There has been much talk on GoHorseShow this month about fashion— everything from what’s in this year, to makeup and hair tutorials and even how to save a little when searching for the perfect show pen attire. With the focus so fixed on women’s attire, perhaps GoHorseShow readers have been wondering, as Paula Cole so memorably sang, Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?
Men’s fashion may not be as popular of a subject given the lack of bling and sparkle they sport, as well as the fact that we don’t see many rhinestone cowboys enter the stock horse arena. However, coordinating an outfit for men requires the same attention to detail, style, and tradition as any well dressed woman.
Take It From the Top
Chris Ledoux may have warned against touching a cowboy’s hat, but Barbara Maitia of Barbara’s Custom Hats probably wouldn’t mind as she offers a wide range of custom hats. Though she might agree with Ledoux that care of a custom hat is essential to its longevity. She says, “Don’t let your girlfriends borrow them, your horse step on them, or your dog chew on them.”
Maitia adds, “In all seriousness, many men like their hats with that worn ‘working cowboy’ look. For our ‘show horse’ cowboys, it’s best to keep those hats brushed off and cleaned between the times you have a professional deep clean and reshape done. Keeping the hats out of extreme heat will help keep the hats holding their shape better and when stored in its can or box, be sure it is properly adjusted so the hat brim or crown is not touching the top or sides of the hat.”
When shopping for a hat, she urges men to stick with a classic presentation that fits their chosen discipline. “Judges really look for a clean, nicely shaped hat that fits the discipline you are showing. Historically speaking, the 20x black felt is our most popular hat for men. Trending hot now and the new color for the fall season are various shades of grey. Most popular is our Gun Metal, Granite and Steele. Another color trending is Pecan. This is a beautiful color, a classic look and one of the most versatile felts as it goes with everything. Natural is another color that gives men endless options for color, especially if showing many different colored horses.”
With the heat of summer coming on strong, many men may prefer a hat that offers classic cowboy style, but with a little more ventilation. When shopping for a straw, Maitia urges buyers not to scrimp on quality, and to look at the straw as an avenue for individuality. “A wider brim size has been very popular but a sharp pretty Quarter Horse crease for men in every discipline is what truly looks best. Some of the patterns are a bit busy, but they can be pulled off nicely with a beautiful solid shirt and crisp shape. Men’s hats have become more trendy over the past few years but the old tried and true classic plain 100x straw is always a safe bet.”
The Middle of Things
Hats and chaps are two wardrobe staples unlikely to change significantly in the coming years. Terina Johnson, the owner of Good Ride Life Apparel, says there are a number of new trends in men’s wear this year.
“One thing we are seeing is a lot of custom shirts with creative colors and cuffs. Men are starting to go in a direction of more creative dressing and having unique styles. Because saddle pads are getting more and more patterns, we are seeing multi-colored solid shirts becoming more popular than ever.”
Perhaps, as a result of the new trends in men’s hats colors, Johnson says spectators can expect to see men donning a lot of greys, blues, and turquoise. “These have been Good Ride’s most popular colors this season and we have a great selection in stock and ready to go.”
Boo Yah Custom Clothing’s Spike Brewer and Megan Brown concur, adding, “In the western, especially in the color breeds, there seems to be more embracing of colors and moving away from just the white shirt in the western. We are excited about this because there are so many beautiful western pads being made and the right color shirt can really make them pop and tie the whole look together.”
For men wary of matching a loud shirt with a colorful show pad, the women of Boo Yah say there is nothing wrong with sticking to the basics. “A crisp, white, well fitting shirt and black chaps will work on any horse and with any pad.”
Winning Couture’s Debbie Hodde focuses on custom looks for men’s shirts and offers exhibitors a chance to customize both the look and fit of their attire.
“We believe the biggest change in men’s shirts have been the overall fit of the shirt. Men are looking for a more tailored look in the pen, and getting rid of the over-sized ‘parachute’ shirts.” In achieving that tailored look, many men have become willing to experiment in their custom designs. “In men’s western shirts, we have been doing a lot of plaids and stripes as well. Multi-colored plaids and stripes are great for trainers who have to match many different pads or horses.”
Renowned designer Phil Harris of Harris Leather and Silverworks makes it easy for men shopping for a coordinated look in the show pen. “Our biggest contribution to the style changes of the past few years has been our introduction of the combos for men. We have combined a shirt, scarf and show pad that coordinates. This gives guys a nice matching look without the hassle of choosing and matching of colors. You might say one-stop shopping for the show outfit.” (pictured below)
Though styles may not fluctuate significantly for men, attention to small details can make a significant impact on the overall look. And as anyone who shows knows, presentation is everything. Brewer and Brown add that, “Men are paying more attention to fabric quality and the tailored look which is exciting. The picture that a tailored shirt creates in the pen is so amazing, versus the shirt that is too big that ends up billowing out behind the rider. The western is about being slow, collected, and in control, and a shirt that fits sends that same message.”
