Men’s Retro Western Shirts

Western detailing: what is it? Designers have been taking the oh-so-typical styled yoke, rounded hem, and chest pockets in a new direction. We’ve got the fun patterns, the plaid, and the leather of traditional retro western shirts, but now with big-city dreams.

Western is a popular look right now, rightly so. It will emphasize your manly side and will flatter your physique. It’s not finding retro western shirts that is difficult—they are everywhere—but finding one to suit you. If you have never determined your size through measuring, please do. You’d be surprised how many men are wearing shirts without the proper fit. Get an accurate chest, neck, and sleeve measurement at a tailors or department store. You’ll thank us afterwards.

A fitted men’s western shirt is essential to flatter your torso. Baggy and shapeless is never a good look. Look for retro western shirts offered in natural fibers with a touch of stretch for a modern silhouette. Avoid a poly-cotton blend. It looks cheap and won’t wear well.

When buying a western shirt, consider other trends to help guide you. This season, it would be wise to wear an understated green or brown patterned shirt with an ivory or white background. Very nice. Or perhaps a monotone cream colored shirt with simple details and just a little western flair.

Pair your western shirts with larger belt. A slim belt won’t do it; you need something to balance your shirt and trousers well. Match a heavier, deep brown leather belt to your shirt for success. And you needn’t wear jeans, either: brown or wine corduroys will look amazing with a cotton chambray. A patterned western shirt (like plaid) will match your jeans better.

If you can get yourself to a vintage shop to find western duds, do it. It’s the details that make a shirt have western appeal, and the vintage ones are happen to have the bonus elements of soft, worn cotton and truly authentic details like pearly snap closures. If not, there many sites online that provide western clothes and accessories for a “western retro” touch. If you want to go quasi-authentic but prefer the designer feel, there’s Paul Smith, who mixed Western elements with slim silhouettes and pared-down detailing for 2006. If you’re on a budget, Levis offers pared-down retro western shirts that you’ll get to wear over and over.

As with any stylish look, there have to be some don’ts. Firstly, to avoid looking like you’re going to a rodeo, avoid too much western in one outfit. If you’ve got on a western shirt, stay away from chunky or pointy boots or hats with wide brims. It’s just asking for trouble. Secondly, if you see a western shirt complete with loud pattern or bright color, try to find something a little more subtle. Avoid any appliqués of cacti or lassos. Western shirts have very distinctive details that make them quite noticeable, and it’s easy to go over the top.

That being said, there are so many ways to get creative with western shirts. There are authentic retro western shirts, designer versions, and high street budget buys. It’s a question of combining color trends with a look that’s good for you. Once you’ve got the perfect shirt, there’s nothing left to do but RIDE!