Western brands have set the trends for 2025, debuting upcoming collections due to hit shelves in the coming seasons. During WESA, Dallas Market Center showcases more than 70 brands on their dedicated Western floor, with hundreds more setting up shop specifically for the Western-centric event. Company buyers come from all corners of the United States, and even internationally from Westernwear hotspots in Mexico, Brazil, and Canada to view and order styles for their storefronts.
WESA produces two buying markets per year, hosting in both January and August; however, January is “the big one” many buyers plan their sales calendar around. WESA is truly where the Western industry meets; sharing ideas, sparking collaborations, and building relationships between brands that continue to push Western into the broader cultural spotlight.
Take a peek behind the curtain at trends from January market week, inspired by products from leading industry players.
Cool Hues
While warm browns are a Western style staple, cool tones are saddling up to take the spotlight in boots and leather accessories. Cool tones have been making a comeback in mainstream fashion, coupled with the rise of 00s fashion. Icy tones are back in a big way, and now you can even wear them in a cowboy boot!
Neutral greige will be an all-around favorite to coordinate with black or brown, while navy and bone step in for more formal occasions. Consider adding in a unique texture for even more interest — suede or exotics are always a welcome statement piece.
Tonal Denim
As if we couldn’t love denim more, Western brands are creating accessories that lend themselves to head-to-toe, monochromatic denim looks. Dusty blue is a major color trend this year, making its way into hats, handbags, and boots from multiple brands including Durango and Corral. Denim apparel is also taking a sophisticated turn, adding new silhouettes, washes, and finishes that are uniquely polished with an undercurrent of Western heritage. For an effortlessly chic feel, style this trend with a full commitment to the Canadian tuxedo; fearlessly mix textures and washes, and don’t forget to accessorize!
Baubles & Branding
One-of-a-kind fashion statements never go out of style, simply because of the personal effect. Seeing the desire for personalized pieces, brands are opening up new ways to make their product unique to the buyer. Charms, branding, expanded colorways, and monograms are a few ways brands are offering something unique to enhance their product line. Double D Ranch, for example, sells store-specific patches you can iron onto a jacket or tote. So go ahead — tie a wildrag onto your purse handle, add a fun patch to your jacket, or make your own artistic hatband.
Golden Era
While silver will always have its place in the Western wardrobe, gold is moving in as this year’s hot metal. Gold has been trending in mainstream fashion for a few years, but the Western industry has officially worked the trend into styles that are unique to the lifestyle. Gold metallics were seen in boots and jackets, belts and bags. Classic silver buckles have expanded to mixed metals, highlighting gold accents. Even turquoise jewelry set in gold has entered the scene for 2025. Don’t be afraid to boldly mix metals this year!
While the world of Western fashion continues to lead with mainstream cultural influence, shows like WESA become more exciting, revealing styles and trends that will be seen on bigger stages in the year ahead. Whether worn by on-screen celebrities, music artists, or everyday working cowboys, Western continues to be an enduring style loved by people from all walks of life.