Should You Wear Jeans Tucked into Cowboy Boots? | Ariat (2024)

We hear it all the time: Should you wear jeans tucked into cowboy boots? The answer is more complicated than just yes or no.

A hotly contested debate in the Western world is: Do you tuck your jeans into your cowboy boots? The bottom line is men should only tuck their jeans into their cowboy boots when the utility demands it, while women have more flexibility in their options, but the exact answer is a bit more complicated than just yes or no. In most scenarios, men should wear jeans over their cowboy boots. However, there are some occasions when it’s appropriate to tuck your jeans into your cowboy boots. Women, on the other hand, can wear skinny jeans or leggings inside their cowboy boots to show off their footwear. Women can also wear wider cut Western jeans over their cowgirl boots. Men, though, will typically only tuck their jeans into cowboy boots when riding or working the land.

Formal Occasions: Should You Wear Jeans Tucked Into Cowboy Boots?

When wearing cowboy boots to a formal occasion, convention dictates that your cowboy boots should be worn inside your pant legs. The reason you don’t want jeans tucked into cowboy boots for a formal occasion is the fabric on the legs of your pants will bunch, wrinkle, and crease just above the shaft of your boots. If you want to show off your boots, wear pants that rest a bit higher (above your instep instead of above the heel). Women can also attend formal events wearing a dress and cowgirl boots or cowgirl booties.

Mud, Dirt, and Brush: Do You Tuck Your Jeans In?

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. The roper has a rounded toe, shorter shaft, and squared heel, which makes them better for walking and running. Tucking your jeans into your cowboy boots serves three purposes: First, it prevents your jeans from getting dirty. Second, it gives you better access to the roper boot’s kick-off heel if you need to take them off in an emergency. The tall shaft of the boot also helps protect your legs from branches, brush, thorns, and wildlife.

Another situation when it’s appropriate to wear jeans tucked into cowboy boots? If you’re riding a horse through mud or puddles. Because cowboy boots are water resistant, they’ll keep your feet and pants dry and dirt-free. After you’re done for the day, clean off your cowboy boots following our cowboy boot care guide.

Should You Wear Jeans Tucked into Cowboy Boots? | Ariat (2024)

FAQs

Do you tuck your jeans into your cowboy boots? ›

In general, there are very few scenarios in which a man would have his jeans tucked into cowboy boots. The only exception would be if you're at an outdoor festival and there's rain or mud. In that case, it's acceptable to tuck your jeans into your cowboy boots to keep your pants dry and clean.

What is the proper way to wear cowboy boots with jeans? ›

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.

Are you supposed to tuck pants into boots? ›

It depends on the style of the jeans and the boots. If you are wearing skinny jeans, they will look best tucked into your boots. If you are wearing looser fitting jeans, you can leave them untucked. It depends on the style of the jeans and the boots.

Is it OK to wear skinny jeans with cowboy boots? ›

Skinny-fit jeans slip inside your cowboy boots, giving you the chance to show them off. Bootcut and flared jeans also pair well with cowboy boots as they are wide enough to fit over the shaft.

Should cowboy boots be a little tight at first? ›

If you are new to cowboy boots, you must always take into consideration how the instep feels. It must be snug enough to keep the heel in place, but not so tight that blood cannot freely circulate, because that's exactly what would cause discomfort.

What is the right way to wear boots with jeans? ›

When wearing boots with jeans, keep these style tips in mind:
  • Tuck your jeans into your boots. If you plan to tuck your jeans into your boots, skinny jeans are ideal, because they do not bunch at the ankle. ...
  • Cuff your jeans to show off your boots. ...
  • Hide your boots under your hems.
Mar 21, 2022

How are you supposed to wear jeans with boots? ›

More Quick Tips for Booties & Jeans

Wear taller boots over skinny jeans. With booties that are fitted to the calf, wear the boots under your jeans. This style of booties is perfect to wear under straight, tapered, and wide-leg jeans. Over the knee and knee-high boots always go over skinny jeans.

Why do people tuck jeans in boots? ›

Wearing your denim inside your boots is a stylish move, but it started out as a practical one. 19th-century frontiersmen and cowboys would tuck their pants into their boots to keep them free of debris and prevent them from snagging on brush when they rode their horses.

How long should your jeans be with cowboy boots? ›

The inseam should rest just above the heel, between ¼” and ½”. This rule also goes for straight and regular cut jeans. Now, this isn't to say boot-cut jeans can't be tucked into tall boots for the right occasion, like when riding or when you want to protect your pant legs from water, dirt, and mud.

