Sometimes, menswear trends catch like a spark, and then stick around like the slow burn of a crackling bonfire. Chalk it up to the popularity of Yellowstone or to the idea that a simpler, more rugged way of life is preferable these days. There’s also the fact that plenty of guys just simply look great in Western clothing, and it all adds up to a trend with staying power.
There’s much to love in the world of Western wear: From snap shirts to sturdy cowboy boots and rancher-approved jackets, there’s a real sense of heritage and history behind many Western menswear styles that are getting their day in the sun. When you throw on a Western shirt or a ranch-inspired jacket, you feel like a cowboy – a touch badass even, in the same way a moto jacket evokes a rock star-approved sense of cool. How’s that for a wardrobe upgrade?
There’s also the everlasting appeal of classically rugged style: Ralph Lauren somehow managed to make the polo shirt cool, and he did the same with the Canadian tuxedo (two shades of denim worn at once) and with heritage-inspired Western wear. It feels authentic, it looks even better and these pieces can be worn in unexpected ways. These are the Western menswear picks we have our eyes on for summer and beyond.
Photo via Buck Mason
Buck Mason Palomino Western Shirt
With roots in Los Angeles and inspiration drawn from America’s industrial era, Buck Mason is a brand with a healthy respect for the past. If you’ve been wanting to try the Western trend without going overboard, its Western-style shirts are the perfect place to start. The details are correct and authentic, the blend of cotton and wool works seamlessly for cool summer nights, and the design is perfect to wear with jeans in a contrasting shade.
Photo via Huckberry
RRL Leyton Indigo Denim Jacket
The best Western menswear is rooted in function and a need for mobility, from the open field to the stables and back. RRL draws on Ralph Lauren’s love of all things Western in an elevated fashion, and this handsome indigo denim jacket blends the appeal of a zip trucker jacket with the sort of tough fabric made to stand up to dust, dirt and grime. It looks better with age, as tends to be the case with the best Western styles.
Photo via Lucchese
Lucchese Earl Denim Trucker Jacket
Long days on the range call for the toughest gear around, making denim–with its ability to resist dust, dirt and debris–an ideal choice in days gone by. These days, a washed denim trucker jacket just looks plain old cool, with V-shaped front placket stitching, large pockets for your everyday carry and a color combination that pairs nicely with black jeans and tan leather boots for your next dive bar visit.
Photo via Huckberry
Flint and Tinder Short-Sleeve Sawtooth Western Shirt
With real-life roots on the ranch, Western menswear of today can still tastefully incorporate a touch of fun and fashion. Take this playful spin on the short-sleeve Western shirt from Huckberry’s Flint and Tinder. Rather than go for solid indigo or chambray, it opts for a textured indigo weave for a touch of distinction.
Photo via Wrangler
Wrangler Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jeans
If you want to really find the best Western menswear out there, why not go straight to the source? Wrangler has been trusted by real-world cowboys and cowgirls since the days of your grandfather, and its Cowboy Cut Jeans are a prime example of tough yet affordable jeans in a range of washes and sizes.
Photo via Ariat
Ariat Rebar M7 DuraStretch Jeans
Want a pair of jeans trusted by rodeo cowboys on the grueling pro circuit? Ariat is a fine selection if you want a set of denim with durable stretch fabric trusted by the best in the business. These feature a more modern slim fit, compared to the wider legs of typical cowboy-inspired denim. Either way, these are approved to saddle up, even if that only means sliding onto a barstool at your favorite watering hole.
Photo via Tecovas
Tecovas Doc Boots in Scotch Goat Leather
Once you spot a pair of Tecovas cowboy boots in the wild, you might start seeing them everywhere. The tastemaking Austin-based boot and apparel brand is cementing the idea of Western wear as a lifestyle. Its designs have an heirloom appeal to them, without ever feeling like a cowboy costume. Its range of boots are the pinnacle of accessible craft, and when you step into a pair, you just might feel like a ranch hand.
Photo via Huckberry
Rhodes Footwear ATX Western Boots
Tried-and-true cowboy boots needn’t be the only footwear you consider as you adorn your wardrobe with stylish Western menswear. Work boots with a comfortable, traction-focused Vibram outsole provide plenty of no-slip grip and outstanding durability in tough conditions. These certainly fit the bill, and the pull-on design is not unlike your trusted Blundstone boots. But these work boots come with a dash of Wild West-inspired flair.
