Best of the West: Western Wear

Cowboy Up! Across the Americas, from the fields to parades, Western wear is the uniform of working men and women.

In 2024, cowboy hats and boots are the fashion rage across the globe. Beyond boots and hats, Western clothing for all seasons is also driving sales from Montana to Texas. And Old West fashion isn’t exclusive to just ranching, rodeoing and reenactors, but also farming and mining, logging and forestry. And don’t forget entertainment. From Hollywood to Nashville, film, television and music productions, including Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe, are influencing the surge in the worldwide popularity of Western wear.

True West’s editors are grateful to all the Old West enthusiasts behind boot, hat and clothing companies expanding their lines to reflect historic fashion trends from the 1860s to the present. “Get Western” should be the motto for TW readers who love the American West. So check out our 2024 Best of the West companies and tack yourself up!

—Stuart Rosebrook

 

Best Western Bootmaker

Tecovas, Austin, TX

For the second year in a row, the editors’ choice for best bootmaker is Tecovas.

The hand-crafted men’s and women’s boots have taken the cowboy-boot marketplace by storm since Paul Hedrick founded the innovative Western brand in 2015. The Austin, Texas-based company has all its boots handmade in its León, Guanajuato, Mexico, factory, and ships them to customers worldwide. In addition to 10 Texas stores, Tecovas operates retail shops selling boots, clothing and accessories in 17 additional states.

tecovas.com

Readers’ Choice
Lucchese, El Paso, TX

 

Best Western Hatmaker

Stetson (Hatco), Garland, TX

For the second year in a row, Hatco, the parent company of Stetson, is the editors’ choice for best hatmaker. The most storied cowboy hat company in the world is also the international distributor for Dobbs, Charlie 1 Horse, Wrangler and Resistol hats to fine retail establishments worldwide.

hat-co.com

Readers’ Choice
TIE: Catalena Hatters, Bryan, TX & Knudsen Hat Co / Golden Gate Western Wear, Richmond, CA

 

 

Best Western Clothing Maker

Miller International (Cinch Brand), Denver, CO

In 1918 Philip Miller moved to Denver for health reasons and to sell hats for his family’s New York City-based Miller Brothers Hat.

Miller’s trip to Denver evolved into a Western clothing business and a passion for the American West. The Miller Ranch and Cinch Brands are based on the traditions and values that made the company a significant part of Western heritage and culture.

rockymountainclothing.com

Readers’ Choice
Recollections, Hawks, MI

 

Best Period Western Clothing Maker

Michael J. Guli Designs, Bellvue, CO

For the second year in a row, Michael J. Guli Designs is the editors’ choice. Guli has been creating leather goods for customers worldwide for four decades. The Colorado company specializes in making buffalo coats, deerskin, buckskin dresses and rawhide coats, many of which have appeared in film and television.

michaeljgulidesigns.com

Readers’ Choice
Scully/Wahmaker, Oxnard, CA