What to Look for in a Good Pair of Cowgirl Jeans
Before diving into brands, a few quick style notes to keep in mind:
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Bootcut: Narrow through the thigh, then opening just enough at the bottom so they slide over boots comfortably without excess flaring. A “classic” western fit. Made to fit over most cowboy boot shafts.
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Flare: More exaggerated width from the knee down. Makes a strong style statement—great for dancing, going out, even shows. Easy to wear with any style of cowgirl boots.
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Skinny: Slim through hip, thigh, and ankle. Skinny jeans are great for wearing a tall boot over the jeans to show off a unique boot style or color.
Also consider rise (high, mid, low), fabric weight, stretch, durability (especially in inner thigh, seat, etc.), and length/inseam so your boots don’t bunch weirdly.
Top Jeans Brands for Cowgirls
Here are four major brands that stand out for different reasons. Each has strengths, and the best one for you depends on your shape, your boot style, how you use your jeans, and your taste for flare vs strip-down western wear.
1. Kimes Ranch
What they’re known for:
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Strong western heritage, built for ranch work but with style. Durability is key (ring-spun denim, heavy twill, etc.).
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Lots of functional details: knife pockets, correct boot leg openings so you can wear spurs without catching.
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Fits & Styles:
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Bootcut and flare styles (e.g. “Jennifer” is a classic flare) for wearing over any style cowboy boots.
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Wide leg jeans are really popular today and the Olivia by Kimes Ranch is flying off our shelves. Wear it with boots or sneakers for a casual style.
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Higher rise or mid-rise depending on style, heavier denim for durability.
Pros / Trade-Offs:
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Pros: Durability, western authenticity, built for riding/work and fashion.
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Trade-offs: Heavier denim might take a while to break in; sizing can vary (rise and waist), so trying on or checking the return policy helps.
2. Ariat Jeans
What they bring to the table:
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A trusted name in western-and performance wear. Ariat jeans often integrate stretch or performance denim so there’s more comfort in movement and riding.
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They offer a variety of cuts: bootcut, flare, trouser styles, slim, etc., so there’s something for different body types and preferences.
Fits & Styles:
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Bootcut is “classic … for working and riding style.” The Perfect Rise Trouser Jeans are this year's best seller from Ariat's collection of women's jeans.
- Skinny is still part of the mix: maybe not always the first pick for heavy work, but good for layering or casual wear.
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Ariat’s performance/stretch materials help with fit over boots and comfort while moving/riding. For example, their Rosy Bootcut has stretch so the knee and thigh area doesn’t restrict.
3. Wrangler
What makes Wrangler a go-to:
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Deep western heritage. Many classic cuts, and wide availability of different styles. They’ve been making “Cowboy Cut” styles for women for decades.
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They offer bootcut, flare, skinny fits, stretch options, different rises, and good inseam variety. Wrangler Bespoke Jeans are extremely comfortable jeans made to flatter a variety of women's body shapes. Offering stretch for extra comfort, they're a personal favorite among our Bourbon Cowgirl employees.
Fits & Styles:
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The “Cowboy Cut Slim Fit Stretch” for women is a popular choice: high rise, slim through hip and thigh, with enough leg opening/taper so boots fit.
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Flare styles also exist (the Retro & Bespoke lines). Bourbon Cowgirl
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Wrangler tends to provide more stretch options now, which helps with “skinny-over-boots” or slim fits.
4. Rock & Roll Denim
What’s special here:
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A fashion-forward western denim brand that leans into trend but still keeps that country/western vibe. Prints, distressing, stretch fabrics, etc.
Fits & Styles:
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They have high rise flare jeans with extra stretch. These are made to look good with heels or boots (flare opens from below knee) and often have a leg opening large enough to account for cowboy boots without being overly floppy.
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Some regular and mid rises too, prints or distressed hems. If you want statement denim, this brand often provides it.
Tips for Choosing Between Bootcut, Flare, Skinny (or Mixes)
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If you ride or work around livestock, a bootcut or wide boot opening helps prevent catching spurs or boot heels. Also helps with walking through brush, climbing, etc.
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Flare is fun for fashion, show, going out, dancing, etc. But flare may get in the way or drag if the hem is too long. Make sure you get them hemmed if wearing for barn work or riding horses.
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Skinny can be sleek and comfortable (especially with stretch), and are perfect if you want to wear your jeans tucked into a really fun cowgirl boot. It's a great way to show off those special boots all day long!
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Always check fabric weight. A lighter stretch denim will feel more forgiving, break in faster; heavier denim will last longer but need more work breaking in.
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Rise matters. A lot of brands (including Kimes Ranch and Ariat) have mixed rises; pick one that suits your body and your movement (especially seated or in the saddle).
My Take: Which Brand Fits Which Cowgirl Best
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If you want something rugged, built to work, and you don’t mind breaking in heavier denim → Kimes Ranch is one of the best.
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If you want a balance between performance and western styling, with stretch for comfort and movement → Ariat is great.
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If you like a classic look, variety of styles, durable and comfortable → Wrangler is hard to beat.
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If you want something with style flair (prints, trend-driven, statement flares) but still western enough → Rock & Roll Denim is ideal.