Tested: The Best Western Shirts To Channel Your Inner Cowboy

From bootcut bottoms to a big ol’ hat, Western-inspired attire is all the rage right now and has been for quite some time. Whether you’re a Southern native or want to pay homage to the cowboy films of yesteryear, there’s no way to overlook the unrelinquished style of a Western shirt. With its snap pockets and all, this beloved garment comes in several iterations, including options crafted from denim, corduroy, and buttery suede.

While you can find this silhouette dressed up with horse-coated motifs and countless other embellishments, there are few better choices than one that keeps things clean, simple, and, most of all, traditional. The western shirt has been adorned by countless style icons, from on-and-off-screen cowboys to iconic rockstars, proving it’s one of the most versatile tops. To help channel your inner rancher, we got hands-on with some of the best options on the market in our best Western shirts guide.

How We Tested

Welcome back to our Tested series, where we take a closer look at some of our favorite gear and apparel. If you’re new here, we’re glad to have you, and we should let you know that our selection process is all-encompassing, taking online reviews and experiences into account along with our personal experiences as a team. After that, we’re left with a selection we can stand by of picks that we trust.

It’s no secret that Western wear is on the rise right now, so we figured now is the perfect time to tackle one of the style’s classic pieces: the Western shirt. After getting our hands on our carefully curated selection, we inspect each pick off the body, taking note of the build quality and denim quality. Then, it’s time to try them on, paying attention to the fit and weight, and testing out the layer-ability. Of course, in order to be a true Western shirt, it has to have all the hallmarks: pointed collar, Western yokes, pearl snaps, and dual chest pockets. Now, it’s not the end of the world if one of these details has been changed up a bit, but it really depends on what they are (like a lack of pearl snaps, which is usually a big no-no).

Measurements: I’m 6’2″ and wear a size XL shirt, so every shirt you see in this guide is a size XL. I do prefer a more relaxed fit, but I try to keep things objective when it comes to my comments on the fit of each pick.

What to Look For

Material: Most Western shirts will be made with a majority cotton construction, and you’re looking for high-quality denim that feels sturdy but not too stiff. Quality denim will last a lot longer than the cheap stuff and develop a nice fade over time, like a trusty pair of jeans. You can also go for a blend that features a bit of elastane if you want a stretchier fit.

Fit: A Western shirt should have true-to-size sleeves and a length that falls around the middle of your hips. It’s nice to have a little room, though, especially if you want to layer something like a tee underneath. Going for a size up is a good idea if you want to layer one over something thicker than a tee.

Hardware: Traditionally, Western shirts should use pearl snaps throughout for hardware. There’s nothing technically wrong with using buttons, but it’s hard to truly consider it to be a true Western shirt if it doesn’t hit all the criteria (pearl snaps, yokes, pointed collar, etc.)

Patterns: Some Western shirts may come with unique embroidery or patterns to shake things up, which can be great if you’re not afraid to stand out a little bit and embrace your inner cowboy.

Levi’s Classic Western Standard Fit Shirt

Best Starter Shirt: When it comes to anything cowboy-adjacent, Levi’s is an essential brand to include. The heritage clothier is adept at crafting all sorts of essentials, and its handsome Western shirt is rounded out with all the traditional details, including a pair of chest pockets and snap-front closure, which Levi’s touts as “the epitome of rugged Americana.”

It’s safe to say that Levi’s knows denim, but on top of that, the label was pivotal in the Old West, outfitting miners and prospectors with its legendary jeans. Levi’s continues to deliver classically Western apparel to this day, and there’s perhaps nothing more Western (besides blue jeans, of course) than the Western shirt. Levi’s take is made entirely of cotton chambray, which gives you a super nice light blue color and makes for the perfect warm weather pick, thanks to the breathability of the material. Classic Western shirt details include the pointed collar, yokes, curved hem, and pearl snap buttons, giving you a lowkey cowboy look that’s surprisingly easy to style with. Again, the lightweight feel here is really nice (bolstered by the softness of the chambray fabric), and makes this a great summer pick. 

As for the fit and feel, it’s super lightweight and true to size, meaning it’ll be harder to layer this over anything besides a tee unless you go for a size up. If you want to wear it more like a jacket, definitely go for a size up. Otherwise, your normal size will be flattering with a bit of room around the waist. 

Verdict: You can’t get much more classic than Levi’s, especially when they’re tackling a quintessentially American piece of apparel like the Western shirt. You’re getting all the classic hallmarks in a low-key look that’s easy to style with. 

