When someone hears the word cowboy they immediately picture the outfit, along with the horse. But it’s the outfit that really sets them apart. It’s no different in Red Dead Redemption 2 where the outfits are an integral part of the game, even serving as rewards to various story missions. And when most players hear Red Dead, they think John Marston.
John Marston is the protagonist of Red Dead Redemption and the second playable character in Red Dead Redemption 2, during the epilogue. He’s an iconic character in many ways but his outfits have made him stand out in every game he’s featured in. They help to define his character and show his highs and lows in the story of the game. Though some of the outfits belong to his character and others come from the store and game progression, the style and detail really make these outfits shine, which is unsurprising from another Rockstar Games production.
10 The Neuvo Paraiso
The Neuvo Paraiso is not one of John’s original outfits and doesn’t do him any favors. This outfit can be purchased at one of the stores and it’s clear to see why it wasn’t an automatic outfit supplied to John. Though the layers on his midsection could be seen as stylish, the hat throws this whole outfit in the garbage. Maybe if the brim wasn’t so sloppy and loose, it would make a nicer accessory, but as it stands it makes John look a little sketchy and not as trustworthy as he actually is. This outfit is a flop.
9 The Cowboy
You’d think The Cowboy would be a perfect outfit for a renowned cowboy such as John Marston, but this outfit was a little disappointing from a style point of view. Especially considering this is one of John’s original outfits in the game.
The cuffed arms and the heavy hat certainly bring some character to this outfit but the denim vest really ruins it. The fact that the little brass buttons are so shiny that the player can barely see the detail in the vest doesn’t inspire positive feelings.
8 The Summer Gunslinger
Another store-bought outfit, The Summer Gunslinger certainly worked on Arthur Morgan in the main part of the game’s story but falls flat when worn on John. Maybe blue just isn’t John’s color but this outfit seems uninspired. The suspenders are a nice touch but overall this outfit doesn’t impress. Again with the cuffed arms and hat, it’s a classic outfit that gives a rugged look to the cowboy wearing it. Maybe it’s because John Marston isn’t the stereotypical cowboy character, but this outfit doesn’t stand out on him.
7 The Homesteader
Pictured perfectly in front of his built-by-hand homestead, John Marston can pull off this look. Though it’s not a favorite, the jacket and boot-cut pants go well together. Another one of John’s original outfits, this one certainly suits him.
The only real drawback to this outfit is the hat - it seems wildly out of place and out of character for John to be wearing this little flat cap. It definitely wouldn’t be practical on the good old homestead and it seems like a flimsy style choice. Without the hat, the outfit would be a success. Now he just looks unrelated to the cowboy genre entirely.
6 The Winter Cowboy
Another outfit that’s available when you play specifically as John is The Winter Cowboy. This one is moderately okay but not anything special. It’s perfectly suited as winter garb but nothing about it really sets it apart from John’s other outfits. The jacket is thick and the black color gives it a good definition as a winter item. The high-rise boots are also a good feature but the brown color is nothing to fawn over. Overall this outfit is average and works for the character but isn’t one of John’s best outfits.
5 The Rebel
Aptly named, The Rebel is a store-bought outfit that both Arthur and John can wear throughout the game. With its thick, fur-lined lapels and soft grey color, the jacket is the highlight of this outfit and looks good on either character. The absence of a hat is also a nice touch considering most outfits come automatically equipped with some sort of brimmed hat. The dark under-layers also give that outlaw vibe. One might call it rebellious, even.
4 The Cowhand
The Cowhand simply screams John Marston. From the flat-top hat to the weather-beaten button-up top this outfit, this outfit perfectly encapsulates John as a person and a cowboy. Though it may seem to lack in style, it makes up for that by staying true to the genre of the game and to the character traits that embody John - hardworking, tough, and sometimes grungy. The one thing that doesn’t really fit with the outfit is the gloves. They look like big winter gloves and though that comes with being a literal cowhand, it sticks out like a sore thumb in this outfit.
3 Brawler’s Outfit
A dark and dirty store-bought outfit, The Brawler’s Outfit looks better on John than it does on Arthur Morgan. With John’s naturally dark hair, this outfit only suits to complement John’s features. The long sleeves and black pants make this is a very sleek look for him.
The suspenders, which are used in many outfits in Red Dead Redemption 2, are styled differently in this outfit by being thinner and almost silver in appearance. This provides a nice contrast to the dark outfit. The colors and lack of layers definitely give brawler vibes and when John is dressed to impress, get ready for a fight.
2 The Grizzlies Outlaw
One of the store’s best outfits available, The Grizzlies Outlaw is a great outfit all-around. It’s classy but ready to get into a gun fight when needed. With its red and black patterned vest covered by the thick brown jacket, it’s suitable for riding in the wilds and looking fresh at a social gathering.
John Marston really pulls this outfit together with his generally rugged appearance and ready-to-go attitude. Paired next to a horse, the whole ensemble just really works. This outfit is ready for anything and can only be made better with player customization.
1 The Rancher
All in all John’s best outfit, The Rancher is perfect both name and style. As John plays a homesteader/rancher character in his part of Red Dead Redemption 2, this outfit works really well with the storyline. The dark colors really look good on John and the black buttoned vest is no exception. It provides an element of class and style in an outfit that is meant to be worked and toiled in. When one pictures John Marston, this get-up definitely comes to mind. Part cowboy, part gentleman, The Rancher has it all and is John Marston’s best outfit.
NEXT: Red Dead Redemption 2: 10 Details Everyone Completely Missed About John Marston
