Let’s set the scene: A dusty sunset, a rocky vista in the distance, and a comfy, broken-in Western shirt on your back. 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.
So when should you wear a Western shirt? These shirts are casually rugged and come in a variety of washes, from dark indigo to light blue, so think of it 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 and black jeans. (Avoid matching shades of denim.)
Or, feel free to style it untucked with classic tan chinos for a high-low style mix. Avoid wearing it 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.
The Best Western Shirts of 2022
from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/MyTOh8S
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