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How Long Should Jeans Be for Cowboy Boots? Here’s How to Get the Perfect Fit for Your Boots.
The question of how long should jeans be for cowboy boots is one that is hotly debated among cowboy boot fans. When it comes time to pair your jeans with your cowboy boots you will find no shortage of opinions on the perfect length. Wearing the right length jeans will give you a polished appearance and can also play a role in your comfort and ease of movement.
Here we will take a deeper dive into what you should know when determining the ideal jeans length for your cowboy boots.
The first real question that this comes down to here is to stack or not to stack your jeans? Stacking in cowboy boot parlance is keeping some amount of extra jeans length that “stacks” on the boot. In all honesty, the concept of “stacking” your boots has more adherents than not, but this author doesn’t adhere and prefers a clean break that would be too short for many.
No doubt, a bit of stacking at the bottom can look ok, even if you aren’t a big fan like us, but even if you are a fan of the stack you don’t want to stack your pants excessively as it can make them look too long and sloppy creating an unflattering appearance.
So, stack or no stack, extra fabric or a clean break? Which way should you wear your jeans with your boots? Let’s read on for more thoughts.
Understanding Jeans for Cowboy Boots
Western Fashion and Style
When pairing jeans with cowboy boots, it can be helpful to approach it from a perspective of Western wear fashion and style. The origin of cowboy boots comes from the practical needs of working cowboys. However, where they started isn’t where they still are – cowboy boots and jeans have been transformed into a normal part of fashion and style.
Men and Women Outfit Considerations
When choosing jeans for cowboy boots, here are a few considerations for both men and women.
Men:
- In general, men should look for jeans that are between long enough they reach the heel of the cowboy boots, but not so long that they drag on the ground. Somewhere in between will depend on your stack preference.
- For more stack go with 2 to 4 inches past your normal inseam. For a no or minimal stack go with your normal inseam (this is what I like and what I wear)
- Straight-leg or boot-cut jeans generally will work the best as they can more readily accommodate the boot shaft while providing an integrated look between the boots and jeans.
Women:
- The guidance for women when wearing cowboy boots with jeans is similar in that you want somewhere between covering the boot’s heel and not dragging the ground. A good tell is if the jeans partially cover the vamp of the cowboy boots for more stack, or if they hit right at the break for less.
- Also similar guidance as either boot-cut or straight-leg jeans are good choices for women. However, the right slim-fit jeans can offer a more contemporary and feminine appearance.
- Women can also more appropriately tuck their jeans into the boot shafts and look very fashionable while it is a questionable choice for men to tuck their jeans and would not be generally recommended as a stylish choice for men.
Feel free to experiment with different inseams to see how you like your jeans to hit on your cowboy boots. This style is one that is very personal and both are acceptable. As long as you don’t go too short or so long you are dragging you should be ok.
Selecting the Perfect Jeans Length For Cowboy Boots
Matching with the Cowboy Boot Shaft
As we work down the boot let’s look at the shaft and how it pairs with your jeans. As you consider how long your jeans should be with cowboy boots let’s focus on how they interact with the boot shaft and heel. As discussed, a good rule of thumb is that your jeans should cover the shaft of cowboy boots without dragging on the ground or getting caught on the boots. The amount of inseam length you contribute to stack is up to you.
Vamp Compatibility
When going for a more classic look you can choose jeans that cover about 20 to 25% of the vamp of your cowboy boots. Frankly, I think this is too much and prefer a more modern look that may be as little as 10 to 15%. This allows for less break, less stack, and a cleaner look in my opinion.
Ensuring Proper Heel Fit
The final place to look to determine if you have the ideal Jean length is to try on your jeans with your cowboy boots and make sure you have good heel coverage, but not so much you’re dragging the ground or stepping on your jeans
By paying attention to where your boot shaft, vamp, and heel fit with your jeans, you’ll be able to make sure you have the right jeans length to pair with your cowboy boots.
Frequently Asked Questions on How Long Should Jeans Be for Cowboy Boots
What is the ideal inseam for jeans when wearing cowboy boots?
The ideal inseam for jeans when wearing cowboy boots really comes down to your personal preference. The general rule here is that the jeans should cover the boot shaft and be somewhere between your normal inseam worn with shoes for a minimal break and no stack up to 4 inches for a lot of break and more stack.
Should jeans cover the entire boot shaft?
Yes, your jeans should cover the entire boot shaft when wearing cowboy boots.
Do specific jeans styles work best with cowboy boots?
Either bootcut or straight-leg cut jeans are going to be your best choice for pairing up with cowboy boots. Check out some of the best Levi’s jeans to pair with your cowboy boots.
What are some of the more common mistakes that people make when pairing jeans with cowboy boots?
A few of the common fashion mistakes include wearing jeans that are too short and thus expose the top of the boots, wearing jeans that are too long and bunch up over the boots looking sloppy, and wearing skinny jeans that are too tight and have a lot of printing from the boot shaft. In addition to the cut and style of the jeans being too long or too tight you may want to read up on how to choose the right color choice for your boots.
You can watch a Youtube video that is based on a summary of this article by going here: https://youtu.be/IGYjOAsVqeA