How should a cowboy boot fit? ›

The boot should feel snug (like a firm handshake) across the vamp (top of the foot). The widest part of your foot should be resting in the widest part of the outsole. At this point you're probably tempted to take your thumb and feel around for where your big toe is (we get it, old habits die hard).

How do you keep jeans tucked in boots? ›

Put your boots on over your socks.

Carefully pull, zip, or tie your boots on over your socks. The socks should hold your folded jeans in place, so that they don't bunch up or slide around in your boots. Voila! No one will know how much denim is expertly tucked away within your footwear.

Do cowboy boots look good with dress pants? ›

Dress Pants - You won't look out of place with a pair of cowboy boots and dress pants. Especially for situations like a country themed wedding, a casual suit will look great in cowboy boots.

What states wear cowboy boots? ›

The cowboy is the symbolic icon of American West culture and dates back more than two centuries.
...
15 Places in the U.S. Where Cowboy Culture Is Alive and Well
  • Texas. Advertisem*nt. ...
  • Kansas. Rural Kansas is home to both farming and ranching. ...
  • Utah. ...
  • Iowa. ...
  • Colorado. ...
  • Montana. ...
  • Wyoming. ...
  • North Dakota.
May 3, 2022

Are cowboy boots in style 2023? ›

If you partook in the cowgirl trend, you'll be pleased to know that Western-leaning styles are sticking around for 2023. This time, we're going full equestrian with saddle boots. This season's shoes are pretty practical but they certainly don't lack excitement.

Are cowboy boots still in style 2022? ›

Cowboy boots in 2022. Cowboy boots have been around for aeons and, from what we can tell, will be for the foreseeable. Fashion houses and celebrities are embracing the trend which can only mean one thing, they're here to stay.

Should cowboy boots feel loose or tight? ›

The fit should be snug, not tight or loose. The snugness is governed by the instep fit and the width of the throat. If the instep is too loose, the boot will slip excessively in the heel. To remedy this, you may need a more narrow width to shorten the circumference of the throat.

Is it better for cowboy boots to be too big or too small? ›

Cowboy boots tend to fit larger than regular shoes and sandals, so you may need to go down a half size and in some cases one full size. A lot will depend on how you use the boot and how tight you require them to be for the sake of both utility and comfort.

Should your heel come up in cowboy boots? ›

A boot must slip slightly in the heel. As the foot moves and boot flexes, the heel must have room to ride up a bit. When the boot is new, the heel slipping may feel excessive because of the stiffness of the new sole. Your heels should slip up to 1/4-1/2 inch.

Does heel slippage go away in cowboy boots? ›

As you wear the boot, the sole is "flexed" and as you begin to break the leather in it will move with your heel. As a result, with time the leather will conform to your heel and the slippage will disappear. Slight slippage is necessary to obtain a proper fit.

Can you tuck straight leg jeans into boots? ›

If you can't find a pair of skinny jeans to tuck into your boots, one of the best ways is to use socks. It's incredibly easy to fold the hem of your bootcut or straight leg jeans up, so there's no bunching, and then fold the jeans into a flap that tucks around and folds flat against your ankle (see image above).

Is it OK to wear boots over jeans? ›

Tall boots almost always go with jeans tucked into them. You can also wear bootcut or wide-leg pants over them. But to flaunt your mile-high footwear friends, it's best to tuck in a pair of skinnies. Tall boots easily bring chic-style into the winter season.

Do you have to wear bootcut jeans with cowboy boots? ›

It is not weird to wear straight fit Wrangler jeans with traditional cowboy boots. Wear 'em with whatever kind of jeans you want to wear 'em with. You could even wear them with skinny jeans (tucked in, as they likely wouldn't fit over the top of the boots), and it would be just fine.

Why do cowboy jeans need to be stiff? ›

“The reasons the cowboys and cowgirls like it so much is that the starch impregnates the fibre and creates a seal, and dirt just slides off. You can actually slide through the mud, let it dry, and the dirt will slide right off when you rub it.”

What is the most popular cowboy boot style? ›

Pointed toe, also known as J toe or 1 toe, is one of the most common styles you will find. This style has been a classic since the 1950s and grew in popularity in the 2000s. The pointed toe is a versatile style, as it is ideal for formal wear and everyday wear.