Wrangler Rodeo Ben Western Snap Shirt

Best Embroidered Shirt: Much like Levi’s, Wrangler has a long history in American history, and more specifically, the denim space. Founded in 1904, Wrangler got its start designing jeans for rodeos, and this Western heritage is felt in the label’s apparel to this day. You can see it pretty clearly in this embroidered Western shirt, complete with pearl snaps and fancy yokes for a bold yet classic look.

This pick from Wrangler (a legend in the Western space in its own right) probably caught your eye pretty quickly, thanks to the vintage-inspired embroidery and unapologetically cowboy look. Well, that’s exactly what caught our eyes, too, which is why we were excited to get our hands on this and take it for a spin. It’s about as lightweight as Levi’s Western shirt, and also made entirely of cotton (not denim this time), with those classic Western shirt staples like the fancy yokes and pearl snaps (which have this unique diamond shape for a nice little change-up). Fit here is advertised as slim, but it felt mostly true to size (although there isn’t enough room to layer anything besides a tee underneath). The shirt also runs thinner than you’d expect, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if you plan on wearing this in warmer weather.

My only gripe with this pick is that the sleeves do run a bit long, but this was an intentional design decision from Wrangler. Also, there’s no denying that this is a much flashier Western shirt compared to other picks in the guide, and the look may not be for everyone.

Verdict: Bold, embroidered, and ready to take on the West, this shirt from Wrangler is definitely a statement, and perfect for anyone who’s not afraid to embrace their inner cowboy. 

Iron and Resin Ojai Shirt

Best Sustainable Shirt: While this may not look like another one of Iron and Resin’s moto-friendly pieces at first glance, this Western shirt still has all the marks of an adventure-ready garment. It’s cut from washed denim, so you’re getting a lived-in look and feel right away, and features unique embroidery inspired by Tonopah, Nevada, on the front and back of the shirt. You’ll find pearl snaps keeping everything in place, and double-needle felled stitching along stress points to increase durability.

Born in our neck of the woods in Southern California, Iron and Resin injects that classic moto style into everything they do, with a bit of SoCal flare to top it off. The label’s Ojai shirt is a true love letter to that classic Western shirt style, made with 9 ounces of 40% organic cotton, 20% hemp HA, 20% post-consumer waste cotton, and 20% prescribed industrial waste cotton for sustainability. It’s then hit with a vintage wash to give you an old-school look and a soft hand feel (I can confirm that it feels super soft), and complete with those classic Western shirt details like the pearl snaps and Western-style shoulder and back yokes. You’re also getting double-needle felled stitching at key areas like the shoulders and sides for some added durability, along with a locker loop drawcord inside the collar and two chest pockets. Although Iron and Resin says this comes in a tailored fit, it felt more true to size with a bit of extra length in the arms. The midweight feel here is also super nice and gives the shirt a sturdier feel compared to something more lightweight like Levi’s Western shirt. 

Although I felt this fit true to size, I could see it leaning a bit towards slim for other people, so I recommend sizing up if you want a roomier fit (I especially recommend doing this if you want to layer this on top of something as well)

Verdict: Iron and Resin has captured the classic look of a Western shirt while giving it some modern appeal with a cleaned-up design that uses post-consumer material for a sustainable edge. 

Howler Bros. Crosscut Deluxe Snapshirt

Best Vintage-Inspired Shirt: Howler Brothers is based in the heart of Austin, so it knows a thing or two about conventional Western style. Accordingly, it makes an exemplary shirt to fit the mold, boasting a quick-drying composition and pearl snaps on the placket, pockets, and cuffs. Lastly, it’s rounded out with contrast stitching and hibiscus flower embellishments to give the shirt a lively touch.

The apparel from Howler Bros. boasts a unique blend of surf culture and Western style that you just don’t see other labels pulling off, making them a favorite of ours over here at HICONSUMPTION. Made with a blend of cotton with a touch of polyester stretch chambray, the label’s Crosscut Deluxe Snapshirt is a mix of vintage and modern, with old-school embroidery on the shoulders for a unique look. It boasts all the essential Western shirt motifs like the pearl snap hardware (with two snaps on the two chest pockets), Western yokes, of course, the vintage embroidery. Also, one small detail I really appreciated as someone who wears glasses was the microfiber cloth on the inside of the hem. Fit here is true to size in every sense of the word, which means I could easily layer a tee underneath, but I’d recommend going a size up if you want to layer it on top of other apparel. The lightweight construction here also makes this a great Spring pick if you live somewhere hotter. 

Similar to Wrangler’s Western shirt (although not as flashy), the bolder style here may not be for everyone, which is totally fine. That said, this is still a great pick, and the embroidery is pretty subtle and tasteful (and adds to its spring-friendly design, in my opinion).

