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The love of the American old west culture and the cowboy look began nearly a century ago, and it has stayed strong ever since. When it came to a cowboy, his free spirit was evident in what he wore. From the Old West to the present, cowboys have always sought to wear clothing that would set them apart from the plain clothes of common citizens. When people think of a western shirt, they may think of a typical traditional button down shirt and a cowboy hat, but there are actually many ways that a western shirt can be styled and still be considered a western shirt. This guide will give detail as to what a western shirt is, some common terms used to talk about western shirts, and various types of western shirts. It will then outline 6 ways to style a western shirt and discuss how buyers can locate and purchase western shirts. What is a Western Shirt? A traditional western shirt is characterized with a yoke in front as well as in back. It is usually fabricated with tartan fabric and has long sleeves. Some modern forms of the western shirt include those with snap pockets, patches, bandana fabric, and fringes. More traditional and fancy western shirts are usually decorated with some sort of piping, embroidery, and a contrasting yoke. Western Wear Terminology Western wear has a pretty distinct look. From the yoked front and the fringes, to the ever so popular rhinestones, there are many features to the western look. Some of the terminology may not be familiar to buyers. In order to understand the 6 ways to style a western shirt, buyers must know the various terminology used. The following table lists some of the terms used in the western clothing fashion world and their definitions Types of Western Shirts Western style shirts are popular, and they can be found in both women's and men's attire. Western shirts come in several different styles, and all of them will show their roots in the Wild West in some way. It is important that one choose a shirt that is made from quality, durable fabric like cotton. The following types of western shirts resemble those traditionally worn by cowboys: Denim Shirts There are many designers who have created men's denim type shirts with western details making them a western shirt. Modern western type denim shirts have two chest pockets, detailed yokes, and shiny snap buttons. Denim is a hard wearing material which softens as it ages. This type of western shirt will improve in appearance as it ages due to the material. For a true cowboy look, one should get brown, black, or corduroy western denim shirts. Plaid Shirts Plaid shirts that are well worn and soft are part of the western shirt trend. A plaid shirt can come in a soft flannel or a crisp cotton material. Plaid shirts, like denim shirts, typically have a yoke detailing both chest pockets. Plaid shirts are generally long sleeved, but a cowboy will roll them up to the elbow. They look more western when they have a row of pearl button snaps down the front of the shirt. Embroidered and Detailed Shirts There are many embroidered or detailed shirts that are definitely a stand out western type of shirt. From red roses stitched into the yoke, collar, or on the chest of the shirt to embroidered horseshoes and dice, embroidered western shirts have lots of detail added to them. Finding the right type of western shirt is important to be able to try out the 6 ways to style a western shirt outlined below. A true cowboy deserves to wear a genuine western shirt. What better way to know if one is wearing a genuine western shirt than to know the 6 ways a western shirt can be styled? The following are six great ways to style a western shirt to get an authentic western flair: 1. Style Western Shirts with Yokes A western shirt can be styled with yokes. Yokes are usually the main element of the western shirt. The term yokes was taken from the harness worn by oxen pulling carts and wagons. The fabric of the yoke is usually heavier than the rest of the shirt as it is made with an extra ply of fabric and sewn from the shoulder all the way down over the body of the shirt. A western shirt will always have a yoke that is stylized with a point or a curve. A simple yoke is one that has a single point. However, a V-shaped yoke is mostly curved. If a western shirt is highly embroidered, then there will not be a yoke on the front of the shirt. If a yoke is on a plaid shirt, the stripes tend to run opposite of the body of the shirt to provide contrast. The yokes are used to accent the cowboy's broad shoulders. 2. Style Western Shirts with Fabric A western shirt can be styled with different fabric. Earlier western shirts were homemade, so the person making the shirt would use whatever fabric was available. Modern western shirts are generally made from various fabrics including denim, cotton, rayon, gabardine, or poly cotton blends. The fabric can be used to pattern the shirt into plaid, check, and denim shirts. 3. Style Western Shirts with Snaps Many western shirts are styled with snaps. Snaps are an important design element in western shirts because cowboys out in the field rustling up cattle, riding horses, or building fences, needed the breakaway feature of the snaps in case the shirt got caught on a fence or saddle. The snaps can be used as front closures and as cuff closures. There are typically two different snap choices that a western shirt can be styled with: 4. Style Western Shirts with Fringe Of course, western shirts can be styled with fringe. The original design of the fringe came from the mane of horses. The Native Americans thought the mane kept the horse's neck dry under it, so they incorporated the design into their clothing hoping it would do the same for them. Fringe is used today to decorate and accent the yokes and the sleeves of a western shirt. It is made from either faux leather or string. 5. Style Western Shirts with Embroidery, Applique, and Decorative Stitching Western shirts can show off the flair of the wearer when they are styled with embroidery, applique, and decorative stitching. The embellishments came from the Native Americans as well, and were adopted by cowboy movies in the 1920s. When it comes to these embellishments, the sky's the limit. They can be put anywhere on the shirt from the front to the back and down the sleeves as an expression of artistry. 6. Style Western Shirts with Jewels, Studs, and Rhinestones Last, but not least, a western shirt can be styled with jewels, studs, and rhinestones. When styled with these, the western shirt shouts cowboy. The most popular design on many of today's western shirts is the rhinestone cross. The western shirt can be styled as loud or as soft as the cowboy would want. There are various styles and types of shirts that a cowboy can wear and still call it a western shirt. Buying a Western Shirt on eBay There are various stores where you can buy a plaid shirt or a plain denim shirt, including saddle and tack shops, western wear stores, and sometimes specialty outdoors stores. However, a styled western shirt can also be found at online auction sites like eBay. Shopping on eBay is easy. First, you will need to search for a western shirt. To search for a western shirt, simply type "western shirt" into the search engine. As you will see, there will be numerous selections to choose from. The trick then is to narrow down your search results so that you are able to find a western shirt that fits your style. You can narrow your search by using the categories selections on the page such as "men ' s clothing" or "vintage." You can also type a more specific type of shirt into the search engine such as "western shirt with fringe." Conclusion Western shirts are the American cowboy way. They come in various styles, designs, and selections. Buyers can decide whether they want a western shirt with fringes, yokes, or any kind of embroidery or design. It is important when searching for western shirts that buyers know some western clothing terminology so they will know what kind of western shirts they want to buy. With the suggestions for 6 ways to style a western shirt, buyers will be able to pick the exact embellishments that reflect their own personality and style. New Markdowns + Free Shipping Over $75 at Eastbay.com! Use Eastbay coupon code 20% OFF. Valid 6.1.16 - 6.30.16. Contiguous US Only. Exclusions Apply.
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