Not surprisingly, Fort Worth has an impressive collection of authentic Western wear and leather goods (boots, saddles, etc.) in addition to several chic cowboy boutiques. Once again, the two main areas of activity are the Stockyards and Sundance Square.

The Stockyards

The Stockyards and Western wear fit together like leg and denim. A stroll through the district will take you past plenty of shops offering cowboy duds, but two of the most noteworthy are Luskey’s/Ryon's Western Stores Inc. (2601 N. Main St., 817/625-2391, www.luskeys.com) and Maverick Western Wear (100 E. Exchange Ave., 800/282-1315, www.maverickwesternwear.com). Both have authentic selections such as jeans, bolo ties, Western shirts, and vests.

For leather goods, including custom-made boots, saddles, hats, and tack, one of the best options in the entire city is M. L. Leddy’s Boots and Saddelry (2455 N. Main St., 888/565-2668, www.leddys.com). Just down the street, another local favorite offering similar items is Ryon’s Saddle and Ranch Supply (2601 N. Main St., 817/625-2391). Other leather and Western goods are available at Ponder Boot Co. (2358 N. Main St., 817/626-3523).

Sundance Square

In addition to its top-notch nightlife and restaurants, Sundance Square is a hot spot for shopping. Granted, you’ll find some familiar stuff—trendy clothing shops and artsy boutiques—but there are several stores that are good ambassadors of Fort Worth.

Perhaps most noteworthy is Leddy’s Ranch (410 Houston St., 817/336-0800, www.leddys.com), a family business that started in the Stockyards more than 85 years ago. The Sundance Square location deviates slightly from its traditional-minded Stockyards store by offering fashions for cutting-edge cowgirls plus an impressive assortment of jewelry and antiques.

Another Cowtown-worthy venue is Retro Cowboy (406 Houston St., 817/338-1194), a retail outpost with Western clothing, gifts, and memorabilia.

Outlying Areas

Although most of Fort Worth’s authentic and interesting Western shops are in the Stockyards, there are several other spots around town worth visiting for deals and different selections.

Most notable is the Justin Boot Co. Factory Outlet (717 W. Vickery Blvd. 817/885-8089, www.justinboots.com), where bargains are the draw. Expect 30–40 percent off retail prices for cowboy boots, casual chukkas, steel-toed work boots, or classic lace-up ropers.

Another popular destination for shoppers seeking treasures at affordable prices is Western Wear Exchange (2809 Alta Mere/Hwy. 183, 817/738-4048, www.westernwearexchange.com), a consignment store with a special concentration on vintage and new pearl-snap shirts (they have nearly 2,500 in stock).