What George Strait Taught Me About Dressing Sharp: A Rodeo Season Style Guide with Lammle’s

When it comes to getting ready for rodeo season, I’ve got one piece of advice for anyone wanting to pull off that classic cowboy look—take a page out of George Strait’s book.

It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to the Western way of life or you’ve been living it since before you could walk. The King of Country isn’t just known for 60 number-one hits (more than any other artist in any genre) or his four-decade career that started with Strait Country in 1981. He’s also been quietly showing folks how to dress like the real deal for just as long. Not flashy. Not loud. Just timeless, polished, and cowboy to the bone. You’ll never catch him looking anything less than well put-together, and if you ask me, that’s the gold standard for rodeo season—whether you're entered in the perf or just cheering from the stands.

My advice? Hit up a Lammle's for a fresh rodeo cowboy 'fit then throw on Amarillo by Morning by Mr. Strait while you’re getting dressed. That’s my favourite George song, and if it doesn’t get you in the right frame of mind, I don’t know what will. Then, build your look from there.

The George Strait Look: Understated Elegance, Cowboy Edition

George Strait’s style is all about classic Western staples that are clean, well-fitted, and put together with intention. According to the Country Music Hall of Fame, his look is rooted in understated elegance — the kind that doesn’t need to shout to make a statement.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

• Button-down shirts in solids or subtle prints — always tucked in.

• Dark-wash jeans with a sharp fit — usually Wrangler.

• A neutral hat — straw or black felt, depending on the season.

• Clean, classic cowboy boots — well-kept, nothing too wild.

He doesn’t overdo it. He doesn’t try too hard. And that’s exactly what makes it work.

Photo credit to George Strait

Here's What I Picked Up at Lammle’s:

Lammle’s has always been one of my go-to stops for Western wear. They carry all the staples I trust, and they’ve helped dress a lot of real-deal cowboys over the years. On a recent trip, I stocked up on some essentials to get rodeo-ready.

Here’s what came home with me:

• Wrangler George Strait Jeans: These are a no-brainer. They fit right, they’re tough enough for work, and they clean up nice for town. Classic denim done right.

• Wrangler Unlined Denim Jacket: This was a staple when I was a young buck hauling horses down the rodeo trail. Still holds up today. Can’t beat it for those cooler evenings.

• Vogt Silversmiths Belt (Light Brown Basketweave): Vogt’s been around as long as I have. I grabbed a belt that’s dressy enough for dinner or the rodeo, but still cowboy through and through.

• Twister Straw Hat: I wear a felt all year long, but nothing says summer like a tough straw hat. Twister makes a good one, and this’ll be my go-to until the leaves start to change.

• Stetson & Panhandle Snap Shirts: George Strait wears a simple snap shirt, tucked in clean. I followed suit with a few Stetsons and a Panhandle. Solid colours, small patterns, and one denim. You can’t go wrong with a Canadian tuxedo—don’t let anyone tell you different.

• Stetson Dress (for my wife): While I was at it, I picked up a dress for my better half. You gotta stay in the good books, fellas. Rodeo season’s a lot more fun when your partner’s happy too.

• Double-H Boots: I already have these in my closet. Mine are from Lammle’s and they’re built for long days and sharp nights. Once I slip these on, I’m ready for anything.

A Few Cowboy Style Tips from the Road

• Tuck your shirt in and wear your belt proud. That buckle tells a story—wear it like you earned it. There's no shame buying your own belt buckle. I recommend one that's classic and timeless like this.

• Iron and lightly starch your jeans. Rodeo-ready denim should stand up on its own if you’ve done it right.

• Wash denim inside out. Helps keep it looking fresh and prevents fading.

• Wash your wild rag in a clean sock. Keeps it from getting tangled or roughed up in the wash.

• Hang dry when you can. Line-dried clothes just last longer and hold their shape better.

• Felt hats for evening or formal events. But truth is, wear what you like. Ain’t no wrong time for a straw hat if it feels right to you.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to overthink it. Just dress like you mean it. Show up looking sharp, stand tall, and be kind. That’s cowboy. Whether you're a seasoned hand or new to this world, when you wear your Western gear with pride and carry yourself with humility, you’ll fit right in.

You can watch my mini-vlog of my Lammle's shopping trip here. Shop Lammle's Western Wear here.

See y’all at the rodeos.

— KJS

This blog was created in proud partnership with Lammle's Western Wear as part of an ongoing collaboration to celebrate the Western lifestyle and help folks look and feel their best this rodeo season.