Every January, Denver plays host to the National Western Stock Show. The largest stock show and rodeo in the country attracts nearly 700,000 people from around the world. We don't know the difference between a bull and a heifer, but the exhibitions are a great opportunity to shop and to check up on Western clothing trends.
Not that some trends ever go out of style. For example, whether you live in Texas or New York City, cowboy boots have become accepted footwear for everyone.
To brush up on the latest looks, we interviewed Paul Leroue, president of Rocky Mountain Clothing (rockymountainclothing.com), an 87-year-old Denver-based Western-wear company that manufactures the Cruel Girl and Rockies brands for women and Cinch and Southern Thread for men.
• Jeans: Cowgirl jeans need to be fashionable and functional. They are high in the back for horseback riding. The denim is thicker and more durable and the finishing process makes them soft and comfortable. This year's trend features darker colors with hardware accents.
• Shirts: Tops are tighter, knitted and more embellished than mainstream fashions. Snap shirts haven't lost their cache. Popular colors are pink, yellow and all shades of green, with black and browns as base colors.
• Hats: Double-bound edges are popular, with black and brown felt and straw hats still dominating the market. Colors are making an inroad.
• Boots: Exotic skins such as ostrich and alligator continue to set the trend along with leather overlays in multiple colors, flower patterns and toe designs. The square-toe has made a comeback.
• Belts: Think pony hair with lots of rhinestones and studs.
Read Article Online
