What to Wear to a SASS Event | SASS Apparel Guide
Whether you're new to Cowboy Action Shooting or just need a quick refresher, knowing what to wear is an important part of the SASS experience. SASS costuming celebrates the clothing of the late 19th century Old West, as well as the colorful styles seen in B-Western movies and classic Western television.
Use this quick guide to help put together an outfit that's appropriate, comfortable, and ready for your next SASS event.
View the Official SASS Costuming Guidelines
SASS Apparel: The Basics
You don't need an elaborate costume to participate in SASS. A simple Western outfit is a great place to start, and you can add more authentic details as you build your wardrobe.
Good SASS Wardrobe Basics
- Western-style or period-appropriate pants
- Long skirts or riding skirts
- Button-up Western shirts
- Period-style blouses
- Cowboy boots or period-appropriate footwear
- Leather belts
- Cowboy or period-style hats
Wild West Mercantile Tip: Start with a few versatile basics. A great shirt or blouse, period-appropriate bottoms, boots, and a hat can become the foundation for several different SASS outfits.
What to Wear — and What to Avoid
Not sure if your outfit is SASS appropriate? Use this quick side-by-side guide when putting together your look.
|
✓ DO
Shirts & Tops
Pants & Skirts
Boots & Footwear
Hats & Headwear
|
✕ DON'T
Shirts & Tops
Pants & Skirts
Boots & Footwear
Hats & Headwear
|
Choose a Style and Build Around It
SASS allows room for personality and creativity. The key is to choose a recognizable Western style and carry it through your outfit from head to toe.
Classic Old West
Think ranch hands, lawmen, gamblers, merchants, trail riders, townspeople, and other characters inspired by the late 1800s. Cotton, wool, leather, earth tones, practical layers, and period-inspired details all work well here.
B-Western & Silver Screen
B-Western looks can be brighter, flashier, and more theatrical. Decorative trims, contrasting colors, elaborate shirts, conchos, and polished accessories can all fit the style.
Victorian & Refined Western
For a more polished look, consider period-inspired blouses, long skirts, frock coats, waistcoats, refined hats, gloves, shawls, and coordinating accessories.
Wild West Mercantile Tip: Pick one clear style direction and let it guide your choices. An outfit usually looks more authentic when the pieces feel like they belong to the same character and setting.
Take Your SASS Outfit to the Next Level
Once you have the basics, adding a few well-chosen pieces can transform a simple Western outfit into a complete Old West look.
- Vests
- Dusters and frock coats
- Neckties, scarves and wild rags
- Shawls and aprons
- Pocket watches and watch chains
- Gloves
- Period-inspired jewelry
- Spurs and other Western accessories
You don't need to add everything at once. Building a SASS wardrobe over time is part of the fun.
Build a Complete Head-to-Toe Look
A strong SASS outfit should feel intentional from top to bottom. When putting your look together, think about the entire silhouette rather than focusing on one standout piece.
- Choose a hat that fits the style of your outfit
- Add neckwear such as a tie, scarf, or wild rag
- Use a vest, coat, duster, shawl, or apron as a finishing layer
- Choose boots that support the period look
- Repeat colors or textures so the outfit feels coordinated
Even one extra layer or accessory can take an outfit from simple Western wear to a much more complete SASS look.
Dress for Comfort, Too
SASS events can mean long days of walking, shooting, standing, sitting, and spending time outdoors. Your clothing should look the part while still allowing you to move comfortably.
- Choose breathable fabrics for warm weather
- Use layers for cool mornings and changing temperatures
- Make sure boots are broken in and comfortable
- Secure hats and accessories so they stay in place
- Make sure you can bend, sit, and move freely
A small costume repair kit with safety pins, an extra neckerchief, and a basic sewing kit can also come in handy at larger events.
Quick SASS Apparel Check
Before heading to your next match, take one last look at your outfit:
- Does my overall outfit have an Old West or classic Western appearance?
- Is my footwear appropriate?
- Does anything I'm wearing look obviously modern or athletic?
- Can I comfortably walk, shoot, sit, and move in my clothing?
- Do all of the pieces look like they belong together?
If you're unsure about a particular item or competition category, always check the current official SASS rules before heading to an event.
SASS Apparel FAQ
What should I wear to a SASS event?
Choose clothing inspired by the late 19th century Old West, B-Western movies, or classic Western television. Western shirts, period-style pants or skirts, cowboy boots, and appropriate hats are excellent foundation pieces.
Do I need an elaborate costume to participate in SASS?
No. You can begin with a relatively simple Western outfit and build your wardrobe over time. Adding a vest, neckwear, coat, or period accessories is an easy way to develop your look.
Can I wear jeans to a SASS event?
Traditional Western-style jeans can work for many SASS outfits. Avoid obviously modern styling that detracts from the Old West or classic Western appearance you're trying to create.
Can I wear sneakers to a SASS event?
Athletic shoes and modern sneakers should be avoided. Traditional cowboy boots or other period-appropriate footwear are better choices.
Do I have to wear a cowboy hat?
A Western or period-appropriate hat helps complete the look, but the best choice depends on the character and style you're portraying. Cowboy hats, Victorian hats, derbies, and B-Western styles can all work depending on the outfit.
What era should my SASS clothing represent?
SASS costuming draws inspiration from the late 19th century Old West as well as B-Western movies and classic Western television.
How can I make my SASS outfit look more authentic?
Details make a big difference. Try adding a vest, duster, frock coat, period neckwear, pocket watch, gloves, shawl, or other accessories that complement the character and style you're portraying.
What should a beginner buy first?
Start with a versatile Western shirt or period blouse, appropriate pants or skirt, comfortable boots, a belt, and a Western or period-style hat. A vest or additional layer is a great next step because it can quickly make a basic outfit look more complete.
Build Your SASS Wardrobe with Wild West Mercantile
Whether you're putting together your first SASS outfit or adding something new to a well-established Old West wardrobe, Wild West Mercantile offers historically inspired Western clothing and accessories to help you dress the part.
From everyday match wear to special events and costume contests, the right pieces can help you create a look that feels authentic, comfortable, and uniquely yours.
Start with the basics. Add the details. Make the look your own.
