By Jimmie Sue, founder of Loud Little Outlaws
Short answer: Skip the pastel horseshoes and look for brands that draw from honky tonks, rodeo posters and desert highways. Loud Little Outlaws makes original-art western bodysuits, toddler tees and matching parent pieces with more grit than cute. Everything is printed to order and ships within the US.
This one is close to home. Literally. I run a honky tonk and sleep in the room upstairs, and the jukebox comes up through the floorboards until last call. I have fallen asleep to more steel guitar than anyone should admit to.
There's a version of western baby clothes that's all baby blue cowboy boots and "Lil' Cowpoke" in a curly font. That's fine for some families, and I wish them well. This is for the ones whose kid's first lullaby came out of a jukebox.
What's the difference between outlaw country and regular western style?
Regular western baby style leans sweet: soft colors, tiny hats, ranch themed prints. Outlaw country is the other side of the jukebox. Worn-in colors. Rodeo poster type. A sheriff star that looks like it has seen things. A sense of humor about being trouble. It's the late night honky tonk, not the petting zoo.
What are the best outlaw country baby picks?
From our Honky Tonk collection and Buckaroo collection:
- Livin' a Little Country Song Baby Bodysuit: every baby is a sad song about lost sleep.
- Small Town, Loud Baby Bodysuit: population small, volume large.
- Country Roots, Cowboy Boots Baby Bodysuit: boots before walking.
- Loud Little Sheriff Baby Bodysuit: new law in town, no jurisdiction over bedtime.
- Population: Me Desert Western Baby Bodysuit: a one kid town on a desert highway.
Is there something dressier for photos or holidays?
Yes. The Little Rodeo Suit bodysuits have a printed western yoke, roses, piping and pearl-style dots, so the baby looks dressed up for a very small headline appearance without the fight of real buttons. As someone who owns a rhinestone jacket, I can tell you the fight of real buttons is real.
Why does western style work so well on babies?
Because western clothes were always more about attitude than function, and babies are pure attitude. A sheriff star on someone who weighs fifteen pounds is funny on its own. Western design also borrows from things that already look old in a good way: rodeo posters, embroidered yokes, faded denim, sun-bleached desert color. That stuff doesn't go out of style, which is a nice quality in clothes you'll keep in a box for the next kid or the grandparents' scrapbook.
Is it only for country families?
No. Plenty of families who love western style run a mostly metal or punk playlist. Half my regulars do. The Honky Tonk Headbanger Baby Bodysuit is half honky tonk, half mosh pit, for households that play both.
What about toddlers?
Most western designs have a toddler version. Try the Country Roots, Cowboy Boots Toddler Tee, Livin' a Little Country Song Toddler T-Shirt or the Honky Tonk Headbanger Toddler Hoodie for colder months. The hoodie has no drawstrings. Toddler tees run 2T through 5/6T. Browse the Toddler collection.
Can the parents match?
They should. Nobody rides alone, not in my bar and not in this family.
- Outlaw Mama Women's Raglan Tee and The Real Sheriff Women's Crop Top for mom.
- Outlaw Papa Embroidered Trucker Hat and the Hi-Desert Division Corduroy Cap for dad.
- The Loud Little Outlaws Rose Mug for whoever is up first. In my house that's me, and the phone.
All the pairings are in Matching Sets.
What sizes and materials?
Standard bodysuits are 100% combed ring-spun cotton with an envelope neckline and three-snap leg closure, in 3-6m, 6-12m and 12-18m. Several designs also come in an organic cotton bodysuit. Measurements are on the size guide. For a gift, the guide suggests 6-12m.
How does shipping work?
Printed to order in 2-5 business days, then usually about 3-5 business days to ship. Organic bodysuits take about 8-14 business days. Free shipping from $75 (merch subtotal, after discounts), otherwise $9.99. US only, including APO/FPO. Check the estimate at checkout if you're shopping for a date.
One more thing. I answer the hotline myself, after the bar closes: 1-866-BAD-NAPS. It's for 3 a.m. confessions, not orders. Confess after the beep.
FAQ
What are outlaw country baby clothes?
Western baby clothes with a rougher edge: honky tonk, rodeo poster and desert highway art instead of pastel ranch prints.
Do you make western toddler clothes?
Yes. Most western designs come as a toddler tee, and some as a toddler hoodie.
Are there dressy western bodysuits?
Yes. The Little Rodeo Suit bodysuits have a printed western yoke, roses, piping and pearl-style dots.
Do you ship outside the US?
Not right now. We ship within the US, including APO/FPO addresses.
xo, Jimmie Sue
