Wondering whether to dust off your cowboy boots and hat for a trip to Nashville? You’re not alone. This question seems to be on everyone’s mind before visiting the city that prides itself on country music and Southern charm.
The answer, as revealed by locals and tourists, is… well, it depends.
Cowboy Boots: A Yes Almost Everywhere
Boots are a staple for many in Nashville, especially downtown. As Denise succinctly put it, “Boots everyone wears.” Marilyn Hunt chimed in, saying they’re worn “mostly by misguided tourists,” but locals seem to agree that boots are far more common than hats. Jeni Williams encouraged visitors with, “Come with your boots or buy them here. You’ll make great memories.”
If you plan to strut down Broadway, the city’s honky-tonk hub, boots fit right in. But beware of new ones!
Christy Rice Henke advised, “Break in those new boots before you walk up and down Broadway!” And yes, tourists, locals can spot those pristine, never-worn-before white boots from a mile away.
Tammy Maddock joked, “When locals wear cowboy boots, they’re scuffed and have dirt on them. If you’re downtown, shiny boots will fit right in… with all the other tourists.”
Cowboy Hats: More of a Maybe
When it comes to cowboy hats, reactions were more mixed. According to Kristi Walker, “If you’re going to Broadway or tourist areas, you’ll see plenty of boots and hats… but mostly on visitors.”
Some see hats as a Texas thing, with Shabazz Ishmael noting, “That’s more of a Texas thing.” And while hats might help you blend in at a country concert, wearing one to a show could block someone’s view—a faux pas Denise L. Grubby warned against.
For many, the heat is a dealbreaker. Kiara Elisa shared, “It was honestly too hot for a hat.” But, as several locals and tourists pointed out, Nashville is about doing what makes you happy. Meredith Layton summed it up perfectly: “Don’t worry about what others think. None of us are here to impress each other.”
Tourists vs. Locals: The Great Debate
The biggest divide seems to be between locals and tourists. Many locals view cowboy hats and boots as a tourist uniform. Dorie Dunhill remarked, “We know you’re a tourist if you wear boots and hats. And we will take your money—that’s why you’re here, right?” But tourists see it differently. Jessica Brown gave this heartfelt advice: “Life is so short. Wear the boots. Wear the outfit. Dance alone if you have to.”
So, Should You Wear Them?
The consensus? Nashville embraces individuality. If you want to rock a full Western look, go for it! As Evan Leblanc said, “Wear whatever you want and have a good time. Who cares what other people think?” If cowboy attire isn’t your thing, that’s fine too—Nashville is a city where “anything goes,” according to Patti Soo.
Whether you choose boots, hats, or your comfiest sneakers, Nashville’s charm lies in its mix of styles. As Melissa wisely pointed out, “Most folks seemed to be casual. Boots here and there. The best thing? Wear comfortable shoes.”
Ultimately, it’s about enjoying the city’s energy. After all, Ren Maheu put it best: “Embrace being a tourist and enjoy every moment.”