The State Fair of Texas is proud to announce Cavender’s Boot City as the Official Western Wear Store of Big Tex beginning with the 2026 State Fair of Texas. As part of the partnership, Cavender’s collaborated on the design of Big Tex’s signature Western shirt while partnering with longtime Western brand Resistol to outfit him with his iconic 95-gallon cowboy hat. Together, these partnerships unite three Texas institutions with deep roots in preserving and celebrating the heritage, craftsmanship, and traditions that define the Lone Star State.
“Big Tex has long represented the spirit, hospitality, and traditions that make Texas unique,” said Jennifer Schuder, SVP of Customer Engagement for the State Fair of Texas. “Partnering with Cavender’s and Resistol brings together two Texas brands that authentically represent the Western heritage, craftsmanship, and pride that Big Tex has embodied for generations. We’re excited for fairgoers to see Big Tex sporting a new look that celebrates the very best of Texas.”
For more than 60 years, Cavender’s has served Texans as the premier Western retailer. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company has grown into one of the nation’s largest Western wear retailers, operating more than 130 stores across 19 states. That legacy of celebrating Texas and Western culture has been honored with their induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Beyond its stores, Cavender’s proudly supports rodeos across Texas and invests in the next generation of Western athletes and communities, helping preserve the traditions and values that define the Western way of life.
“The State Fair of Texas is one of the most recognizable traditions in our state, so being asked to become the Official Western Wear Store of Big Tex is incredibly special for our team,” said Jennifer Green, Cavender’s Senior Manager Western & Community Partnerships. “Big Tex has welcomed generations of Texans to the Fair, and we’re honored to play a small part in that tradition by collaborating on his new signature shirt.”
Started in Pittsburg, Texas in 1965 by James and Pat Cavender, Cavender’s has been deeply rooted in the traditions, values, and heritage that define Texas.
“The State Fair of Texas has been bringing families together for generations, just as Cavender’s has welcomed generations of families into our stores,” said Mike Cavender, son of James and Pat, and Vice President of Cavender’s Boot City. “It’s a privilege to play a small role in one of Texas’ most cherished traditions. We’re honored that Big Tex will wear a Cavender’s shirt, and we’re proud to stand alongside Resistol and the State Fair in celebrating the heritage, craftsmanship and values that make Texas so special.”
Joining Cavender’s is Resistol, one of the Western industry’s most recognized names in premium cowboy hats. Founded in Dallas in 1927 and headquartered in Garland, Texas, Resistol has spent nearly a century crafting iconic hats worn by working cowboys, ranchers, rodeo athletes, and cultural legends including George Strait and John Wayne. This partnership holds special historical significance, as Resistol’s first Western cowboy hat debuted at the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition at Fair Park, making its role as the official hat partner for Big Tex a full-circle moment nearly 90 years later.
From Big Tex’s custom shirt to his signature hat, each element reflects the State Fair of Texas’ commitment to honoring the stories, traditions, and craftsmanship that continue to bring generations together. When Big Tex welcomes guests to the 2026 State Fair of Texas, he will represent more than timeless Western style. His new look celebrates the heritage and enduring spirit of the Lone Star State while honoring the legacies of two iconic Texas brands that have helped define Western wear for generations.
See Big Tex’s new look at the 2026 State Fair of Texas, themed “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,” running Friday, September 25, through Sunday, October 18.