The Best Jeans to Wear with Men’s Cowboy Boots: Your Complete Style Guide and FAQs

Cowboy boots, with their rich heritage and iconic status, are a staple in the world of Western fashion.

Renowned brands like Tecovas, Ariat, Laredo, Dan Post, Lucchese, and Tony Lama have become household names, synonymous with quality and style.

While these boots can make a statement on their own, the right pair of jeans can elevate the entire ensemble.

But what jeans best complement cowboy boots? What should you look for when selecting the perfect pair?

Today, we’re shifting our focus from the boots themselves to the essential companion in any cowboy’s wardrobe – jeans.

Join us as we explore the best jeans for men to wear with cowboy boots, ensuring your outfit is as functional as it is stylish. Let’s dive in!

What Jeans Look Good with Cowboy Boots?

When wearing cowboy boots with jeans, men don’t tuck jeans into cowboy boots, they do the opposite.

For matching with men’s cowboy boots, the end of the jeans must be wide enough to fit the boot shaft.

Bootcut jeans are an extremely suitable partner to pair with cowboy boots. It is no exaggeration to say that they are God’s gift to cowboy boots.

Bootcut jeans can make a nice and sharp look because they fit neatly from the knee upwards, and they get wider from the knee to the end – enough to tuck the cowboy boot shafts into the jeans.

This is the standard to choose suitable jeans to wear with cowboy boots!

In addition, straight-leg jeans are also a good choice for cowboy boots.

These jeans will give you a neat and masculine look. However, you should pay attention to the leg opening.

Make sure your straight-leg jeans have a leg opening that is wide enough to tuck the cowboy boot shaft into it.

In general, in order to choose the best jeans for cowboy boots, it also depends a lot on your body shape.

Examples:

• If you have a pretty skinny body, then slim-fit jeans are a good choice to flatter your body.
• If you have a tall, big body and need to find comfortable jeans, then relaxed-fit jeans with good elasticity at the waist, thigh and seat are a great option.

Today, bootcut jeans or straight-leg jeans are no longer the types of jeans that many people wear with cowboy boots. Do you know what kind of jeans is most popular?

The answer is cowboy cut jeans, these are the best jeans for cowboy boots! This type of jeans is designed and launched by Wrangler, a famous brand of jeans for cowboy boots.

Cowboy cut jeans generally have a design quite similar to bootcut jeans, they have a nice hug from the knee up (buttock, thigh, hip…), and the legs are wider from knee to bottom.

Compared to bootcut jeans, cowboy cut jeans have a leg width (from knee to bottom) smaller than that of bootcut jeans.

Cowboy cut jeans have tighter legs than bootcut jeans, but still enough room to tuck the cowboy boot shaft into it.

So cowboy cut jeans will give the wearer a tall, modern and especially youthful appearance.

Besides the amazing features, cowboy cut jeans are also known for deep pockets and smooth seams which are comfortable and suitable for many different body shapes.

Aside from Wrangler, there are many other brands that have jeans with a similar design but are called by many different names.

Also, what if you’re looking for jeans to wear with cowboy boots for function rather than fashion?

Choose jeans with durable cotton, flex waistband and stretch denim bands to ensure the best comfort for rugged use!

If bootcut jeans and straight-leg jeans are two classic jeans to wear with cowboy boots, then cowboy cut jeans are the best jeans to wear with cowboy boots for men nowadays.

Read more: The Best Cowboy Boots for Jeans

The Best Jeans to Wear with Men’s Cowboy Boots

Moving from our style tips to the reviews, think of these as real-life examples of what we’ve been talking about. Here are some great jeans that show off the looks we suggest.

1. Men’s Everyday Standard Jeans

Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned

The Tecovas Men’s Everyday Standard Jeans offer a blend of vintage style and modern comfort.

Their tailored fit through the hip and thigh, combined with a straight fit from the knee down, makes them an ideal choice for those who prefer a classic yet comfortable jean.

This cut is especially suited for those with an athletic or straight body type, as it will accentuate the shape without being too tight.

The straight fit from the knee down ensures that these jeans will rest comfortably over cowboy boots without bunching up, maintaining a crisp, clean line that’s essential for any Western-inspired wardrobe.

Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned

The medium-weight bull denim is a smart choice for durability and ease of movement, with the added bonus of medium stretch for comfort.

The bull denim’s ability to hold color well means these jeans will stay looking fresh wear after wear, which is particularly important for earth-toned jeans that can often fade quickly.

Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned

For those who expect their jeans to endure regular use, the triple-stitched inseam is a testament to the quality Tecovas is aiming for, ensuring that these jeans can withstand the rigors of daily life.

The inclusion of seven belt loops is a thoughtful touch, allowing for a secure fit and the option to accessorize with a statement belt.

When styling these jeans, consider their earth tone — it pairs well with other neutrals for a subtle look, or with a pop of color for contrast.

They work seamlessly with a variety of shirts, from plaid or flannel for a casual day out to a crisp white button-down for a more polished look.

Add a pair of well-crafted cowboy boots, and you’re set for a day that requires both comfort and style.

Overall, the Everyday Standard Jean is a reliable staple for anyone looking to incorporate Western flair into their everyday attire while prioritizing comfort and longevity.

2. Men’s Rugged Standard Jeans

Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned

The Tecovas Men’s Rugged Standard Jeans are designed to be the quintessential workhorse of your wardrobe, marrying resilience with classic style.

Made from heavyweight denim, these jeans promise durability and a substantial feel, making them well-suited for men who lead an active lifestyle or require sturdy apparel for work.

The vintage cut, tailored through the hip and thigh, with a straight fit from the knee down, gives these jeans a timeless appeal.

This cut is particularly accommodating for those with a more muscular build, providing comfort without the tight squeeze.

Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned

The straight leg from the knee allows the jeans to rest naturally over boots, which is perfect for those who often wear cowboy boots and prefer a seamless transition from denim to leather.

Tecovas’ commitment to quality is evident in the construction details, like the hidden triple-stitched inseam, which not only adds to the jeans’ durability but also contributes to a cleaner look.

The lay-flat hand pockets and updated back yoke are functional features that enhance the jeans’ practicality while maintaining a sleek silhouette.

Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned

With seven belt loops, these jeans can support a substantial belt, completing the rugged aesthetic when paired with a leather belt and boots.

Their ability to hold up under strenuous conditions makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking for jeans that are both stylish and made to last.

When styling the Rugged Standard Jeans, embrace their versatility. They can be dressed up with a button-up shirt and a blazer for a smart casual event or kept simple with a tee for a laid-back look.

They are a true investment piece for those who value durability without compromising on style.

3. Men’s Premium Relaxed Jeans

Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned

Tecovas’ Men’s Premium Relaxed Jeans are a nod to traditional design with a modern twist, providing a relaxed yet refined option for the discerning gentleman.

The use of soft, medium-weight denim ensures that comfort doesn’t take a backseat, offering a pleasant, broken-in feel right from the start.

With generous stretch, these jeans are built to accommodate a dynamic lifestyle, moving with you effortlessly.

Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned

The relaxed fit through the hip and thigh caters to a variety of body shapes, making them a great choice for those who appreciate a more spacious cut.

The straight fit from the knee down is a thoughtful design choice, ensuring that the jeans drape nicely over boots without excessive fabric, maintaining a streamlined look that’s critical for a polished Western ensemble.

Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned

Attention to detail is clear in the construction of these jeans, from the hidden triple-stitched inseam — which speaks to their durability — to the lay-flat hand pockets and updated vintage-fit back yoke that contribute to both function and style.

The addition of seven belt loops allows for sturdy belt support, which is particularly beneficial when pairing with a classic cowboy belt and boots.

Their comfort, combined with the timeless style, make them a versatile piece in any wardrobe, easily styled up with a crisp button-down shirt or dressed down with a casual tee.

4. Men’s Premium Standard Jeans

Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned

The Men’s Premium Standard Jeans from Tecovas make a compelling case for being your go-to denim. They strike a fine balance between classic style and contemporary comfort.

The medium-weight denim provides a soft feel against the skin, which, combined with the right amount of stretch, allows for freedom of movement and a fit that’s snug but not restricting.

Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned

Tailored through the hip and thigh and straight from the knee down, these jeans offer a fit that is flattering on a variety of body types.

This particular cut is versatile enough to be casual for everyday wear yet can be easily dressed up for more formal occasions.

Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned

The hidden triple-stitched inseam is a testament to the durability of the jeans, ensuring they can withstand daily wear and tear.

The lay-flat hand pockets and updated back yoke are subtle yet important details that enhance the jeans’ practicality and aesthetic appeal.

With seven belt loops, these jeans are designed to be worn with a belt, creating a secure fit and adding to the overall look when paired with a classic leather belt.

