Walking into a western wear store or scrolling through pages online can feel a little overwhelming if you don't know exactly what you're looking for.

There's a whole lot more to picking out a good pair of britches than just grabbing the first blue thing you see. Whether you're roping cattle at dawn or just want that Beth Dutton look for a night out in the city, knowing the right things to consider when buying cowgirl jeans will change how you shop. Let's sit down and chat about what really matters so you don't end up with denim that chafes, rides up, or just doesn't sit right.

Understanding The Different Fit Styles

The fit determines how your jeans hug your body from the hip to the knee. Whether you’re looking for room to move or a sleek silhouette, there’s a cut for every style.

• Slim Fit: These hug your curves closely through the hip and thigh. They offer a modern look that works well for fashion-forward outfits or nights out.
• Regular Fit: This style offers a traditional silhouette. You get a comfortable fit that sits lightly against the body without squeezing. It allows for easy movement during daily chores.
• Relaxed Fit: You get extra room in the seat and thigh with this cut. It works best for heavy labor where you need maximum range of motion.

Try on different fits to see which one compliments your body type. A slim fit might look great standing still, but a relaxed fit might serve you better if you spend hours in a saddle.

Selecting The Correct Rise Height

The rise measures the distance from the crotch seam to a jean's waistband. This measurement dictates where the jeans sit on your torso. Finding the right rise for your body can be the difference between feeling constricted and uncomfortable or having the perfect amount of coverage and support.

• Low Rise: These sit at or below the hips. They offer a trendy look but might not provide enough coverage if you plan to bend, squat, or ride.
• Mid Rise: This is the most common option. The waistband sits just below the belly button. It provides a good balance of coverage and comfort for most body types.
• High Rise: These sit at the natural waist. They offer maximum coverage and support. Many riders prefer high rise jeans because they stay in place while you sit in a saddle.

Your choice depends on your torso length and personal preference. A high rise might feel restrictive to some, while others find it necessary for active work.

Inseam Length and Stacking

In typical fashion, you want your pants to just graze the top of your shoe. In western fashion, things work a little differently. You generally want your jeans to be a bit longer than your standard street pants.

This extra length is for "stacking." Stacking allows the jeans to bunch slightly at the bottom over the boot instep. Why do this? Because when you sit down—whether in a saddle, a truck, or a barstool—your pant legs ride up. If you buy jeans that hit right at the ankle while standing, you'll be sporting "high waters" the second you sit down. A good rule of thumb is to go about two inches longer than your normal inseam if you plan on wearing cowboy boots. This keeps your boots covered and protects your legs from chafing against the saddle fenders or brush.

Fabric Composition and Stretch

Back in the day, denim was 100% cotton. It was stiff, tough as nails, and took months to break in properly. While you can still find that rigid denim, most modern options include a blend of materials. Understanding that label inside the waistband saves you a lot of trouble later.

Pure cotton is durable and holds its shape well, but it doesn't offer much give. If you need to swing a leg over a horse or climb a fence, you might feel restricted. That's where elastane or spandex comes in. A blend with just 1% or 2% stretch allows for better movement and comfort right off the rack. But be careful with too much stretch. Jeans with high spandex content can bag out after a few hours of wear, meaning you'll be hiking them up constantly. Look for a balance that offers comfort without sacrificing the structural integrity of the denim.

Durability and Weight of the Denim

Are you buying these for work or for play? The weight of the denim is measured in ounces, and it tells you how thick and tough the fabric is.

If you're out fixing fences, riding through brush, or handling livestock, you need heavyweight denim (usually 12oz to 14oz). Thin fashion denim will rip the first time it meets a stray piece of barbed wire. Heavy denim offers actual protection for your skin. On the flip side, if you're just heading to a summer country music festival or a BBQ, that heavy denim is going to be hot and stiff. For casual wear, a lighter weight (10oz or under) is breathable and much more comfortable in the heat. Be honest with yourself about what these jeans will go through so you don't ruin a nice pair or suffer in a hot pair.

Looking At Leg Openings

The width of the bottom hem defines the style and function of the jean. You need an opening wide enough to fit over your footwear. Western boots have bulky shafts that skinny jeans can’t accommodate.

• Boot Cut: This is the standard western style. The leg flares slightly from the knee down to accommodate the boot shaft. It creates a classic, balanced silhouette.
• Straight Leg: The leg width remains consistent from knee to hem. These can fit over slimmer boots but might bunch up around the calf on wider boots.
• Trouser or Wide Leg: These feature a wide flare starting from the hip or thigh. They offer a dressier look and easily clear any boot style.

Check if the leg opening fits over your favorite pair of boots. A boot cut that’s too narrow will bunch up uncomfortably around your calves.

Ready To Find Your Pair?

When you keep these things to consider when buying cowgirl jeans in mind, you'll end up with a pair that feels like a second skin and looks like a million bucks. Whether you're chasing cows or just chasing a good time on a Saturday night, the right fit gives you the confidence to handle whatever comes your way.

Ready to shop? Come check out the ladies' cowboy jeans at Eli's Western Wear! We have options in all kinds of sizes and styles to suit anyone wanting to upgrade their wardrobe.