Tuning in to Men's Western Show Clothes

Guys, you've got to look good! On the bright side, guys western show clothing rarely changes and is fairly simple to get your hands on. We'll be breaking it down Barney style with a seperate part for halter/showmanship and riding. Quick, simple, and to the point. Ready, set, go!

Halter and Showmanship
The same rule concerning hats for girls stands for guys as well. That means a nicely shaped western felt cowboy hat in a normal color. No cowhide brims, no Wrangler or beer company patches, none of those goofy little brands...plain felt cowboy hat. Got it? Good.

Next up, the actual clothes. Do you work a 9-5 (or have a seen a movie where someone does)? It's called a suit! Some guys go for a western styled and tailored suit, which is great, or you can go for a plain suit. A tie is a must. If it's a summer or open show, you can go with the other classic male standby: a solid shirt, a tie, and khaki pants. NO PLAID. Plaid is for Al from Home Improvement. You're a horseman not a toolman/lumberjack.

Boots. Pretty simple there. Your boots should match your suit. Remember the whole brown belt, brown shoes rule? It still applies. Brown suit/brown boots, black suit/black boots. The last thing you want is for a bunch of 16 year-olds point out your faux pas.

Wow, that was quick! Guys, you're lucky. No make-up! But, your hair should still be neat and brushed. If you've got long hair, either get a hair cut, put in a low ponytail, pin it under your hat, or just go ahead and start your Poison tribute band and leave the horse showing to the people who are going to make an effort to look good.

Clothes for Riding
The hat. (Duh, right?) Clean, well-shaped, normal color.

The shirt should be a solid color. You can spring for a color that looks good with your horse like light blue or lavender with a deep bay. Match your saddle pad to your shirt. If you want, you can wear a white shirt and match your scarf to your saddle pad. The scarf is a necessity. Check them out: http://www.rods.com/p/1041,377_Solid-Show-Ties-for-Men.html Ties are not for riding. They are strictly for halter/showmanship.

Chaps are pretty much necessary. They look good! You look finished, polished, and more professional with chaps. Guys chaps come in essentially three colors: sand, chocolate, and black. Your chaps should go with your shirt, and should be the same color as your hat.

Boots should match in there as well. Use the same boots from showmanship, it doesn't matter as long as they aren't sticking out like a sore thumb.

Guys have it so easy when it comes to showing horses...at least finding the clothes! Go out and show off your superior western performance fashion knowledge the best way you know how....showing those purdy horses!