The genuine leather patch not only signifies quality but also adds a touch of rugged elegance.

These jeans are a solid choice for those looking for reliable denim that fits well over boots, offers comfort, and stands up to the rigors of daily use.

They’re an ideal example of how a quality pair of jeans can become an integral part of your daily uniform.

Jeans and Cowboy Boots Relationship: All You Need to Know

There are hundreds of thousands of questions about how to wear cowboy boots with jeans. There are hundreds of people who become fashion disasters because they do not know how to match cowboy boots with jeans.

Don’t worry, here are all the answers for you.

(I’ve included deep links for many of the questions in this section. If you’re looking for more in-depth details, just click on these links to dive deeper into each subject.)

1. How Long should Jeans be with Cowboy Boots?

In fact, if you want to have a perfect look when wearing jeans with cowboy boots, your jeans should be a little longer than normal.

Your jeans don’t just end at the ankle, they should cover 1/5 of your instep (or even 1/4) for a great look.

The jean legs should almost cover your heel and are close to the ground (but don’t let them drag on the ground).

Why? Because when you walk, ride, run, or work, your jeans will tend to be pulled up and the boot shaft will be too exposed.

I can guarantee that it’s not good for fashion at all.

When your jeans cover ¼ of your instep (or cowboy boot vamp), they won’t show the boot shafts too much. That would be perfect!

The case above is about wearing jeans under cowboy boots. But if you tuck jeans inside (which is rare), who cares about the length of the jeans?

2. How are Jeans supposed to Fit with Cowboy Boots?

The most important thing to note is that the end of the jeans needs to have enough room to tuck the cowboy boot shaft inside.

Cowboy boots have a higher shaft than other boots (11 inches to 14 inches or even more). So, if the end of the jeans is not wide enough, it can’t contain the boot shaft.

Another note is that the jean’s leg needs to be long enough. At least, it can cover ¼ of the vamp of cowboy boots.

But don’t focus too much on the jean length, the leather around the calf of cowboy boots is also important.

Your calves should almost fill up the leather around the calf of cowboy boots.

For men, the leather around the calf should not be too loose to make the jeans cover all the boot shaft easier. It also can keep your socks better.

For women, a decent fit around the calf will help them tuck skinny jeans into the boot shaft easily.

Then cowboy boots also keep jeans (or socks if wearing skirts) stay in place.

So, it is not important whether you are wearing slim-fit jeans, relaxed-fit, straight-leg jeans or any other types.

The important thing is the room at the end of the jeans, the jean length and the leather around the calf of cowboy boots.

Regarding the style of the jeans, just wear everything that suits your body shape and makes you feel confident!

3. How to make Jeans Fit Over Cowboy Boots?

Your cowboy boots need to ensure adequate length and width.

If your jeans are not wide enough at the bottom to tuck cowboy boots in or are not long enough to cover ¼ (or 1/5) instep, you can consider they are not the perfect partner for your cowboy boots.

If the end of cowboy boots are too tight and you cannot tuck jeans into them. You can fix it by cutting the back and side seams. They will flare more and the problem has been solved.

But if your cowboy boots are too short, using elastic straps is a good choice.

This product can keep the jeans from blowing, therefore, they will cover the cowboy boots better.

That’s all the solution I got. If you have any other methods, tell me in the comment section below!

4. How to Stack Jeans with Cowboy Boots?

Many people don’t even know what stacking jeans with cowboy boots means.

Suppose when you try on jeans at the store, they seem to have a great length.

But when you drive, sit (cross-legged) or ride a horse, the jean legs get pulled up above the ankles. I’m sure everyone has experienced this situation, right?

So, stacking your jeans means that your jeans need to be long enough to create a fold on the instep of cowboy boots when you are standing.

Another situation happens when your jeans are washed for the first time, they get shrunk and become shorter than when at the store. This will give you a very bad look!

As we said above, the solution is to choose jeans that cover ⅓ or ¼ of your instep so that your jeans can “stack” on your boots.

If your jeans stack (or fold) at the instep (or the top of the foot) and the back of the jeans covers almost your heel but doesn’t touch the ground, then you have the jeans with perfect length!

That length will help you not to expose your ankles when driving, sitting or riding a horse.

From my experience, jeans made from cotton (90% – 100%) will shrink and shorten up to 1 inch after being washed in cold water. Therefore, stacking jeans is always necessary.

