Cowboys in Fashion: Style, Model Photos & Inspiration

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Updated February 13, 2023

French model Clément Chabernaud presents a fashion-forward cowboy look for Velvet magazine.Pin
French model Clément Chabernaud presents a fashion-forward cowboy look for Velvet magazine.

Cowboys in Fashion–When it comes to American culture, perhaps no image has left an impression as great as the cowboy. Hollywood legends such as John Wayne easily come to mind, but the fashion industry regularly reinvents the cowboy. The cowboy is a popular reference as the ideal figure possesses a rugged charm, the perfect physique, and an endearing nonchalance.

Although the cowboy is not a fresh concept, it still holds a certain appeal. That is why men’s fashion designers and editors revere the cowboy. Ultimately, the cowboy easily complements western motifs and essentials like the western shirt. You don’t have to search far to find an interpretation of a cowboy in a fashion magazine.

Related: Urbane Cowboy | Miles McMillan Stars in The Sunday Telegraph Cover Story

Cowboy Inspiration in Fashion Editorials

Denek Kania rocks a Linder tank with Vejas jeans, a Stetson hat, and a belt and boots by Luchese.Pin
Denek Kania channels his inner cowboy for Buffalo Zine.
Bo Develius hits the ranch in cowboy style for SummerWinter.Pin
Bo Develius hits the ranch in cowboy style for SummerWinter.
Miles McMillan is an urban cowboy for The Sunday Telegraph.Pin
Miles McMillan is an urban cowboy for The Sunday Telegraph.
Julian Schneyder Cowboy StylePin
Julian Schneyder channels the spirit of a stylish cowboy in a For Boy fashion editorial.
Sebastian Sauve is a rugged cowboy for a 2015 issue of August Man.Pin
Sebastian Sauve is a rugged cowboy for a 2015 issue of August Man.
Lonesome Cowboy: Jarrod Scott for Apollo MagazinePin
A cowboy doesn’t always need his hat in fashion. Here, Australian model Jarrod Scott doubles down on denim for Apollo magazine.
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Will Chalker demonstrates the mystical allure of the cowboy. The British model appears in an editorial for Vogue Russia’s June 2014 issue.
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GQ China spotlights a glamorous take on the cowboy. Swedish model Benjamin Eidem wears a fur jacket with denim. The story comes from the Chinese magazine’s January 2014 issue.
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Johnny Cash comes to mind as Adam Senn appears in a story for DSection.
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GQ Australia may have the outback, but their take on the cowboy is the same. Tommy Dunn wears a western denim shirt and jeans for the magazine’s October/November 2012 issue.
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Jacey Elthalion looks fresh out of a Ralph Lauren ad as he graces the pages of British GQ’s May 2010 issue.

Cowboy Fashion Trends

Balmain offers a formal spin on western style for its spring-summer 2018 collection.Pin
Balmain offers a formal spin on western style for its spring-summer 2018 collection.

From Milan to Paris Fashion Week, the cowboy image often reemerges. Brands such as Versace, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Balmain, and Philipp Plein have referenced the iconic figure. The designers’ approach to the cowboy shows off his versatility. While Versace and Plein reworked the classic cowboy motif for an opulent fall outing, designers like Lim relied on the sensibility of the timeless western theme for confident essentials.

Ralph Lauren Purple Label embraces the western shirt as part of its fall-winter 2017 men's collection.Pin
Ralph Lauren Purple Label embraces the western shirt as part of its fall-winter 2017 men’s collection.
versace cowboy looks fall 2014Pin
Versace reinterprets cowboy style with a campy flair for its fall-winter 2014 collection.
Antonio Marras presents a dark edge as he reinterprets cowboy style for fall-winter 2016.Pin
Antonio Marras presents a dark edge as he reinterprets cowboy style for fall-winter 2016.
philipp plein fall winter 2014 collectionPin
Leather informs Philipp Plein’s spin on the cowboy for its fall-winter 2014 collection.
Paul & Joe shows a tailored hand when approaching cowboy style for its fall-winter 2016 collection.Pin
Paul & Joe shows a tailored hand when approaching cowboy style for its fall-winter 2016 collection.
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Sensible style is front and center for 3.1 Phillip Lim’s fall-winter 2014 collection.

Embrace the Cowboy Look

Levi's Sawtooth Denim Western ShirtPin
Levi’s Sawtooth Denim Western Shirt $59.98

If you do not aspire to become a cowboy but still want to adopt the utterly cool cowboy style, here are our best pointers:

1. Denim on denim: Denim is a quintessential cowboy thing, so it is certainly the first item on the list you should take care of. Here is the caveat, though: Your denim shirt or jacket and your jeans should be in two different shades if you are shooting for that cowboy-chic look.

Grenson Declan Suede Chelsea BootsPin
Grenson Declan Suede Chelsea Boots $325

2. A good pair of boots: Like jeans, a pair of boots is essential. Invest in a nice pair of leather or suede boots, preferably the Chelsea style.

3. Some plaid shirts: A plaid shirt is a great option on days when you do not feel like wearing your denim shirt. Designers have given plaid shirts a major upgrade during the last few years, so they are now functional and fashionable.

Salvatore Ferragamo Biker Collar Leather JacketPin
Salvatore Ferragamo Biker Collar Leather Jacket $2,530

4. A leather jacket: If designer collections are of any indication, a tough leather jacket is definitely one component of the modern cowboy attire.

5. A high-crowned, wide-brimmed hat: The material can be fur felt or straw, but it is advisable to purchase a beautifully made one from designers to avoid the risk of looking like a ranch worker.

6. Your attitude: To truly pull off the cowboy look with aplomb, do not leave your confidence and relaxed attitude at home once you get dressed.


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