Moooove over leopard print, there’s a new pattern in town! Cow print is taking over as fashion’s latest obsession. The wild, wild west has made its way into 2025 in the form of this playful new pattern, and it’s popping up on streets and social feeds everywhere. Now you can get the lowdown on how to style and shop this season’s “cool girl” print, with a little help from some of South Africa’s top stylists.
Meet The Experts: Whitney Rhodes is a Cape Town-based stylist. Panashe Ndhlovu is a stylist based in Cape Town.
Where Does Cow Print Originate?
Formally known as cowhide, this print has a rich history in both American Western culture (think cowboy vests, trousers, and hats) and the African diaspora.
For decades, the pattern has been a prominent feature in both traditional practices and attire across many African cultures, having a huge influence on the fashion industry. And now, this classic print is popping up in Instagram posts and shop windows all around the world – and honestly, it’s about time!
Why Are People Obsessed With Cow Print In 2025?
A Break From Tradition
2025 is definitely the year for bold and playful prints. We’ve had our fun with traditional animal prints (like leopard and snake print) that have been popular for decades. And cow print is a fun, new alternative to these established prints.
Cow Print Is Very Versatile
People are playing around with cowhide because of its versatility. The neutral tones go a long way in a wardrobe, allowing you to dress this print up or down, and it’s easy to pair with other patterns and colours.
It Makes A Bold Statement
On the other hand, it can also be a great statement piece. Its unique stand-out design makes people gravitate towards it (no one ever gets excited to buy a basic white tee when they’re shopping, after all).
It’s Technically A Neutral
The colour combination of black, brown, and white makes cow print a true neutral. Its ability to mix and match so well with other pieces is also what makes it a go-to print to wear this season.
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Where This Trend Has Been Spotted
From the runway to the streets, brands are incorporating this popular print into their collections as beautiful statement pieces that can be worn day-to-day and for days you want to be a “fashion killa”. Here are some brands killing the cow print trend:
adidas
We’re calling it now; adidas have become the cowboss of cow print! The adidas Cow Print Samba has been making the rounds on TikTok and people can’t get enough. It’s a more minimalist approach and a subtle yet fun way of adding cow print to your outfit if you’re not really into the bold statement pieces.
The adidas Rasant Mid Cowprint Brown is another shoe we love, using the trendy cowhide while still creating a timeless design. adidas can’t seem to get enough of the cow print wave and we’re not mad at it!
Acne Studios
Stockholm-based fashion house Acne Studios has a number of cow print items that we love. Honourable mentions go to their gabardine cow print trench and cow print velvet trousers; pieces well-recognised for their chic silhouettes and detailed fabrics.
This is exactly what we’re looking for in 2025; a year consisting of exaggerated proportions, maximalism and an emphasis on uniqueness and embracing your own personal style.
Samsøe Samsøe
The “Nine to Nine” FW24 collection has stunning cow print accessories like the Saylo Leather Jacket and the Saylo Bag; both simple and effective ways to give a basic outfit some character or edge.
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Celebrities Who Have Worn Cow Print
It’s not just fashionable influencers or runway models; our fav celebs are rocking this cowboy core aesthetic, too.
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid is definitely in her “cowgirl era” and has been spotted in flares, cowboy hats and boots. She’s also currently dating a cowboy, so the outfit inspo is serving non-stop as she attends many events to support her cowboy bae.
Beyonce
Let us not forget about Queen Bey. We’ve gone straight from the Renaissance and right into a new era called “Cowboy Carter”. This new look was definitely inspired by her latest album and the heritage of her hometown. She’s been rocking Levi jeans, chunky belts, fringes and patterns, all heavily influenced by her Texas roots and Western culture.
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How To Style Cow Print
We get it! This print can be tricky to work with, especially if you’re a minimalist or not really into animal prints. But worry not! We’re here to help you find out exactly how these pieces can be styled and used in your wardrobe. We’ve curated tips and tricks from expert stylists to make sure you’re looking *hot* rather than a *hot mess* in this season’s hottest print.
