Growing up, a lot of us wanted to be John Wayne.
Those who didn’t wanted to be Clint Eastwood.
Unsurprisingly, now that we’re grown men, many of us still yearn for that cowboy look. A lot of you reading might actually be cowboys, ranchers, or Western riders.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect pair of cowboy boots, you’ll need the right pair of jeans to go with them. Keep in mind that the perfect pair is different depending on whether you’re working on a farm in Arizona or stomping around city streets.
You might need several pants for several situations. We’re here to help. We’ve rounded up the eight best jeans for cowboy boots, each with a unique strength.
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How Did We Come Up With Our List?
As a seasonal rancher and equestrian (Western and English), I use my years of experience with countless jeans on the market to evaluate each from a functional perspective. Since everyone has different priorities, I also consulted team members and other cowboy boot experts and aficionados, in person, online, and through hundreds of reviews.
I typically look for a pair of jeans that will get me on and off the saddle with zero interference. Meanwhile, if you have some light work to do during the day, but a hoe-down to go to with the Mrs. in the evening, you may want something more fashionable yet durable enough.
And of course, even if you don’t live near a ranch, but love the cowboy style, we’ve got options for you too.
We consider every situation and priority, and we’ve categorized them based on their eight distinct strengths.
8 Best Jeans to Wear With Cowboy Boots
Best Overall: Wrangler 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jeans
With their five pocket heavy-duty construction, the Wrangler 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jeans are true cowboy pants. They stack perfectly around your boots, and the fit is both comfortable and suits most body types. If you do actual cowboy work or if you’re looking for authentic Western pants to go with your authentic boots, go for these Wranglers.
Wrangler is an American brand that’s been supplying actual cowboys with jeans for over a hundred years. When it comes to finding pants that go perfectly with Western style boots, It’s no surprise that the Wrangler 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Originals check all the boxes.
The fit is slightly relaxed, but not shapeless, ensuring that the pant legs sit comfortably over your boots with just enough stacking. On the practical front, this means real cowboys can hop on and off their horses easily. Style-wise, the fit gives you that legitimate Western look, five pockets and all.
Like the Rolex Submariner’s Mercedes hand, they wouldn’t be true Wrangler cowboy jeans without the iconic Wrangler Ws on the back pockets.
These pants boast a durable and heavy 100% cotton construction, but have a flannel lining. Anyone who’s ridden a horse or simply worn unbroken in denim knows the pain of the jean chafe. This lining, plus its felled seams, prevents this irritation from the beginning.
What I Like
The fit is functional, offering a relaxed but structured waist and seat, and pant legs that fit comfortably over cowboy boots, providing an unobstructed range of motion.
Its 100% cotton construction is heavy and durable, but the flannel lining provides comfort and season-round versatility.
From its fit to its construction, the traditional cowboy style looks authentic, pairing effectively with Western boots.
Wrangler offers several different colors and washes, adding a level of customization.
What I Don’t Like
Though it’ll eventually be one of the most comfortable pairs of pants in your closet, the Wrangler Original is undeniably stiff in the beginning.
What Other Reviewers Say
These jeans seem to be a happy style medium, as many reviewers point out that they graduated into them from overly baggy or overly skinny pairs.
Unlike with most jeans, the Wrangler Cowboy Originals have a few steps in the break-in process. Reviewers mention that they shrink a bit after the first few washes, then they stretch back out into a perfect fit. They also love the fade that emerges from the washing.
Many encourage new wearers of these jeans not to give up on them in the first few weeks. They are incredibly rigid before they’re broken in.
The Verdict
With their five pocket heavy-duty construction, the Wrangler 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jeans are true cowboy pants. They stack perfectly around your boots, and the fit is both comfortable and suits most body types. If you do actual cowboy work or if you’re looking for authentic Western pants to go with your authentic boots, go for these Wranglers.
With their five pocket heavy-duty construction, the Wrangler 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jeans are true cowboy pants. They stack perfectly around your boots, and the fit is both comfortable and suits most body types. If you do actual cowboy work or if you’re looking for authentic Western pants to go with your authentic boots, go for these Wranglers.
