A firsthand look at how we curate, evaluate, and choose what earns a place at Wei’s.
Attending WESA 2026 was a first for me.
Wei’s Western Wear has attended WESA for over 20 years, dating back to when the show was held in Denver. While the show moved to Dallas about five years ago, the purpose has never changed. This is where the future of Western retail takes shape.
This blog isn’t a recap of everything we saw.
It’s an explanation of how we curate what actually makes it onto our shelves. Buying well isn’t about seeing more. It’s about curating with intention.
Before we land, meetings are booked. Our vendor Rolodex is full. Every appointment has a purpose. With thousands of SKUs spread across the Dallas Market Center’s 15 floors, enthusiasm alone isn’t enough. Curation is what keeps a collection focused, wearable, and trustworthy.
Below is a brand-by-brand look at who we met with, what stood out, and how we curate products that earn their place at Wei’s.
Tuesday
Lucchese
Our first stop was Lucchese, where we reviewed their Fall 2026 lineup.
Lucchese continues to set the standard for premium western bootmaking. The standout for us was a blue alligator boot that struck the right balance between statement and restraint. It wasn’t loud for attention’s sake. It was confident, refined craftsmanship.
This is the type of product we curate carefully. Not because everyone needs it, but because the right customer will recognize it immediately.
While we count down the days until the Fall collection arrives, you can experience Lucchese’s legendary fit with one of our best sellers, the Lucchese M4344.
Best Sellers:
Coming Fall 2026:
- Blue Alligator Lucchese Boot
-
Lucchese Fall 2026 Exotic Collection
Black Jack
Next was Black Jack, where we reviewed their Fall 2026 exotic boots.
What continues to stand out with Black Jack is precision. Stitching, hide selection, finishing, proportions. Everything feels deliberate. That level of detail is why Black Jack has become one of our fastest-growing boot brands.
When we curate Black Jack into our assortment, it’s because we know customers come back for the quality, a commitment you will find reflected in our most-requested exotic styles available right now.
Best Sellers:
Coming Fall 2026:
- Black Jack Exotic Leather Boots
-
Fall 2026 Limited Exotic Styles
Cash & Carry Floor
We wrapped the first day on the cash and carry floor.
This is where brands sell sample products directly from their booths. It’s a great way to discover new brands quickly, try products personally, and explore categories we might not otherwise have time for during scheduled appointments.
Even with decades of buying experience, curiosity still plays a role in good curation.
Wednesday
Panhandle Slim
Wednesday started with Panhandle Slim.
We reviewed a wide range of men’s and women’s shirts, dresses, denim, and seasonal pieces. Panhandle invests heavily in the buyer experience, including live models wearing the clothing, which makes evaluating fit and drape far more accurate.
Good curation depends on understanding how clothing actually lives on real people, a commitment you can see today in the fit and feel of our best-selling Panhandle Medallion Shirt.
Best Sellers:
Coming Fall 2026:
- Panhandle Slim Men’s Western Shirts
-
Panhandle Slim Women’s Dresses & Tops
Roper
From there, we headed to Roper.
One of the standout products was a casual sneaker with Western influence. It’s understated, versatile, and ideal for customers who want Western style without committing to a full boot.
This category continues to grow, and Roper executed it well. A consistent brand in the industry, which is why reliable favourites like the Roper Clearcut Shoe remains a cornerstone of our current collection.
Best Sellers:
Coming Fall 2026:
- Roper Western-Inspired Casual Sneaker
Outback Trading Company
After lunch, we met with Outback Trading Company, one of our long-standing partners.
We reviewed staple pieces along with new colorways, including updates to the Hudson Shirt Jacket.
Outback consistently delivers timeless western outerwear. These aren’t trend-driven garments. They’re pieces that earn their place year after year much like the Moree Jacket which remains one of our most dependable and sought-after items for the rugged outdoors.
Best Sellers:
Coming Fall 2026:
Cinch
The afternoon was spent with Cinch, one of the largest booths at WESA.
We reviewed apparel and denim, with the standout being the Cinch Wide Leg Jean. Soft denim, relaxed structure, high rise, and excellent drape. Modeled extremely well. While distinct in silhouette, it reminded us the Cinch Lynden we currently have in stock from Cinch.
We curated this piece because it fills a clear gap in our women’s denim offering and wears exactly how modern customers want.
Best Sellers:
Coming Fall 2026:
- Cinch Wide Leg Jean
- Cinch Women's Denim Collection
Thursday
Ariat
Thursday morning was dedicated to Ariat.
Ariat remains one of the most consistent brands in the industry. High quality products, strong branding, and accessible pricing. Their patented sole technology continues to deliver true out-of-the-box comfort.
We especially liked their women’s boots, including the Chandler and Casanova boots that carry on the legacy of the Ariat best sellers our customers trust for every ride.
Best Sellers:
Coming Fall 2026:
- Ariat Chandler Boot
- Ariat Casanova Boot
Kimes Ranch
The afternoon was spent with Kimes Ranch, one of our most popular and in-demand brands.
The standout was the Kimes Zoey Jean, a heavyweight denim evolution of the best-selling Olivia Jeans. After the massive success of the Olivia Dark Wash in 2025, we’re preparing to stock the Zoey for Fall 2026. It offers less stretch, more structure, and excellent durability while maintaining a flattering fit.
This is exactly the kind of evolution we look for when curating denim.
Best Sellers:
Coming Fall 2026:
-
Kimes Zoey Jean
- Kimes Olivia Jean
Olathe
We wrapped Thursday with Olathe.
We reviewed print gator, ostrich, and pirarucu boots across multiple price points. These boots are often the perfect “first real boot”, especially for younger customers.
We also curated classic cowboy boots in premium leathers, from ostrich to gator, to serve customers looking to step up, a transition made easy by time-tested staples such as our Olathe Tangerine Boot.
Best Sellers:
Coming Fall 2026:
- Print Gator Cowboy Boots
- Ostrich Leather Cowboy Boots
Friday
Friday was about reinforcing relationships and filling gaps.
With snow and ice storms approaching Dallas, many buyers and reps left early. We stayed. Fewer crowds meant more meaningful conversations and better access.
We revisited Hondo, Hyer, Justin, and Montana Silversmiths
Customer requests always guide our curation. One example was remembering a specific Hondo boot style a customer had asked about, which we made sure to special order.
The final highlight was discovering Stiefield
Their hair-on cowhide boots stood out immediately. The craftsman hand-selects every hide himself, resulting in boots that age exceptionally well. Hair-on leather is extremely durable, and we were told some pairs still look excellent after seven years of wear.
We’re excited to curate this product for the first time.
Coming Fall 2026:
- Hair-On Cowhide Boots
Conclusion
As a first-time attendee, WESA can feel overwhelming.
What grounded the experience was the buying team around me: Chung and Al (owners), and Wendy and Cynthia (store managers). With nearly 100 years of combined experience, they bring clarity and restraint to the process.
Good buying isn’t about offering more options. It’s about curating fewer, better ones.
At Wei’s, our curation reflects decades of experience and a deep understanding of our customers. As our online audience continues to grow globally, that responsibility only increases. We aim to expand variety without ever sacrificing quality, focus, or trust.
If there’s a brand you’re excited about, or something you hope we bring in next, we’d love to hear from you. Good curation starts with good listening.