“Cow print is definitely making waves in fashion, and it’s a great choice if you’re looking to add some fun texture and contrast to your wardrobe without going too wild,” says Cape Town-based stylist Whitney Rhodes.
Here are some styling tips for 2025, if you want to embrace cow print but still keep it subtle:
1. Start Small With Accessories
“If you’re not ready for a full cow print outfit, accessories are a great way to dip your toes into the trend,” Whitney explains. She recommends you try these options:
- Scarves: A black-and-white cow print scarf can add interest to a solid-coloured outfit.
- Bags: A cow print handbag or clutch can elevate a simple outfit without being overwhelming.
- Shoes: Cow print boots or sneakers can be a fun, quirky touch to your look.
“For a minimalistic and chic look, focus on a single cow print statement accessory or garment, such as a bag, boots, belt or jacket. I would pair it with the print’s neutral tones, such as cream, white or deep brown. This keeps the look elevated, cohesive and clean,” Panashe adds.
2. Go Monochromes
“Keeping your cow print monochrome (black-and-white) can make it more sophisticated and easier to wear. Look for clean, sleek designs and pair them with classic cuts like tailored pants or a simple blazer to avoid clashing,” recommends Whitney.
3. Mix With Denim
“Cow print works well with denim, which is timeless and easy to wear”, advises Whitney. A pair of cow print jeans or a cow print jacket paired with a denim shirt or denim jeans can make the print feel more casual and wearable.
4. Lean Into The Bohemian Vibes
“Embrace the western style of cow print with a bohemian twist. Combine a fringe purse, a flowing blouse and a broad belt with a cowboy-inspired buckle. Earthy tones and natural textures will complete the design without making it appear costume-like,” recommends Panashe.
5. Balance With Simple Silhouettes
“Stick to minimalist silhouettes to avoid the print feeling too chaotic,” advises Whitney. “Opt for clean, structured pieces like a simple cow print midi skirt or tailored pants and keep everything else in your outfit clean and unfussy.”
6. Layer With Black Or White Basics
“If you’re wearing a cow print piece, layer it with basics in black or white. For example, a cow print top with black trousers or a cow print jacket over a simple white tee. This way, the print will stand out, but you’re not overloading the look with patterns,” explains Whitney.
7. Go for Smaller Prints
“If you’re hesitant about the boldness of the print, choose pieces with smaller or more subtle versions of cow print, like accessories or fabrics with smaller patches. This way, you get the effect without feeling like you’re wearing a full-on animal print,” Whitney recommends.
8. Don’t Be Afraid To Add A Pop Of Colour
“Cow print is versatile enough to pair with bold colours – especially red – which is very popular this year. Use red accessories like a bag, bag charms, rings, sunglasses or even lipstick to add some contrast to the outfit,” advises Panashe.
“With these tips, you can integrate cow print into your wardrobe in a way that feels fresh, modern, and not too overwhelming,” says Whitney.
Cow Print Styling Inspiration To Save
Now that we’ve got the styling advice on hand, let’s get into some cool outfits that incorporate cow print well. Use these as inspiration when putting together your next look.
Whitney says these are great examples of how you can style cow print in different ways.
“The first look is a subtle take on the trend, incorporating cow print through an accessory while keeping the outfit sleek and chic with an all-black ensemble,” she explains.
“The second look, on the other hand, embraces the bold approach with a print-on-print combination that’s both fabulous and perfectly cohesive. I personally love going all-in with prints because fashion should be fun – otherwise, what’s the point?”
Cow Print Pieces To Shop
Groundcover Bucket Bag Nguni
adidas Samba Animal Print Sneaker
Groundcover Bucket Bag Nguni
adidas Samba Animal Print Sneaker
Ultimately, the aim is to have fun with the quirky print and express your unique personal style while doing it. Happy styling!