Best on a Budget: Rustler Classic Regular Five Pocket Jeans
For the price, the Rustler Classic Regular Five Pocket Jeans check all the basics when it comes to pants to wear with cowboy boots. They’re comfortable and feature a traditional relaxed seat and thigh, plus a straight leg that drapes beautifully boots. Since sizing can be confusing, you might have to pay with time instead of money though.
Essential and trend-resistant, the Rustler Classic Jeans sport a classic fit, five pockets, and a 100% cotton construction.
Aside from the low price, the best part about the Rustler Jeans is that they’re immediately comfortable. The material is incredibly soft and flexible. I was able to hop on and off horses without the slightest chafe my first day wearing them.
What I Like
They’re immediately comfortable thanks to the lightness in weight, the relaxed fit around the seat and thighs, and the straight legs that fit perfectly around cowboy boots.
The authentically Western five-pocket style and regular-fit is classic and trend-resistant.
What I Don’t Like
The pockets are thin and small and your cell phone will definitely fall out of them.
The sizing is inconsistent, so you should definitely take advantage of the try before you buy option.
They’re described as heavy and durable, but they’re definitely more lightweight. Again, this makes them immediately comfortable, but they won’t last you five to 10 years like heavy-duty Wranglers or Levi’s will.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers agree that these jeans are for you if you hate trends or aren’t even particularly into fashion. It’s the perfect everyman cut. Many point out the comfortable fit and feel.
The biggest complaint is the inconsistent, and, frankly, weird sizing. One gent mentions that when he ordered a 40×34, he received a 38×32.5 instead. He then asks that if a 40 is a 38, then is a 38 a 36? Other reviewers guess that you need to take into account sizing in Asia or initial shrinkage. Another reviewer mentions that he bought four pairs of 31 waist jeans, and that they all fit slightly differently.
Returns are easy and there’s the famous try before you buy option. Still, there’s a lot of moving parts and if you’re less patient, then maybe this outrageously cheap price isn’t worth it.
The Verdict
For the price, the Rustler Classic Regular Five Pocket Jeans check all the basics when it comes to pants to wear with cowboy boots. They’re comfortable and feature a traditional relaxed seat and thigh, plus a straight leg that drapes beautifully boots. Since sizing can be confusing, you might have to pay with time instead of money though.
For the price, the Rustler Classic Regular Five Pocket Jeans check all the basics when it comes to pants to wear with cowboy boots. They’re comfortable and feature a traditional relaxed seat and thigh, plus a straight leg that drapes beautifully boots. Since sizing can be confusing, you might have to pay with time instead of money though.
Best Slim Fit: Wrangler Retro Slim Fit Jeans
Sitting in the middle ground between fashionable and practical, the Wrangler Retro Slim Fit Jeans feature a thinner silhouette than regular Western jeans, but still fit over your cowboy boots. With their embellishments and distinct wash, go for these pants if you want a more stylish look that doesn’t get too flashy.
Though the Wrangler Retro Fit Jeans lean closer into the fashion side of things rather than function, they’re still a decently durable and high-quality pair of jeans. I’ve definitely done my fair share of riding in these guys.
As with any slim fit pants, style is definitely the main priority, and Wrangler lays that on thick. They slap these jeans with every single trademark Wrangler embellishment: The classic W stitching on the back pockets, the retro Wrangler back patch, and even the 1947 rivet on the front pocket.
They aren’t flashy pants by any means, but they’re a touch more fashion-forward than the average cowboy jeans.
Wrangler uses a multi-step finishing treatment. In addition to hand sanding and distressing the denim, they whisker the front pocket area to create straight thin fading lines in the creases. Every pair is just a little bit different than the rest.
Despite being so fashionable, these jeans will still fit over your cowboy boots and sport the classic and practical five-pocket construction.
What I Like
The slim fit provides a modern take on Western jeans, while still leaving room in the legs for your cowboy boots.
The unique wash and finishing techniques makes every pair a little different, giving it a subtly high-fashion quality.
Wrangler fans love that these jeans are adorned with all of the brand’s iconic embellishments, including the back pocket patch, the 1947 front pocket rivet, and the W stitching.