Whether in the show ring or kicking around the grounds, a cowboy’s choice in jeans is the foundation of his look. In recent years, designers have begun paying as much attention to the style and fit of men’s jeans as women’s.
According to Matt Kimes of Kimes Ranch Jeans, the company’s entire upper management team grew up riding and showing in AQHA. He says, “We knew the market so well that our product was built with this industry in mind. The fact that they are buying our jeans validates that we are doing something right for them.”
When it comes to jeans, men will likely always favor form and function over fads and trends. But today’s styles allow for a bit of both. Kimes believes, “Men have been leaning towards a slimmer profile. Jeans that fit well can still be functional and look great on and off of a horse.”
With new trends coming old looks are disappearing. “There are two types of trends that we are seeing being slowly phased out over the last few years. One is the over processed denim with the large flare boot cut, and two is the light wash denim with the baggy thighs. Men are really stepping up their game in AQHA and are trending towards styles that are more crisp and classic that they are able to wear in the show ring. For too long they sacrificed form over function because they didn’t have the option to do otherwise,” Kimes says.
Kimes Ranch is known for their dark wash denim and their two new styles Chuck and Cal will offer that along with different options for fit. “Chuck is a relaxed fit and Cal is a little higher rise with a slimmer leg. Both are a lighter weight denim than the Watson, our most popular jean, but it is a great quality denim and offers them a variety for different seasons or functions.”
As men shop for a pair of jeans to update their look, Kimes urges that classic is the way to go. “Find a pair of jeans that fits your body type; when in doubt lean towards a slimmer profile. Keep in mind that jeans should compliment your physique and style.”
Without doubt, the most enduring element of a man’s show ring wardrobe will always be a well-fitting pair of chaps. Handed down from years of cowboy tradition and necessity, chaps don’t offer much in terms of trends or flair, but are the cornerstone of a polished presentation. Good Ride’s Terina Johnson says that quality and a custom fit is key when purchasing either a hat or chaps. “Both can last a long time if they are of higher quality. Always remember that black never goes out of style.”
Cowboy Kicks
Lisa Albert of Justin Boots offers that, “Men need boots for a variety of occasions – riding, roping, working, or a night out on the town. Justin Boots offers something for every man during each of these occasions, focusing on key wearing benefits including comfort and performance.”
No matter where men plan to wear them ,Justin offers men a chance to exhibit their style with exotic offerings for men within the AQHA Remuda® Series, featuring new exotic leather options such as shark, elephant, and caiman in addition to full quill ostrich.
Additionally, the Justin Bent Rail collection has also grown and features a number of new styles handcrafted in the U.S.A. with the J-Flex Flexible Comfort System and performance outsoles. Albert urges men looking for a tried and true boot favorite to check out the Justin AQHA Lifestyle Collection which is made to AQHA specifications and Justin standards. She says, “this collection is a favorite of the men of the AQHA circuit. They are great-looking, hard-working boots tailored to the AQHA enthusiast and are handcrafted in the U.S.A.”
When shopping for a new pair, Albert believes men should identify the boot that fits their wearing needs and consider the wide range of style offerings to create a look that fits their personal style. JustinBoots.com offers a shopping tool that will help men identify the perfect boot, fit and style.
Tied to Tradition
Let’s not forget the male exhibitors that saddle up for the hunt seat and fence classes. Despite the classic traditions of the hunter division, there are still many options for men to exhibit their personal style through touches of understated flair. Debbie Hodde of Winning Couture says, “Hunt Seat classes are considered to be very traditional when it comes to dress, but how ‘traditional’ is up to the rider. It is very traditional to have contrasting velvet, piping and gold or pewter buttons. We have been introducing those looks back into the breed association hunt seat and hunter ring in the last few years. Men are also stepping out by using bolder wools, such as bold plaids and stripes. It really brings the look together to have perfectly matched shirts and ties.”
Just as in the western arena, men are able to show a bit of their personal style by having a bit of fun with color and pattern. According to Hodde, Winning Couture believes in “matching the contrasting colors of the coat into the shirt. We also like to mix patterns, such as a plaid or windowpane coat with a stripe shirt. Have fun with it and don’t feel tied to only solids.”
For those men desiring a traditional take on their hunt clothing, Brewer and Brown of Boo Yah believe that classic is always a strong option when entering the hunt seat arena. “A classic black or navy coat and a crisp white shirt with a simple tie will always be a timeless look. That should be the outfit in your trailer, like a horse show tuxedo. After that outfit then you can get more creative.”
They urge men to avoid the common faux pas of failing to purchase a proper coat. “A sport coat or single vented suit coat is not acceptable as a hunt coat should double vented in the back which allows the coat to move with the rider in the saddle and keeps a clean line.”
Given the number of designers catering to the men of the show pen, it’s not just ladies that can have all the fun when coordinating their look. Above all, the sentiments of each designer urge men to keep their look classy, simple and reminiscent of the time honored cowboy tradition. As Matt Kimes says, “Everyone has their own style and way of expressing it. The best advice is to wear what makes you feel good.”