For some slim people wearing slim-fit bootcut jeans (or slim-fit cowboy cut), the fold will appear not only on the instep (top of the foot) but also on the side of the knees. These folds will create a perfect look!

In fact, stacking jeans with cowboy boots appeared for a long time. Real cowboys riding horses all day need the stacked jeans.

That way, their jeans can cover cowboy boots beautifully!

5. How to Cut Jeans to Fit over Cowboy Boots?

When buying cowboy boots online, many people don’t think about whether these boots fit with their jeans at home or not.

You know who? It’s me! The end of my jeans is not wide enough to tuck the boot shaft.

How do I resolve that? I roll my jeans up about ½ or 1 inch, then use a pencil to mark along the seam.

Then I cut the side seam to that mark. This way, my jeans have a little more room at the bottom.

Depending on how long and how wide you need on the bottom of your cowboy boots, choose the proper cut length. You should try the short cut first.

It’s a good way to make your old jeans look cooler and more interesting, isn’t it?

6. What is the difference between Cowboy Cut jeans and Bootcut jeans?

We often call bootcut jeans God-born jeans for the sole purpose of going with cowboy boots. Because the combination is classic!

However, many people complain that bootcut jeans with legs (from knee to bottom) are a bit too wide, making them look baggy.

That is why cowboy cut jeans were born. The purpose is to please these demanding users.

In general, bootcut jeans and cowboy cut jeans are not too different from the knee up.

But the biggest difference between cowboy cut jeans and bootcut jeans is the width from the knee to the end of the jeans (lower legs).

Cowboy cut jeans have a lower leg part with tighter width than bootcut jeans. However, the width of the lower legs part is still enough room for you to tuck cowboy boots into jeans.

With such a design, cowboy cut jeans will give the wearers a more youthful and modern style, in addition to making them look taller.

It can be said that cowboy cut jeans are one of the most successful innovations and wonderful developments of bootcut jeans.

7. Do you have to wear Bootcut Jeans with Cowboy Boots?

Bootcut jeans are a great and classic choice to wear with cowboy boots.

In reality, you can wear whatever pants you want with cowboy boots as long as you feel beautiful and confident – that is the most important thing. (But if you’re a man, then I think skinny jeans and shorts aren’t really a good choice).

Choosing jeans to wear with cowboy boots is not only about the design, but it also heavily depends on whether those jeans are suitable for your body.

You can choose cowboy cut jeans, straight leg jeans, khaki pants… to wear with cowboy boots, as long as you feel confident.

Besides, choosing jeans should also be based on your purpose and the look of the cowboy boots you are using.

Example: You need a pair of jeans that are really comfortable for your work all day long, choose jeans with a relaxed fit design, with enough room at the thigh, seat and groin.

If you need stylish-look jeans to cater to your slim body, choose slim-fit jeans, they hug the butt and thigh for a youthful and dynamic style.

Besides, if you have black, tan or brown cowboy boots, then I think dark blue jeans would be a good choice.

In short, bootcut jeans are a great choice to wear with cowboy boots, but they are not the only options. Choose jeans that you feel the best and most confident in!

8. What is the Difference between Straight-cut and Bootcut jeans?

Here we go again!

To make this clear, we need to look at the end of these two types of jeans.

The biggest difference between straight-cut and bootcut jeans is the shape.

Bootcut jeans are pretty tight from the knee up (the tightness will depend on whether they are slim-fit jeans or relaxed jeans), and wider from the knee down. That’s the big

plus of bootcut jeans, they are perfect to fit over the boots.

But when you look at straight-cut jeans, their legs have a straight shape. Yes, picture it.

Straight-cut jeans have the width not changed from the hip to throughout your legs. They don’t flare up anymore.

That’s why I love wearing cowboy boots with straight-cut jeans, they make me look more mature!

9. Is it OK to wear Skinny Jeans with Cowboy Boots?

It’s not ok if you are a man. But if you are a woman, it’s totally fine. Men don’t wear skinny jeans with cowboy boots – a real cowboy doesn’t.

Men’s jeans to wear with cowboy boots can be a little tight from the knee up, and they flare from the knees down. Remember to let jeans cover your cowboy boots.

The hidden cowboy boots under jeans create a fascinating beauty for cowboys.

But if you are a cowgirl, skinny jeans and cowboy boots are classic. For a feminine and dynamic look, let’s tuck jeans into cowboy boots. That’s it!

