How long should jeans be to wear with boots? What style of jeans look best with cowboy boots? We’ve got the answers to all your questions to create the perfect jeans-and-cowboy-boots combination.

Choosing the Right Jeans

One of the first considerations in choosing the right pair of jeans is body type. For a curvy shape, you might opt for bootcut or straight-leg jeans that balance your proportions. If you are petite, high-waisted skinny, or slim-fit jeans will elongate your legs. In contrast, boyfriend or relaxed fit jeans add volume and balance to a tall and slender body type. Once you know what the most flattering is for you, find the best fit and style of boots accordingly.

As far as fit, taking a trip to your local Cavender’s to try on jeans in different sizes and cuts is a great idea. Pay careful attention to the length of your jeans, as you don’t want them to be too short or long with your cowboy boots. A good rule of thumb to follow is making sure your hemline stops at the end of your boots’ shaft. However, if you are going to be riding in these jeans, you may want them to be a little longer when standing.

The next factor for jeans is color, or wash. Dark washes are considered classic and can be dressed up or down, while light washes tend to look more casual. However, Cavender’s has many colors to explore outside of the traditional blue denim realm. For example, black jeans can really add a touch of sophistication, while fun prints will incorporate your unique personality into your style. Color will play a part in what boots you pair with your jeans, as you won’t want them to clash. Distressed jeans can also add personality, but overly ripped styles should be avoided with cowboy boots.

Types of Cowboy Boots

Not only is there a wide selection of denim to check out at Cavender’s, but we’ve got so many options for cowboy boots, too. Purchasing a new pair of cowboy boots is a big deal. You should own boots that speak to your personal style and make you feel good, whether you’re at a major function or taking care of the ranch.

Classic, western cowboy boots feature a tall shaft that hits mid-calf and are practical for work. They come in round toes, square toes, snip toes and more, as well as varying heel heights and sole types. A twist on these boots is the roper style, which is slightly shorter with a lower heel and round toe.

For a bolder statement that is outside the traditional look of cowboy boots, women might like ankle boots or taller knee-high boots with taller heels, bright colors and exquisite detailing. These open an entire new world of fashion in the Western lifestyle.

Style Tips and Pairing Suggestions

All in all, the best jeans for boots depend on the type of boots, the occasion for which they’re being worn and the individual preferences of the person wearing them. There are some guidelines you may want to follow.

For women, skinny styles can be tucked in to draw attention to the boot itself. 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. For a dressier look when hitting the town, try a pair of trousers with fashionable, trendy boots, or mix it up by wearing a pair of cropped wide leg jeans with a fun pair of short ankle boots. Just remember, when wearing jeans over your boots, you will want to pair that relaxed-fit denim with shorter boots that don’t go all the way up to where the jeans become tighter around your leg.

The same goes for men – the outline of your boots should not be shown through your jeans. So, when styling an outfit with jeans over your cowboy boots, make sure you wear denim pants that are loose around your leg and have plenty of length to cover the entire boot shaft. For a complete work outfit, our men’s work jeans are the best complement to our western work boots. There is a range of options to choose from when it comes to men’s denim at Cavender’s from relaxed to slim fits or boot cuts to straight legs.

Here are a few pairing suggestions from Cavender’s to get you started in the right direction.

Casual Chic – Pair dark wash boot cut jeans with square or snip toe boots, a plain, reliable tee and a classic jacket.

Dressy Western – For men, pair nice jeans with a western button-down and a cowboy hat. For women, elevate your look with black skinny jeans, colorful boots, a basic top and fun accessories.

On The Ranch – Be prepared for anything with durable work jeans, boots made for hard-working cowboys and cowgirls, a belt and a western ball cap.

Maintenance and Care Tips

When you find those jeans that you always reach for or those boots that you feel the most confident in, you’ll want to take care of them to ensure longevity. To do so, always wash jeans according to the care label. Clean and condition your cowboy boots regularly. Air drying your denim is another way to keep them in tip-top shape. Storing your boots upright with boot trees will help uphold their structure and shape.

Most importantly, remember that there are multiple ways to pair jeans and cowboy boots. You’ll want to follow these tips to look and feel authentic in our Western heritage. Different washes, cuts and jean styles will pair well with different colors and styles of boots. Explore to find what looks best on you and what you enjoy. Discover more fashion tips on how to rock Western wear. Shop for the latest trends in jeans and cowboy boots at Cavender’s. If you have questions, our team is ready to help you understand what jeans are best to wear and with which cowboy boots. Stop by your nearest Cavender’s Boot City store today!

Author Bio: Hannah Crandall

Hannah Crandall, originally from a small town in the Texas panhandle, embodies the western way of life. A Texas A&M University graduate, she’s dedicated to sharing the stories that have made her who she is today. With a background in writing, marketing, and event management, Hannah is passionate about promoting the people, animals, and brands of the industry. Outside of work, she enjoys following her people around to rodeos, roping events, and connecting with fellow cowboys and cowgirls, whenever she can. Learn More.