Why do cowboys stack their jeans? ›

The styling cue has a very simple explanation: when sitting on the horse your jean is naturally going to ride up and cowboys are very particular about how much boot should be on show. For the boots to be neatly covered, the length needs to be that much longer, hence the ankle stacking.

Whats it called when you tuck your pants into your boots? ›

Media Platforms Design Team. Back in 2010 we noted the increasing prevalence of something known as the boot tuck, or "the tendency among certain men to tuck their pants into their boots." The look still persists, three years later. That's quite long enough, if you ask us.

Why do cowboys wear cowboy boots? ›

A tall boot, hugging the calf, the cowboy boot was meant for protection and keeping the foot firmly anchored in the stirrups while riding. The angled heel sits securely in the bottom of the stirrup in order to prevent slippage.

Do you wear long or short socks with cowboy boots? ›

Tall Socks Are Best for Boots

Ideally, you'll match cowboy boots that have a long shaft with tall socks that go all the way over your calf muscle. It's not a fashion choice, but one for comfort—especially when compression is required.

Should cowboy boots be tight on your thigh? ›

If you feel a tight sensation, or the ball of your foot feels squished in or pulled forward, the boot is too small. Before buying, it helps to take a few steps in your new boots to feel the sensation and fit around the balls.

How do cowboys wear jeans? ›

Cowboys usually wear blue, dark blue, or charcoal-wash jeans. The lighter wash jeans are no longer in vogue.

What happens if cowboy boots are slightly too big? ›

Wearing thicker socks can help if the boots aren't excessively big. Adding an extra insole can also close up some of the space and help your feet fit snugger.

Can I wear my cowboy boots in the rain? ›

The answer is absolutely yes. Now, I'm not saying they are snow boots by any means. You cannot make traditionally handmade all leather cowboy boots completely waterproof, but you can make your boots water resistant.

How much wiggle room should you have in cowboy boots? ›

It is caused by a slight amount of room from the arch to the toe area of the boot. This room should not exceed more than 1/8th of an inch and is necessary for a proper and comfortable fit. As you pull the boots on you may experience slight resistance in the boot's arch area.

What men should not wear with cowboy boots? ›

And Know How Not To Wear Them

And when it comes to cowboy boots and Western fashion, there are a few rules for men to follow to maintain a manly look. Most advise against men wearing skinny jeans or shorts with cowboy boots. Instead, wear straight or bootcut jeans.

Is it OK to wear cowboy boots with leggings? ›

Leggings are good for wearing with cowboy boots because they're comfortable and form-fitting. Your boots will fit easily over any style of legging, whether you choose a mid-rise or high-rise pair. Leggings come in a wide variety of colors and prints, so you can create lots of outfits.

What color shirt to wear with brown cowboy boots? ›

Brown cowboy boots pair perfectly with shades of gray and blue, and tan cowboy boots work with lighter colored suits.

What are cowboy boots actually called? ›

There are two basic styles of cowboy boots, western (or classic), and roper. The classic style is distinguished by a tall boot shaft, going to at least mid-calf, with an angled "cowboy" heel, usually over one inch high. A slightly lower, still angled, "walking" heel is also common.

Why are cowboy boots turned up at the toe? ›

Traditional cowboy boots have pointed toes because it makes them easier to put your feet into the stirrups while riding a horse. The narrow shape, slightly rounded tip, and angle around the ball of your foot help your boots slide effortlessly into the stirrups and lock your heel in place.

What were black cowboys called? ›

Originally, White cowboys were called cowhands, and African Americans were pejoratively referred to as “cowboys.” African American men being called “boy” regardless of their age stems from slavery and the plantation era in the South.

What to do with jeans when wearing boots? ›

3 Tips for Wearing Boots With Jeans
  1. Tuck your jeans into your boots. If you plan to tuck your jeans into your boots, skinny jeans are ideal, because they do not bunch at the ankle. ...
  2. Cuff your jeans to show off your boots. ...
  3. Hide your boots under your hems.
Mar 21, 2022

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Moshe Kshlerin

Last Updated:

Views: 5883

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Moshe Kshlerin

Birthday: 1994-01-25

Address: Suite 609 315 Lupita Unions, Ronnieburgh, MI 62697

Phone: +2424755286529

Job: District Education Designer

Hobby: Yoga, Gunsmithing, Singing, 3D printing, Nordic skating, Soapmaking, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Moshe Kshlerin, I am a gleaming, attractive, outstanding, pleasant, delightful, outstanding, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.