Houston Rodeo introduces strict new dress code targeting clothing that is ‘inappropriate for a family environment’
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has introduced a strict new dress code targeting “inappropriate” attire following complaints that guests have shown up in clothing that’s not family-friendly.
The annual rodeo gives guests an opportunity to dust off their cowboy boots and hats, but organizers have now issued a new set of guidelines to follow amid an influx of complaints about some people’s choice of clothing on social media.
“Proper attire must be worn on HLSR Show grounds at all times,” the rodeo said in a statement, noting officials have the right to deny admission or remove guests wearing clothes that are considered “inappropriate.”
Attire considered inappropriate includes clothes with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics, items that are excessively torn or which expose undergarments.
“This is a family-friendly event, and we expect guests to act accordingly, including wearing appropriate attire and demonstrating behavior that reflects the spirit of the Rodeo,” officials said. “We will not allow disruptive behavior or inappropriate attire to take away from the experience that millions of families come here to enjoy.”
Officials say hats, boots and traditional rodeo garb are allowed, but clothing showing too much skin, containing offensive words or appearing to be gang-related, will likely lead to guests being turned away.
Additionally, clothing items that obscure a person’s face are prohibited unless they are worn for religious, cultural or medical reasons. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo did not respond to The Independent’s request for comment.
The new dress code was introduced after many social media users complained about seeing rodeo patrons wearing what they deem to be inappropriate for what is supposed to be a family-friendly occasion.
Several posts circulated online over the weekend showing attendees wearing what others deemed revealing outfits, Click 2 Houston reported.
That includes a post from Democratic TikTok influencer Olivia Juliana, who vented to her over 750,000 followers that rodeo attendees need to “put on some damn clothes.”
“Maybe I’m more conservative than I thought I was, because the videos and pictures I’ve seen from the Rodeo this year of people using a** cheeks as an accessory have appalled and disgusted me,” she says in the clip, which had been viewed nearly two million times by Tuesday.
The influencer notes that there’s a time and place for such clothing and that people need to “have some decorum.”
Commenters on the TikTok agreed with her take, with one user questioning why people “are treating every event like it’s the club.”
Another TikTok user agreed, saying the last time she went it was like “walking through a western-themed strip club.”