What I Don’t Like
With the slimmer fit, they aren’t as durable as heavy 100% cotton jeans.You can still use these for occasional work and even riding, but they shouldn’t be your go-to kick-around jeans.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers praise the slim fit and modern look of these Wranglers. There’s a divide between those who think they’re good for working and those who think they should be worn just as stylish casual pants. I think they can be used for moderate work and occasional rides.
A few mention that they’re a bit more expensive than they’re worth, but I disagree. If you’re looking for a stylish and flattering pair of jeans with an impressive brand name, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with paying a little bit more for what you want.
The Verdict
Sitting in the middle of fashionable and practical, the Wrangler Retro Slim Fit Jeans feature a thinner silhouette than regular Western jeans, but still fit over your cowboy boots. With their embellishments and distinct wash, go for these pants if you want a more stylish look that doesn’t get too flashy.
Sitting in the middle ground between fashionable and practical, the Wrangler Retro Slim Fit Jeans feature a thinner silhouette than regular Western jeans, but still fit over your cowboy boots. With their embellishments and distinct wash, go for these pants if you want a more stylish look that doesn’t get too flashy.
Best Bootcut: Ariat M2 Boot Cut Jeans
The Ariat M2 Boot Cut Jeans provide the combination fit of loose calves, close waist, and close thighs. However, unlike most boot cuts, these Ariats are hemmed in such a way that the silhouette is straight with a break. If you’re looking for a clean-looking boot cut or are bigger in the waist and thigh area, these jeans are for you.
The Ariat M2 Boot Cut Jeans have everything you’re looking for in this comfortable cut. They hug the hips and thighs just enough so that you don’t need a belt, but from the knees on, they’re loose but straight.
Often boot cut jeans look too flared or sloppy in the calf area. The side hems of the M2s fully accommodate how the fit changes from the waist to the ankle.
These pants easily provide the widest range of motion out of all the options here. Additionally, they have extra deep pockets.
As boot cut jeans, you can wear these Ariats with even the bulkiest cowboy boots. Since they’re so clean looking though, you can even pair them with sneakers, making them more versatile than most boot cut jeans.
What I Like
They feature the perfect boot cut, loose at the calves but still straight and clean.
The extra deep pockets allow for extra storage, without looking bulky because of the relaxed fit.
If you’re wider in the hip and thigh area, these jeans will complement you, straightening your silhouette while also adding height.
What I Don’t Like
There are no belt loops on either side of the back loop, which can cause the belt to ride above the waistline. You don’t need a belt with these jeans, but it’s good to have the option for style purposes.
What Other Reviewers Say
They aren’t so straight that they’re “fake” boot cuts, as one reviewer noted. But, they’re not so loose that they fit funny either. Ariat gets a lot of praise for their customer service, responding to emails within a day and not placing you on hold for hours when you call their help line.
According to reviews, these Ariats will last anywhere from a year and a half to five years, depending on how hard you are on them. They’ll start to go at the knees first. If you’re into the ripped jeans look, that’s not a bad place to start.
The Verdict
The Ariat M2 Boot Cut Jeans provide the combination fit of loose calves, close waist, and close thighs. However, unlike most boot cuts, these Ariats are hemmed in such a way that the silhouette is straight with a break. If you’re looking for a clean-looking boot cut or are bigger in the waist and thigh area, these jeans are for you.
The Ariat M2 Boot Cut Jeans provide the combination fit of loose calves, close waist, and close thighs. However, unlike most boot cuts, these Ariats are hemmed in such a way that the silhouette is straight with a break. If you’re looking for a clean-looking boot cut or are bigger in the waist and thigh area, these jeans are for you.
Best Skinny: Amazon Essentials Skinny-Fit Stretch Jeans
It’s hard to find skinny jeans that will go with cowboy boots, but the Amazon Essentials Skinny-Fit Stretch Jeans really deliver. Ironically, it’s the moderate approach to stretch and skinniness that makes them perfect for Western style footwear. If you like to mix and match styles or want a more modern cowboy look, these are the jeans for you.
The Amazon Essentials Skinny-Fit Stretch Jeans are kind of like a fashion cheat code. They look and fit a lot like the Levi’s 511s, but are much more affordable.
