The anatomy of the western shirt - (2024)

FAQs

What makes a western shirt a western shirt? ›

The Western Shirt embodies the classic American southwest look with a pointed, stylized yoke extending over the front and back of the shoulders as a staple. Dual pockets on the chest always come in handy and functional snap buttons finish the look.

From a design point of view, yokes accentuate broad shoulders. From a practical point of view, they might have been an adaption of the cowboy habit of wearing scarfs as another fabric layer to protect them from the elements.

Back in the day of mending and making one's own clothes, a cowboy settled on snaps over buttons because it was much easier to untangle a snapped shirt out of barbed wire than to pack a needle and thread to try and sew on a button that came loose.

The shoulder yoke, an immediate identifier of a western shirt, was derived from wooden yokes worn by oxen and horses, and added support as well as an extra layer of fabric saddled across the shoulders protecting from the sun and elements as well as adding extra durability.

A Western shirt is a traditional item of western wear characterized by a stylized yoke on the front and on the back. It is generally constructed of chambray, denim or tartan fabric with long sleeves, and in modern form is sometimes seen with snap pockets, patches made from bandana fabric, and fringe.

A lonesome rider out on the range wouldn't have to worry about carrying needle and thread to replace a button; the flaps on his pockets kept his tobacco tin from bouncing out while he rode; the yokes, with their double fold, made his shirt durable; the tighter fit prevented his shirt from getting caught on saddle horns ...

Versatility and comfort have always been paramount when it comes to western shirts, so keep it casual by styling your outfit in a similar manner. Keep the shirt untucked and relatively loose. Wear it over a t-shirt or tank so that you can unbutton the shirt and wear it open, if you choose.

When temperatures get too high on summer workdays, cowboys do sometimes roll up their shirt sleeves.

Bib front shirts became a popular uniform choice in both armies as the bib not only gave a soldier extra protection against the elements, but it also served as an easy to access place for a soldier to store a tobacco pouch, pictures of loved ones, letters from home, or a light lunch, leaving his hands free for his ...

Vest Since shirts and pants often did not have pockets, cowboys wore vests with pockets for extra storage space for tobacco and money. Vests, which were often made of wool, provided an extra layer of clothing that helped keep the cowboy warm in cold weather.

Why are western shirts so long? ›

Longer lengths became customary to prevent the shirt from becoming untucked while on horseback, and the signature pointed yoke found across the shoulders and chest was added to provide better support and durability in the field.

Denim, long-sleeved plaid shirting, wide-brimmed hats, prairie dresses, and fringed jackets are just a few key elements that capture the essence of a Western wardrobe.

Bib front shirts became a popular uniform choice in both armies as the bib not only gave a soldier extra protection against the elements, but it also served as an easy to access place for a soldier to store a tobacco pouch, pictures of loved ones, letters from home, or a light lunch, leaving his hands free for his ...

Western Apparel: Denim, Leather, Flannel, & Fringe.