Photo by Madeline Northway
Full Circle Vintage

Native Texan Joey Medina developed an affinity for Western style early on, inspired by the percussive thud of oil field workers’ boots on the worn wooden floors of his grandparent’s beer joint. Today, Medina’s well-patinaed vintage boots—from traditional ropers to pairs with inlays of playing cards, eagles, or The Alamo—have found their way onto the well-heeled feet of Kacey Musgraves and many a character in the Yellowstone Cinematic Universe.

 

Courtesy Lauren Owen of Texas
Lauren Owen of Texas

This downtown shop harkens back to a golden era of Texas craftsmanship. Here, the wares have a focus on Texas-made boots and hats, alongside vintage pieces crafted with natural fabrics like cotton and linen. (Not to mention a few shelves of rare books with Texas themes.) The store is the brainchild of Lauren and Matthew Owen, who have plans to expand to original offerings soon with a bone-snap, made-in-Texas oxford shirt created with Italian and Japanese fabrics.

 

Courtesy Outpost
Outpost

This recently opened Allens Boots spinoff features cowboy-approved apparel from the ’50s through ’90s, including vibrant Western shirts from H Bar C, an impressive collection of Levi’s, and lots of boots from all over the Lone Star State. The collection is curated by manager Paul Walker, a music industry vet who toured with Jimmie Vaughan and Charley Crockett. The South Congress shop has already become a favorite of local musicians, who you’re likely to bump elbows with while reaching for that perfectly faded pair of blue jeans. 

 

Courtesy Howdy’s
Howdy’s

With a logo that riffs on the Marlboro Man, Colby Cook’s shop on Manor Road evokes an old-school masculinity defined by open skies and rugged landscapes. But Howdy’s has wide appeal, stocking threads for little ones and alluring women like actress Emma Roberts, who once picked up vintage 501s here. The store boasts classic Texana—fringed and studded leather jackets or embroidered merch from the likes of George Strait and Lone Star beer—but Cook has noticed “a preppy heritage thing happening right now” and has added ’90s gems like rugby shirts, Ralph Lauren oxfords, and loafers.

 

Courtesy American Drifter
American Drifter

When the likes of Margo Price and Eric Burton of the Black Pumas need the perfect piece to wear on stage, American Drifter is often their first stop. Owned and operated by Kristen Lucio, the store is nestled into a ’40s-era house on South First Street, where Wranglers and rare Harley Davidson tees live next to Prussian military jackets and leather cafe racers. The wares also attract out-of-towners looking for something special like a festive bolo instead of just a regular tie. “We get a lot of people that come in for a wedding,” Lucio explains, “and they want to feel Austin, Texas–like.”