From personal experience, I think they’re basically the same, with the Amazons being slightly less stretchy. Regardless, they’re flexible enough, especially after you’ve worn them everyday for a week or two.
The leg opening is about 13.5 inches, which is bigger than a lot of other skinny jeans. This means you can wear them over thinner cowboy boots, or you can show off those fancy toe bugs and medallions and wear your boots over your jeans.
Another reason I prefer these to the 511s is because the Amazon Essentials, being slightly less stretchy, won’t ride up your cowboy boots while you’re walking.
That being said, these pants don’t provide you the range of motion you need to actually work. They’re strictly for style.
What I Like
The 98% cotton and 2% elastane construction ensures a stretchy fit, but not so stretchy that they’ll ride up your cowboy boots.
The fit is skinny, but not too skinny, allowing you to wear them over or under cowboy boots which provides versatility and options.
Whether you go for blue or black, the color and wash are deep and complex, making them look a lot more expensive than they are.
What I Don’t Like
The dye can rub off on your legs during the first few wears. It’s not permanent, but you can prevent this by washing them three or four times before wearing them.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers are pleasantly surprised with the quality and fit for the price. I’m not the only one who notices the similarities between these jeans and the Levi’s 511s.
The main complaints stem from the lack of stretch and the fact they aren’t super skinny. However, these are the qualities that make them perfect for cowboy boots.
The Verdict
It’s hard to find skinny jeans that will go with cowboy boots, but the Amazon Essentials Skinny-Fit Stretch Jeans really deliver. Ironically, it’s the moderate approach to stretch and skinniness that makes them perfect for Western style footwear. If you like to mix and match styles or want a more modern cowboy look, these are the jeans for you.
It’s hard to find skinny jeans that will go with cowboy boots, but the Amazon Essentials Skinny-Fit Stretch Jeans really deliver. Ironically, it’s the moderate approach to stretch and skinniness that makes them perfect for Western style footwear. If you like to mix and match styles or want a more modern cowboy look, these are the jeans for you.
Best Straight Leg: Ariat Rebar M5 Durastretch Straight Leg Jeans
The Ariat Rebar M5 Durastretch Jeans are slimmer than most straight-legs. However, calling them slim-fits, as many descriptions do, is a complete exaggeration.
Regardless, their silhouette is definitely more contemporary, but these jeans are loaded with read-deal functionality.
The Rebar M5s are made with 30% polyester, which makes them tank-level durable. On top of that, these guys sport anchored belt loops and reinforced pockets, including a special knife pocket.
Even the zippers are noticeably heavier than zippers on most other jeans. Despite how heavy-duty the Rebar M5s are, they’re also equipped with no-rub comfort inseams to prevent abrasion.
What I Like
The cut is slimmer in the thigh area and lower in the waist, providing a more modern and flattering straight-leg style.
Ariat’s ToughMax denim is made of 69% cotton, 30% polyester, and 1% spandex for a durable, long-lasting material.
With their reinforced pockets, anchored belt loops, and heavy-duty zippers and hardware, these jeans are highly functional work pants.
What I Don’t Like
These jeans can take a good month or even two to break in. Even worse, I advise against washing them to soften them because you want them to conform to your body before their first wash.
What Other Reviewers Say
From carpenters to construction workers, these jeans boast overwhelmingly popular reviews among the working set.
Those looking for slim fit jeans are disappointed that they’re not fashion slim. Again, I’m not sure why they’re described that way, but they’re simply a slightly thinner straight-cut. They aren’t slim-fits.
The extra pocket on the right hip front is controversial. Those who don’t like it claim it makes the pants look messy and bulky. Since these are true work jeans, I disagree and believe work jeans can never have too much storage.
The Verdict
As genuine work pants, the Ariat Rebar M5 Durastretch Straight Leg Jeans pair perfectly with cowboy boots. They’re a tough pair of pants, with a slightly thinner fit making them a touch more stylish.
Best Ripped: Levi’s 541 Athletic-Fit Ripped Jeans
Since most ripped jeans are built for the trendy set these days, it’s difficult to find ones that aren’t super skinny, overly distressed, or too youthful. The Levi’s 541 Athletic-Fit Jeans are comfortable and high-quality to begin with, and the ripped variation is strong and roomy enough to pair with cowboy boots.
