Western shirts loom large in American culture, and most people have seen images of Cowboys wearing them.

The classic Cowboy shirt started evolving into its present style at the beginning of the 19^th century. It is a blend of the shirts worn by Mexican Vaqueros at the time, and the uniforms worn by Confederate soldiers.

American settlers who became Cowboys adapted the Mexican shirts for their own use by substituting lighter fabrics for denim, and buttons for press studs, to stop ripping if the shirt caught on a bush while rounding up cattle.

The original Mexican shirts were embroidered with Native American and Mexican designs, which were later changed into the modern designs of today, that appeal to a wider audience.

The love affair with Cowboy shirts runs in parallel with American life from the earliest days.

In the fifties and sixties TV series like Roy Rogers and Bonanza had their heroes wearing Cowboy shirts and hats.

In the music scene Cowboy shirts were hugely embraced by Country and Western stars like Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers.

Willie Nelson (August 2022)

Before that Pat Boone and some of the Rat pack of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin wore Cowboy outfits.

In the cinema the giant of Westerns John Wayne, appeared in at least 83 movies including True Grit in his Cowboy shirt and boots.

In popular music the list is very long with mega bands and stars like Led Zeppelin, U2, Elvis and The Beatles periodically wearing Western shirts.

Elvis Presley wearing his Western Shirt

During the 70’s and 80’s Line Dancing took America by storm and is still incredibly popular. The core dress essentials are cowboy boots and cowboy shirt, possibly with a bandana, though nowadays the dress code is less strict and often anything goes.

Retro Star London are proud to offer a range of Cowboy shirts and accessories by Rockmount Ranch Wear, probably America's best known Cowboy shirts. Their shop is based downtown in Denver Colorado and well worth a visit if you are around. If not we have a good selection of their brilliant shirts.

Rockmount store (Denver, Colorado)