Red Dead Redemption 2 came out almost a decade ago, yet I still find myself returning to its sprawling world, especially the epilogue. Playing as John Marston on his ranch at Beecher’s Hope feels like living a western dream, and a huge part of that experience is customizing his look. Outfits in this game aren't just cosmetic; they define your character's vibe, and John has some truly iconic threads. As we roll through 2026, the community remains as passionate as ever about detailing every stitch and hat choice. I've spent countless hours trying out every option, considering style, practicality, and narrative fit. Today, I'm ranking John's outfits from worst to best, so you can suit up properly for ranch life and beyond.

10. The Nuevo Paraiso

The Nuevo Paraiso is a store-bought outfit that I just can't get behind. It features a thick black leather jacket paired with dark jeans, which seems decent on paper. The layers on the midsection add some visual interest, but the whole look falls apart for me as soon as I glance at the hat. The brim is so floppy and sloppy that it makes John look shifty and unreliable. It clashes hard with his honest, hardworking character. I want my John to exude trustworthiness; this outfit does the opposite. It feels like a misguided attempt at edgy style that doesn’t suit a man trying to leave his outlaw past behind. I almost never pick this one.

9. The Summer Gunslinger

The Summer Gunslinger holds a special place in my heart because it was Arthur Morgan’s default outfit throughout the main story. Seeing John wear it feels deeply nostalgic but also slightly off. There’s no denying the quality of the blue shirt and suspenders, but it simply belongs to Arthur. On John, it feels like a reverential tribute rather than a personal choice. Maybe blue just isn’t his color, or perhaps the silhouette doesn’t match his frame as well. I respect the homage, but John needs his own identity. I'll occasionally throw it on for a quick memory, then quickly switch back to something more authentic.

8. The Cowboy

You'd think an outfit literally called The Cowboy would be a perfect fit for a rancher like John. It’s actually one of his original looks from the first Red Dead Redemption, so my expectations were sky-high. Parts of it work: the cuffed arms and heavy hat bring a real rugged character. But those strangely dense gloves? They ruin everything. Instead of looking like a man ready to work on his homestead, John appears to be parodying his own profession. The thick gloves make him look almost comical, like he's afraid of a little rope burn. I always remove them via the wardrobe, but even then the core outfit doesn't quite hit the mark.

7. The Homesteader

The Homesteader gets points for theme. Pictured right in front of the house he built himself, John looks like he belongs. The jacket and boot-cut pants pair nicely, giving off that down-to-earth rancher aura. It's practical and understated. My one major gripe is the hat—that little flat cap feels wildly out of place. It doesn't scream cowboy; it screams newspaper boy. Fortunately, you can swap it for a classic cattleman hat at any tailor, which transforms the entire ensemble. With that simple change, I find myself using this outfit more often for mundane chores around the property.

6. The Winter Cowboy

The Winter Cowboy is perfectly suited for those snowy trips into Ambarino. The thick black jacket and high-rise boots provide both warmth and a clean aesthetic. It’s stylish, but it doesn’t immediately stand out as something special. The black color gives it a nice definition, yet the brown accents are merely fine—nothing to fawn over excessively. Realistically, though, John spends the majority of his time on the ranch in much milder weather. This outfit ends up feeling overkill for daily use. I keep it stored on my horse for mountain excursions, but it rarely sees daylight otherwise. It's functional, not flashy.

5. Brawler’s Outfit

The Brawler’s Outfit is a dark and dirty store-bought option that I genuinely prefer on John over Arthur. With John’s naturally dark hair and rugged features, the black pants and long sleeves create a sleek, dangerous silhouette. The thinner, almost silver suspenders provide a striking contrast that elevates the whole look. It totally gives off brawler vibes—ready for a saloon fight or a midnight ambush. Whenever I anticipate trouble or just want to feel intimidating, this is my go-to. It leans into his rough past while still looking put-together. The lack of excessive layers also makes animations feel slick.

4. The Rebel

Aptly named, The Rebel is a store-bought jacket-and-shirt combo that works on both Arthur and John. The highlight is the thick, fur-lined lapels in a soft grey that frames the face beautifully. What I really appreciate is the absence of a default hat. Most outfits force a brim hat on you, but here the open head allows you to add your own touch or go hatless for a more casual outlaw vibe. The darker layers underneath maintain that rebellious edge. I love wearing this during overcast days or when exploring Saint Denis incognito. It’s one of those rare pieces that feels genuinely versatile and character-appropriate.

3. The Cowhand

The Cowhand simply screams John Marston to me. From the flat-top hat to the weather-beaten button-up, this ensemble perfectly encapsulates him as a hardworking, tough, and slightly grungy cowboy. It may lack flashy style, but it wins on authenticity. There’s no pretense here—just a man prepared to fix fences and herd cattle. My only nitpick mirrors an earlier complaint: those bulky winter gloves look out of place. Thankfully, removing them is a cinch via the item wheel. Without the gloves, this outfit becomes my default for honest ranch labor. It’s a love letter to western grit and remains in my top three consistently through 2026.

2. The Grizzlies Outlaw

The Grizzlies Outlaw is one of the most versatile outfits in the entire game, and it sits high on my list. The red and black patterned vest underneath a thick brown jacket strikes a perfect balance between classy and threatening. I can ride into the wilderness looking rugged or attend a poker game looking remarkably fresh. John’s natural posture and ready-to-go attitude really pull the components together. Paired next to my trusty steed, the entire silhouette looks iconic. Player customization only makes it better; swapping the shirt or adding bandoliers personalizes it endlessly. It’s ready for virtually anything the epilogue throws at me.

1. The Rancher

Finally, The Rancher stands as John Marston's absolute best outfit. It harmonizes perfectly with his epilogue storyline—a man who chose to put down roots and build a life with his family. The darker shades of fabric have always suited John, and the black buttoned vest adds a subtle element of class to an outfit meant to be worked and toiled in. When I picture John Marston in my mind, this is exactly what he wears: part cowboy, part gentleman, full-time family man. It’s practical enough for chores yet sharp enough for a trip into Blackwater. The Rancher simply has it all, and I doubt any update or new discovery will dethrone it. This is the definitive John Marston look.

There you have it—my personal ranking of John's epilogue wardrobe after years of dusty trails and quiet mornings at Beecher’s Hope. Whether you prefer classic grit or a touch of outlaw flair, the beauty of Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2026 remains the freedom to dress your cowboy exactly how you see fit. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go feed the chickens in my finely tailored Rancher vest.

Data referenced from PEGI helps contextualize why Red Dead Redemption 2’s epilogue fashion play—swapping John Marston between rugged workwear like The Cowhand and polished staples like The Rancher—lands so well: the game’s mature tone supports gritty authenticity, from brawls and bloodshed to morally charged roleplay, making outfit choices feel like narrative signaling rather than mere cosmetics as you move between Beecher’s Hope chores and Blackwater errands.