Levi’s 541s are known for providing a handsome fit for men who are bigger in the thigh area. Their relaxed upper portion is made for athletic guys with muscular legs, so even as they taper in the calves, they’ll fit any pair of cowboy boots.
These also look great on us non-rugby players, but we just have to size down.
The 541s come in several different colors and versions, including a few stylish ripped variations.
Most ripped jeans are meant to be worn trendily, with sneakers or fashion boots. Since the 541s are roomy but tapered, they can accommodate big footwear, but still look great with the extra distressing.
What I Like
The legs are slightly tapered, which goes well with the trendy ripped look. However, they aren’t so thin that you can’t fit cowboy boots under them thanks to the athletic fit.
The combination of a loose upper fit and added elastane make these jeans extra comfortable, requiring little break-in time.
The elastane also provides effective stretch, which comes in handy if you’re actually wearing these on the ranch.
What I Don’t Like
These jeans look excellent ripped, but not all of them are ripped. Pay close attention to the “color” you’re choosing and make sure you’re going for distressed or “destructed” versions. Reach out to the seller before buying to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want.
What Other Reviewers Say
Not only are these jeans perfect for athletic guys, but huskier fellows love them as well. Reviewers praise the immediate and long-lasting comfort.
The main grievance with the 541s is that the different variations feature different blends and even slightly different sizing. This is related to the point I make regarding how it can be confusing to find the variation you’re looking for. Again, reach out to your seller and pay close attention to the description.
The Verdict
Since most ripped jeans are built for the trendy set these days, it’s difficult to find ones that aren’t super skinny, overly distressed, or too youthful. The Levi’s 541 Athletic-Fit Jeans are comfortable and high-quality to begin with, and the ripped variation is strong and roomy enough to pair with cowboy boots.
Since most ripped jeans are built for the trendy set these days, it’s difficult to find ones that aren’t super skinny, overly distressed, or too youthful. The Levi’s 541 Athletic-Fit Jeans are comfortable and high-quality to begin with, and the ripped variation is strong and roomy enough to pair with cowboy boots.
Best Levi’s: Levi’s Western Fit Cowboy Jeans
Even with the higher price tag, the Levi's Western Fit Cowboy Jeans are definitely the best the brand has to offer when it comes to this specific style. They’re classic and versatile pants that will last long and offer a lot of convenient extra features.
Like our best overall Wranglers, the Levi’s Western Fit Cowboy Jeans are a true pair of rancher pants, meant to be worn with cowboy boots. They have slightly more to offer, but at that Levi’s price premium though.
Along with cotton, the Western Fit Cowboy jeans are also made with polyester for durability, polyamide for abrasion-resistance, and elastane for some stretch. This makes them a touch stronger and stretchier than 100% cotton jeans, with a shorter break-in period.
These pants also get extra credit for their ergonomic pockets. They’re reversed yoked, which means they’re higher in the middle than the outer seams, giving you a more comfortable and full seat. The safety inseams also provide extra comfort.
Finally, they’re sewn with a bar tack clipping guard, which is a small rivet where the legs are sewn together. This makes the connection stronger, but also adds weight that allows you to customize how you wear your pants over your boots.
The added weight and stability means that you can wear them with single folds at the bottom of the legs without worrying they’ll unfold as you walk. It also means that if you wear them unfolded, your stacks will always look John Wayne perfect.
What I Like
The construction features polyester, polyamide, and elastane providing long-lasting strength, abrasion-resistance, and stretch.
The bar tack clipping guard provides reinforcement and customizable ease over boots.
They come with several convenient bells and whistles, including ergonomic pockets, three-point belt loops, and doubled inseams.
What I Don’t Like
The “extra features” and brand name may not be worth the price premium for everyone. If you don’t need a bar tack clipping, ergonomic pockets, or that extra stretch, you can always get basically the same jeans for a fraction of the cost with the Wranglers.
What Other Reviewers Say
While some reviewers claim these jeans are on the expensive side for what they are, the extra features are undeniably useful to a lot of others. Many claim that the extra durability can add a good two or three years to the life of the jeans. The ergonomic pockets provide ease of accessibility for those who work with gloves on.
