Not sure what to wear to a rodeo? This guide can help you nail your rodeo attire, so you can enjoy the festivities in true western style.

Few sporting events warrant your best ensemble, but the rodeo isn’t your typical event. While strict rules for rodeo attire technically only apply to participants, learning how to dress for a rodeo allows you to embrace the rich heritage of rodeo and western life, all while showing off your personal style.

We’ve wrangled up our best tips for what to wear to a rodeo, so you can enjoy the show in true western style.

The Jolene in Caramel bovine

How to Dress for a Rodeo from Head to Toe

The Perfect Hat

If you think a cowboy hat is the only headwear you can rock at the rodeo, think again! While you’ll never be out of place wearing a classic–or even trendy–cowboy hat made from wool, felt, or straw, trucker hats and baseball caps are also popular options you’ll see throughout the crowd. The trick to picking the right hat comes down to two things:

1. The rest of our outfit
2. That you’re comfortable.

Aside from incorporating western-inspired pieces, functionality is a key feature of any great rodeo outfit.

Button Down Shirt, Western Tee, or a Dress

Any true westerner knows the rodeo is no place for soft or delicate fabrics like silk, cashmere, or satin. If you’re attending the rodeo, reach for a button-down or front snap long sleeve made from breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or classic denim.

Don’t be afraid to play with paisleys, plaids, or gingham, or stick to your favorite solids to accentuate other elements of your ensemble you want to steal the show. Kick up your look another notch with accent stitching or a little bling!

Tecovas Denim Pearl Snap Shirt

If a long sleeve button-down sounds unreasonable for the weather (or your comfort), opt-in for a western tee or skip a shirt and pants ensemble altogether when you pair a dress with cowgirl boots.

For cooler nights or to add a little extra “something” to your ensemble, slip on a stylish poncho or your favorite leather, suede jean jacket or vest. Extra points for fringe and tassels!

Tecovas Suede Fringe Jacket

Your Nicest Pair of Blue Jeans

The rodeo is no place for those decade-old jeans that have seen better days. When you’re headed to the rodeo, you can’t go wrong with a well-fitting pair of women's western jeans in classic denim or dark wash (sorry, black and distressed jeans, you’ll have to sit this one out). Pair with a leather belt and your favorite buckle for an authentic western-inspired look that screams, “This ain’t my first rodeo.”

Tecovas High-Rise Straight Jeans

The Jolene in Midnight bovine

Special Occasion Cowboy Boots

Kick up your rodeo attire up a notch with a clean and comfortable pair of western boots destined for the spotlight. A rodeo is a special event where cowboys and cowgirls of all ages slip into freshly cleaned, flashy boots complete with toe bug stitching, embroidery, or exotic skins like ostrich, lizard, and python.

The Annie in Bone

The Jessie in Bourbon ostrich

Considering a rodeo lasts about two hours with plenty of opportunity for socializing before and after the main events, you’ll need a good-lookin’ pair that can also keep you comfortable, like cowgirl boots with a low heel.

Tecovas boots offer supreme comfort right out of the box in a stunning variety of rodeo-worthy styles. Browse our selection of cowgirl boots to find the perfect pair for your next rodeo. For tips on how to pair cowboy boots with jeans, visit our blog.

Accessories

The rodeo is a special opportunity to dress up and have a ball, and the perfect excuse to complement your newfound western style with bracelets, necklaces, scarves, bandanas, and leather fringe bags. Popular accessories you can expect to see at the rodeo include gold, silver, and practically anything turquoise. The rodeo is also the best time to break out that big and flashy belt buckle you’ve been saving for the right moment.

Get Rodeo-Ready with Tecovas

Whether trying to decide what to wear to a rodeo or dressing down to take on the day’s dirty work, count on Tecovas to keep you moving in style and comfort no matter where your adventures lead. Shop Tecovas cowgirl boots today to find the perfect boots, attire, and accessories for every western-inspired way you work, play, and live your life.