Verdict: This shirt from Howler Bros. captures that vintage Western style with a coastal twist, complete with old-school embroidery that sets it apart from the pack. 

Taylor Stitch The Western Shirt

Best Summer Shirt: Taylor Stitch lies in a similar realm to F&T and Tecovas, serving as a trio of brands that embellish vintage Americana to the fullest. That notion works its way down to the San Francisco clothier’s handsome Western option, composed of nothing but organic denim and finished off with genuine YKK Western snaps for a rugged closure that’s built to last.

Taylor Stitch always kills it with their modern takes on classic styles, and they’ve done it again with The Western Shirt, using a super lightweight (4 ounces) organic cotton construction that’s been treated with a heavy wash for a lived-in look and feel right out of the box. You’re getting some lowkey Western details like the front and back yokes, with genuine YKK western snaps inside of antique brass settings (a really nice touch that elevates the shirt a lot, complete with an antique brass concho top button). There are two slanted chest pockets for storage, and two snaps on the cuffs. The fit here definitely leans more towards slim/tailored, and thanks to the lightweight construction, this is the perfect warm-weather pick and daily driver for the upcoming summer (especially if you go with the Bleached Indigo Stripe colorway that we’ve featured here). 

The only downside with this piece is that it’s part of a limited batch, but that’s just for this colorway specifically, as the Washed Denim option is part of the label’s Essential lineup. Also, given the slimmer fit here, I recommend going a size up if you want a roomier fit. 

Verdict: This is the perfect summer shirt, made sustainably with lightweight organic cotton and hit with a heavy wash to give you a vintage look and feel that’s just great. 

Pendleton Plaid Snap-Front Western Canyon Shirt

Best Wool Shirt: You may be more familiar with Pendleton’s ultra-cozy blankets, but its clothing catalog is equally notable. This chic, wool-crafted option is composed of materials sourced from Oregon ranchers and then woven in the heritage brand’s American mills, deeming it a continental affair resulting from a keen eye for detail. Additionally, it has all the traditional elements but is far warmer than most options that appear here.

Pendleton is best known for its quality wool apparel and accessories (especially its blankets and flannels), with a long history as a true American brand dating back to 1863, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about classic Western style. Using its proprietary machine-washable Umatilla wool that’s sourced from Oregon ranchers and woven in the label’s American mills, Pendleton is taking the Western shirt and reimagining it with a warm wool construction. You’re getting Western yokes, pearlized snaps, and two flapped chest pockets. The fit is definitely relaxed here, which is great if you want to wear it over something a bit beefier than a tee, and the warmth that the wool provides makes this a great pick for any cold-weather dwellers.

If your body isn’t used to wearing wool, it can be a little itchy as you’re getting used to it. I personally don’t wear a lot of wool, so this felt a tad itchy at first, but it didn’t last long, and I don’t consider it a deal breaker whatsoever. This also isn’t technically a classic Western shirt, and others may be looking for a more old-school look.

Verdict: Taking the Western shirt and hitting it with its proprietary wool, Pendleton’s expertise with the fabric translates perfectly into a unique shirt that’s perfect for cold weather. 

Flint and Tinder Bone Button Western Shirt

Best USA-Made Shirt: It’s no surprise that Huckberry’s house brand manufactures a fantastic Western shirt, and the cotton construction on its signature Bone Button top is an ideal choice thanks to its versatile appeal and durability. Plus, each snap is unique and made of burnt cow bone, and the shirt is durably sewn to deliver a sturdy last result.

Coming from Huckberry’s house label, perhaps best known for the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket famously worn by Pedro Pascal in The Last of Us, Flint and Tinder have gone the extra mile to make sure you’re only getting the best American-made build quality with this beautiful Western shirt. It’s made entirely of cotton fabric, and complete with all the iconic Western shirt details like the pointed yokes and pointed shirt pockets, but the real kicker here is the burnt cow buttons that compose the snap hardware. These snaps have their own unique burn marks that give the shirt a super unique look that’s very much in line with the old Western aesthetic. The fit is true to size with enough room to layer tees under it, and it’s finished with a versatile length that could easily be worn tucked or untucked, depending on the outfit.

The sleeves here fell past my wrists and were pretty long in general, and I found the shirt to be a bit tight in the chest. The fit felt slightly more slim than true to size, too, so I recommend sizing up if you want a more relaxed look and feel. 

Verdict: This is a true-blue Western shirt that’s made in the USA, elevated with unique burnt cow button snaps, and has a style that’s both classic and modern. 