On the style side, many positive reviews point out that these jeans always sit perfectly over your boots from an aesthetic perspective. For many, not having to fuss over your jeans throughout the day is worth the premium.
The Verdict
Even with the higher price tag, the Levi’s Western Fit Cowboy Jeans are definitely the best the brand has to offer when it comes to this specific style. They’re classic and versatile pants that will last long and offer a lot of convenient extra features.
Even with the higher price tag, the Levi's Western Fit Cowboy Jeans are definitely the best the brand has to offer when it comes to this specific style. They’re classic and versatile pants that will last long and offer a lot of convenient extra features.
What Type of Jeans Should You Wear with Cowboy Boots?
It depends on your style and why you’re wearing cowboy boots.
If you’re going for an authentic Western look, perhaps because you’re actually doing some authentic Western style work, go for a classic fit.
The seat and thighs should be a bit more relaxed, while the pant legs should sit over your boots comfortably. There should be some stacking, which will ensure that there’s room for you to access all ranges of motion, even before the jeans are broken in.
4 Key Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Jeans for Cowboy Boots
Here are four things to consider before buying a pair of jeans to go with your Western style boots.
- Style vs Practicality: As mentioned, go for a classic fit if you’re actually working in them. Don’t choose jeans that will deter your movement, no matter how good they look. Relatedly, some boots offer style and practicality. The compromise between the two will be different if you’re helping out at a farm for a summer, compared to if you’re completely changing careers and becoming a full-time rancher.
- Boot size: Any true pair of cowboy jeans will fit over even the biggest Western boots. If you’re wearing them for fashion though, make sure your boots will fit under your jeans, unless you plan on wearing them over your pants.
- Price: Jeans can be expensive, especially designer ones. Though this also often means that they’re sturdy and long-lasting, you don’t want to drop a grand at Dolce & Gabbana for jeans that you’ll be wearing while cleaning up after horses.
Ride ‘em Cowboy
Looking for authentic and versatile jeans to wear with your cowboy boots? The Wrangler 13MWZ is a practical and affordable option.
With their five pocket heavy-duty construction, the Wrangler 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jeans are true cowboy pants. They stack perfectly around your boots, and the fit is both comfortable and suits most body types. If you do actual cowboy work or if you’re looking for authentic Western pants to go with your authentic boots, go for these Wranglers.
The Rustlers, however, are the most bang-for-buck and are extra comfortable.
For the price, the Rustler Classic Regular Five Pocket Jeans check all the basics when it comes to pants to wear with cowboy boots. They’re comfortable and feature a traditional relaxed seat and thigh, plus a straight leg that drapes beautifully boots. Since sizing can be confusing, you might have to pay with time instead of money though.
For you fashion focused guys, the Wrangler Retros are the best slim fits, while the Amazon Essentials are as skinny as jeans can be when you’re pairing them with cowboy boots. Meanwhile, the Levi’s 541s look great as ripped jeans whether you’re wearing the boots over or under your pants.
For jeans that offer style and function, the Ariat M2s are a clean-looking boot cut, while the Ariat Rebar M5s are straight-leg work pants that can handle a hard day’s work.
Of course, Levi’s gives us premium pants with their Western Jeans. They’re genuine cowboy pants with a lot of extra features for the modern guy.
Just take into consideration what your needs are, and take your pick—or picks.
FAQs
Can you wear straight jeans with cowboy boots?
Yes, as long as the boots fit underneath the jeans without the legs getting stuck, straight jeans with cowboy boots are a stylish and modern take on the Western look.
How do you wear square toe cowboy boots with jeans?
The jeans should cover the boot shafts, but shouldn’t drag in the back. The bottom of the pants will rest half an inch above the heel of your cowboy boots. This is especially true of square-toes since they aren’t as long and slick as pointed toes.
What are the best Levis to wear with cowboy boots?
The Levi’s Western Fit Cowboy Jeans offer a classic fit that pairs excellently with cowboy boots. If you’re actually wearing them to do work, they’re durable and comfortable. If you’re wearing them for style, they look authentically Western.