Stacking Denim for Western Riding
When you’re thinking about creating the perfect cowboy aesthetic, the first things you think of are classic cowboy boots and Western cut shirts, but did you know that your denim is just as important? Stacking denim is the perfect way to achieve the traditional Western look, and it is super simple.
Join us as we uncover what denim stacking is and how to achieve the perfect stacked jeans.
What is Stacking Denim?
Stacking denim is the effect of folded excess denim at the bottom of your jeans when they are longer than your legs. It is a style that is especially popular with Western riders, as it adds to the overall appearance when riding horses and elongates the leg.
As well as adding a bolder look when you’re riding, it is designed to protect your legs as you ride. When wearing regular-length jeans, the leg may ride up at the bottom when sat on horseback. With longer, stacked denim, however, the extra fabric means that when the jeans ride up the calf, there is more fabric at the bottom to keep your ankles and legs covered and protected.
With a longer inseam to create additional length and to allow for stacking, cowboys and Western riders have been wearing this traditional style for a long time.
How to Stack Denim
Pick the right denim
To achieve the stacked look, you need to find a pair of jeans that have excess denim at the bottom to allow for the desired amount of folding. This means getting a pair of jeans that are a few inches longer than you need them – for example, if you usually wear jeans with a 32-inch length, you should consider opting for 34” or 36” for stacking to allow plenty of fabric to fold. The longer you go, the bigger the stack, so it depends on your desired look.
Picking the right denim also means selecting the right style. Although boot-cut jeans are often favourites of Western dressers, stacked jeans are usually straight cut. The straight leg allows enough room around your favourite pair of Western boots, but with a close enough fit that the denim does not hang loosely and instead sits snug and can be stacked.
Starch your jeans
The first step to stacking your jeans for the Western style is a heavy starch. This step is optional, but starching your denim is an extra step to laundering that stiffens the fabric to give it a crisp appearance and to protect the denim from getting weathered and worn. For cowboys and ranch workers, it is quite common to starch your jeans to weatherproof and make them last longer, and this practice has become a traditional aesthetic. Starched jeans, as well as being aesthetically Western, allow for a crisp stack with clear folds for an accentuated look.
Folding your stack
Now, onto the main event. Stacking denim is an art rather than an exact science, so individuals prefer to stack their denim differently. While some prefer a long stack beginning just below the knee, others opt for a smaller stack just above the ankle for a slightly elongated look. The preferred number of folds for male riders is generally two good-sized folds rather than multiple smaller folds or just one large fold, so if you’re new to stacking this is a good place to start.
Stacking your jeans perfectly also depends on the boots you are wearing. If your cowboy boots have a tall shaft, the way the leg of your jeans sits around the boots will be very different than if you are wearing low top shoes or a low boot. To find the perfect look, it is a good idea to try on different options to decide which footwear works best for you.
Ariat Jeans for Stacking Denim
At Ariat, we have been designing top-quality Western denim for many years, and cowboys across the world opt for Ariat jeans to complete their look. Here are our recommendations for which Ariat jeans are ideal for stacking your Western denim.
Men’s M5 Straight Stretch Remming Stackable Straight Leg Jeans
Ariat’s M5 men’s Western jeans are a perfect place to start when stacking denim. As the name suggests, these jeans are designed with stacking in mind, offering you a great foundation to build on. The dark denim wash offers a classic Western look, perfect for pairing with a stacked leg for cowboy style. Available in 30-38” length, these jeans are the ideal stacking denim.
Men’s M7 Rocker Stretch Nassau Stackable Straight Leg Jeans
Bringing together classic Western styling with a more modern design, Ariat’s M7 jeans have a straight leg designed to stack well. With a sanded dark wash for a worn-in appearance, these jeans are comfortable, durable, and offer masculine styling with a slimmer seat. Also available in 30-38” length, choose the right fit for your preferred stack.
Women’s R.E.A.L. Mid Rise Icon Stackable Straight Leg Jeans
Taking the stacked denim style over to women’s wardrobes, our R.E.A.L. mid-rise jeans are designed with a classic straight leg perfect for creating the stacked look. These jeans are the perfect Western style for women, with dark wash denim and fashion stitching. Available in four lengths up to Extra Long, find the perfect fit for stacking.
