Smile, Pockets! Your Guide to Western Style Shirts

As the air begins to carry the scent of spring, it's time to gear up for the upcoming rodeo season. And what better way to express your enthusiasm than by outfitting the entire family in Western-style shirts?

Since the 1800s, cowboys and cowgirls have embraced these timeless staples of country fashion. Western shirts not only exude a rugged charm but also boast durability, making them the ideal choice for a weekend at the local livestock show or a day toiling in the fields.

As you embark on a shopping spree for new shirts for your family, you might be curious about what sets Western shirts apart from regular button-downs. Fear not, as we've got you covered with this guide, delving into the traditional essence of Western-style shirts.

Are you eager to discern which shirts should be roped in for this spring and which ones should be left in the distant pasture? Continue reading for a comprehensive overview to ensure you're well-equipped for the season ahead.

5 Defining Features of Western-Style Shirts

The roots of Western-style clothing in America run deep, with the American cowboy playing a pivotal role in popularizing it during the early 1800s. These rugged individuals embraced the Western style out of necessity, seeking clothes robust enough to endure a day's labor or a lengthy ride.

When curating your Western wardrobe, envision denim jeans paired with sizable buckled belts. Ensure your ensemble is complete with cowboy boots, broad-brimmed hats, and substantial plaid shirts.

In contemporary times, the allure of Old West fashion extends beyond cowboys, finding its way into the wardrobes of men and women nationwide. The style has even infiltrated mainstream fashion, with designers featuring contrast piping on shirts and showcasing cowboy boots on the runway.

A quintessential element of your wardrobe, Western-style shirts boast enduring popularity. Without further delay, let's explore the five indispensable features that define any authentic Western shirt.

Western Yoke

If a shirt has a Western yoke, you can guarantee it'll fit in with your family's style. That's because Western yokes are the #1 defining feature of a Western-style shirt. 

What are we talking about? The yoke is the back of the shirt, where the front panel of fabric and the back one come together. Most traditional shirts have yokes stitched at the shoulder or straight across the back. 

That's not a Western shirt. Western shirts' yokes are curved and often feature embellishments, which we'll talk about next. 

Embellishment

Western shirts boast an array of captivating embellishments, ranging from rhinestones to lace and fringe. This style trend originates from the arena, where show cowboys don flamboyant outfits to capture the attention of the crowds.

Contrary to popular belief, embellished Western-style shirts aren't exclusive to women. Men also embrace this trend, particularly appreciating fringe details often adorning the sleeves of their shirts.

And let's not overlook the little ones! At Cowboy Hardware, we understand the desire for embellished shirts, catering to the demand by specializing in creating these eye-catching garments for kids as well.

Pearl Snaps

In contrast to more conventional shirts that utilize regular buttons threading through a hole in the lapel, Western-style shirts stand out with their distinctive features. These shirts boast stunning buttons that elegantly snap together, each adorned with a pearl detail.

Pearl buttons are not limited to just the front; they also adorn the cuffs and collars of Western shirts. For those seeking a touch of sparkle, there are options with rhinestone, diamond, or star-studded snaps. This allows your family to express their individual style through uniquely crafted Western shirts this season.

Embroidery

Even if you happen to stumble upon a regular shirt equipped with pearl snaps, embellishments, and a Western yoke, it still lacks that authentic Western touch without the timeless addition of good old-fashioned embroidery. Traditional shirts fall short when it comes to the intricate threading decoration, unique stitching, and embroidery that define Western style.

In a Western-style shirt, embroidery isn't limited to one area; it graces the cuffs, sleeves, yoke, front, and back. Typically executed in contrast stitching, the embroidery is designed to be unmistakably eye-catching.

Western-style embroidery often showcases stars, paisleys, crosses, and even swirling designs reminiscent of the hills and valleys of a back pasture. Alternatively, the embroidery might be strategically placed on elements like a smile pocket.

Smile Pockets

Smile pockets stand out as a distinctive embroidery style exclusively found in Western-style shirts. True to their name, these are stitched openings on the front of the shirt, resembling a smile and leading into a pocket.

These unique pockets come in two variations: faux or functional. In the faux version, the pocket is stitched closed, while in the functional version, the pocket is fully operational. A defining characteristic of smile pockets is that each end of the curved "smile" is adorned with small arrowheads. The stitching typically features a vibrant color that contrasts with the shirt's material, making it instantly recognizable and signaling your cowboy or cowgirl status from a distance.

The Western-Style Fit

Here's a lesser-known fact about Western-style shirts: they have a distinctive fit compared to regular shirts.

For men, this translates to a slimmer fit, ideal for showcasing the physique sculpted from hauling hay bales all winter. Alternatively, if you prefer a more workman style, opt for a shirt with a long tail for easy tucking and a broader fit commonly found in many ranch-style shirts.

Women's Western shirts, on the other hand, typically boast a snug fit. These shirts also come in longer lengths, perfect for tucking into your favorite low-rise jeans. Additionally, women's Western shirts often feature feminine colors and floral patterns to add a touch of style to the rugged charm.

Where to Find Western Shirts for the Whole Family

Have you been searching for the perfect Western shirts that'll suit everyone in the family? Well, look no further than Rod's True Western. Browse Rod's True Western and more to find matching Western wear that'll draw your eyes this rodeo season!

Name: Rod's Western Palace

Address: 3099 Silver Dr, Columbus, OH 43224

Phone No: (866) 326-1975