10. Can you wear Straight-leg Jeans with Cowboy Boots?

Why not? Straight-leg jeans offer you a mature, neat and elegant appearance.

Not only cowboy boots, but straight-leg jeans can also work very well with most different boots.

What you need is a simple T-shirt, straight-leg jeans and cowboy boots. This outfit is simple enough for summer days.

By the way, I often wear that combo to take my dog for a walk through the park.

11. Can guys wear Shorts with Cowboy Boots?

Short jeans are not for men’s cowboy boots. That’s the rule when men wear cowboy boots.

Short jeans and skinny jeans won’t give men anything when matching with cowboy boots. Men would get neither a masculine look nor a distressed style with them.

So if you’re a man, don’t wear shorts or skinny jeans with cowboy boots.

But if you’re a woman. Just feel free to mix and match shorts or skinny jeans with cowboy boots for a sexy, liberal and active look.

12. Do Cowboys ever wear Shorts?

Hey, who asked this funny question?

No, no, and no. It’s definitely a big NO! Cowboys never wear shorts, they use jeans instead – the long and rugged jeans.

Cowboys wear long jeans not to show their style like us today, they use jeans for function rather than fashion.

Rugged and long jeans will protect them from the attack of small snakes, scorpions, or hot sands, the impact of saddle stirrup, etc.

Some sources claim that cowboys wear skinny jeans due to their neatness. This ensures the safety of cowboys for riding a horse.

Fashion always changes, and nowadays girls may enjoy wearing skinny jeans with cowboy boots, but men don’t fancy this style.

13. Why do Cowboys wear Tight Jeans?

On TV, you often see that cowboys used to wear tight jeans and cowboy boots, and that’s completely against what I said earlier.

In the early days, cowboys indeed wore tight jeans and cowboy boots, because they didn’t care about fashion, but paid attention to function.

Cowboys not only ride horses but also ride different animals (go to Rodeo and you will see). But different as they are, all animals have one thing in common: sassy and grouchy.

To control those animals as best as you can, you need to have the highest level of neatness, and tight jeans provide that.

Those jeans hug your lower body tightly and form a layer of protection made of super durable denim fabric on your legs, this shield can resist the sudden and harsh movements of animals that are out of control.

At the same time, tight jeans do not have “excess” parts like loose jeans that flare in the bottom. That’s why they won’t get into the saddle’s stirrup and cause you to fall, or worse, be dragged by animals.

It can be said that, in the above cases, tight jeans create greater security for cowboys thanks to the neatness that they bring.

Some cowboys may not wear tight jeans, but they often have the habit of tucking jeans into cowboy boots for neatness while riding.

Nowadays, people not only use cowboy boots for the above jobs, but also for casual use such as walking, hiking and catwalking.

In addition, fashion trends have changed a lot, so not many people wear tight jeans or tuck jeans into cowboy boots.

Today, people like wearing pants such as bootcut or cowboy cut jeans with cowboy boots.

These jeans are not too flare at the end but have enough room to tuck them in cowboy boots to create a youthful and modern look.

14. Do you Tuck Jeans into Cowboy Boots?

If you are a woman, feel free to tuck jeans into cowboy boots. It’s no problem at all.

Usually, men shouldn’t tuck jeans into cowboy boots. It is not beautiful and is a bit pretentious.

However, if your job needs you to tuck jeans into cowboy boots, just follow the rule and do it.

In fact, there are still cowboys at work tucking jeans into cowboy boots to avoid having them dirty, scratched, brushed or torn.

Besides, tucking jeans into cowboy boots can make you tidy as the jeans will not get entangled with the stirrup while riding.

But it’s only for work. When it comes to fashion, very few cowboys like to tuck their jeans into cowboy boots.

Before you leave

Before you leave, make sure you’ve read all of this article to understand the principle of wearing jeans with cowboy boots.

Jeans will give you confidence, masculinity and a strong look when you wear them with cowboy boots.

However, not just your appearance, you should have the right attitude when putting on your cowboy boots.

Be confident and highheaded for an authentic cowboy style. Cowboy style depends more on you than on what you wear.

Jay Gatz

Howdy y’all, and welcome to From The Guest Room, your ultimate guide to all things Western! I’m Jay Gatz, a lifelong cowboy boot enthusiast with over 5 years of experience in the Western style world. I’m excited to share my knowledge with you and help you discover the perfect cowboy boots and western gear to elevate your style. Let’s explore the rich history and timeless appeal of Western fashion together!