subject: Cowboy T Shirts - A Look at Cowboy Shirts From the Old West [print this page] Cowboy T Shirts - A Look at Cowboy Shirts From the Old West
Let's talk a little bit about cowboy t shirts. You can pretty much find them in any store, yet some stores are better than others. If you are buying shirts at discount stores or something similar, then you are missing out on the quality and style those cowboys of the past use to enjoy. If you a looking for a good western style shirt, then it is best to go to a specialty store.
A good cowboy t shirt is made from good quality cotton. It is light, yet a little more gentleman like than the t-shirts you see today. It is made to keep out the wind at night, yet light enough for a long ride on the range.
The quality needed to be top notch. At times cowboys would drive cattle for months before reaching their destinations. Clothes need not rip or become damaged. The trails were unsafe, often wet and muddy. There were rivers to cross, rain to deal with and the dust. By the time the cowboy reached his destination, he was ready for some new clothes.
The clothes he wore served their purpose. At the end of trail they were retired for something new. Driving the cattle down the trails for up to three months was never an easy task. Not having access to clean water to wash their clothes, left the material forever stained and with a scent that was less than desirable. The most logical thing to do was buy new clothing.
The summer shirts were made from lighter weight cotton, while the winter ones were made with heavier material like wool. A lot of the northern states have fierce winters that required clothes to match the climate.
All cowboy shirts came with the simple buttons down the front with a single front pocket. A lot of times there were no collars to the shirt. Collars did not serve a purpose and mostly got in the way. The shirt sleeves often had a nice pleat to them at the wrist. The end of the shirt sleeve would button leaving a nice clean look.
