You just can’t fake cowboy cool.
Most of today’s biggest country stars would look good singing in just about anything. But man, when they look the part? That elevates everything they do, say, write and sing. And when it comes naturally, even something like shiny pair of spurs seems to fit the fit check. So Cowboys & Indians took a good, long look at the way country singers are putting themselves together, and these are the five guys we think clean up real nice.
Shaboozey
He may not wear a Resistol, but there is some definite nuance in the way that the “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” newcomer comes off as a cowboy. The turquoise is a big part of that, whether it’s the centerpiece of his bolo tie or nestled into the constellation of rings on his fingers. Add some Western stitching, gingham, Rocketbuster Boots, and a penchant for Canadian tuxedos and Shaboozey nails it every time.
Alan Jackson
It all feels so effortless when you see Alan Jackson on stage or off in a Stetson he shaped himself. From there down, he’s always in some combination of an untucked pearl-snap shirt, faded denim jeans and when he’s performing at a special event or at a special place, Jackson will often throw a handmade embroidered and embellished jacket — from the late Nudie Cohn — on as a topper.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Universal Music Group
Dwight Yoakam
When skinny jeans took a backseat to the bootcut kind, Dwight Yoakam never wavered. His skin-tight denim is his absolute staple. Just like his Nudie suits, his faded jean jackets, his bolo ties and his felt cowboy hat. One with a high crown and a rolled brim pulled way down low, which makes the Kentucky-born Yoakam stand out from a country mile away. In late 2024, Yoakam casually released a new studio album “Brighter Days” roughly nine years after his last. That is cowboy cool you just can’t fake.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Emily Joyce/Courtesy Sacks & Co
Ian Munsick
This is a guy who doesn’t just pull his boots on for a show. Cowboy is his go-to look every day. His bolo ties are some of the biggest we’ve ever seen, some almost match the heft of his belt buckles. Then there are his vibrant Western shirts with Native American designs peppered in, the engraved metal tips on his belts, and his essential King Ropes trucker hats. Munsick is a man who wears his Wyoming roots everywhere his music takes him.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Chris Douglas/Courtesy Essential Broadcast Media
Justin Moore
Ever since his breakout hit “Small Town U.S.A.” more than 15 years ago, the Arkansas-born country singer has never hesitated when it comes to staying true to his roots. That means no pop-star collaborations, no passion projects and no crossover success will ever come his way. He seems comfortable in his own country skin. His latest single “This Is My Dirt” paints a picture of a man with hard work caked on his overalls and chaw in his jaw. And while that’s not what Moore wears day in and day out, just one look at him in his marque white Bullhide hat, striking belt buckle and custom cowboy boots tell you all you really need to know.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Shore Fire Media
