The 15 Best Western Shirts From Tecovas, Howler Brothers & More

Let’s set the scene: A dusty sunset, a rocky vista in the distance, and one of the best Western shirts on your back that's broken in and comfy. Western shirts are an all-American garment with rugged roots and heritage aplenty. These shirts first appeared, of course, out West around the same time as another staple of American heritage menswear, the five-pocket jean (and like jeans, Western shirts were made with cotton denim).

These strong and stylish button-downs were prized by miners and ranchers for their ability to withstand dust and debris. They also came with a few other hallmark features, like easy-access snap buttons, often made from horn (nowadays, they’re made from horn, metal, and other materials). V-shaped flap snap pockets provided helpful utility, while the upper back of the shirt featured a yoke design for added durability. The yoke is a stitched shoulder panel, and the name comes from, yes, the yokes worn by oxen pulling wagons.

How to Style a Western Shirt

The best Western shirts are casually rugged and come in a variety of washes, from dark indigo to light blue, so think of them like any other shirt you’d wear casually with a contrasting pair of jeans. For example, you could pair a light blue cotton denim Western shirt with black jeans. You could also style it untucked with classic tan chinos for a high-low style mix.

Avoid wearing denim Western shirts in formal situations; it’s best as a weekend warrior you can wear unbuttoned over a classic tee, with sleeves rolled up. Some Western shirts lean dressier and even come with embroidered designs, but these days, the most common versions are made from simple, hard-wearing denim.

Now that you’re primed with the history of Western shirts and a few helpful style tips, its time to put some in your closet. These are the best Western shirts to wear right now.

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The Best Western Shirts of 2023