West Major Black Denim

Best Premium Shirt: Arizona-based label West Major is a new player in the vintage American apparel game, heavily inspired by the southwest and taking care to keep manufacturing State-side. The team fell in love with those classic Western shirts and realized that most labels these days that make them aren’t doing it in the USA anymore, which is what kickstarted the label’s mission. For this guide, we went with the label’s Black Denim Western shirt, and it’s a true love letter to vintage Western shirts with a modern edge.

Made in the States with midweight and pre-washed black denim, this Western shirt from West Major is a beautifully crafted piece complete with all the Western shirt hallmarks, with a few modern touches like the black marble snap hardware (which looks great in person). Of course, you’re getting front and back Western yokes, along with two chest pockets and black corozo buttons on the sleeve plackets and the collar. As for the fit, West Major is advertising it as slim, and I can confirm that it definitely is, but it doesn’t feel constricting at all, with plenty of room in the shoulders and underarms. This shirt just has such a clean look, and it’s coupled with a versatile midweight construction that makes this the perfect year-round pick. 

Again, considering the slim fit here, you may want to size up if you prefer a roomier fit. That said, I didn’t think it was too constricting and I was able to rock a tee underneath without it feeling tight. Also, there’s no denying that this is a bit price than other picks, but you’re paying for solid USA-made quality and supporting a label that’s truly dedicated to what it does.

Verdict: This Western shirt from West Major is a true modern classic, taking the style and elevating it with a super clean look that pays homage to its origins, and crafting it with care in the States. 

Western Shirt Comparison Chart

WESTERN SHIRT HISTORY

While you think it’d be tough to track down the person behind the Western shirt’s traditional design, its origin story is well-documented. Jack Arnold Weil, the late founder of Colorado-based clothier Rockmount Ranch Wear, is the master behind the inimitable snaps, saw-tooth pocket, and even the bolo tie, and created the Western shirt as we know it in the 1940s. Moreover, the classic snap button design and yoke are two of the most integral elements that make up a premium Western, and you should keep an eye out for both whenever you decide it’s time to purchase one.

WHAT DEFINES A WESTERN SHIRT?

In order to truly be a Western shirt, it must have the previously mentioned snap buttons and a yoke (which is usually stylized with unique embroidery). Many of these options will be made with denim, but don’t confuse Western shirts with denim shirts, as they still need to tick the previously mentioned boxes and can be made with other materials. If you’re looking for some denim shirt options without as much cowboy flair, then take a look at our best denim shirts guide.

THE POPULARITY OF THE WESTERN SHIRT

It wasn’t long after the Western shirt’s invention that it was on the silver screen, being worn by legends like John Wayne and defining many of the classic Western films from the mid-20th century. Western wear, especially in the States, has always had some sort of foothold in the fashion world, whether it be the use of denim or subtle nods to the culture, and its current popularity in the space doesn’t seem to be losing steam any time soon.

Honorable Mentions

Tecovas’ Denim Pearl Snap is a stylish and affordable choice available in several colors, including coriander, light blue, and gray. It’s crafted from breathable denim and made sturdy with a reinforced collar and brass-accented pearl snaps. To make the most of the Tecovas catalog, consider picking up the brand’s Straight Western Jean to fulfill the getup.

The San Antonio-based label Richter Goods is the perfect example of cultures coming together to elevate style. Mario Guajardo, the man who started the company, is the son of native Texans and grew up in Mexico City, and both of these cultures would inspire him to create his own authentic small-batch Western shirts in Texas. The label’s Duck Canvas Pearl Snap Weekday Western Shirt is no exception, as it’s also handmade in Texas, and has been pre-washed for an even more authentic look and feel.

RRL is a sublabel of Ralph Lauren that celebrates Americana by revamping and honoring classic styles from the States. And they’ve done it again with the Corduroy Buffalo Western Workshirt, which has been laundered for a worn-in look and feel out of the box and tied together with eye-catching diamond snaps. This super soft, fine wale corduroy hails from France, and the shirt comes in a slim fit with a trim cut throughout the sleeves and body.

Wythe’s Denim Pearlsnap Shirt is made with 100% cotton indigo-dyed denim, and finished with custom French blue pearl snaps for a clean yet classic look that works with just about anything (even if it’s not Western). The indigo rope-dyed denim will also develop a beautiful and unique fade over time to top it all off.

If you’re looking for a more office-friendly vibe, J.Crew’s Secret Wash cotton poplin western shirt has you covered, and there’s a reason it’s been a fan favorite since 2005. You’re getting a two-ply cotton construction, which means two yarns were twisted together to make a single thread, and it gives you a stronger (and smoother) fabric.

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