What to Wear for Rodeo: Nailing the Pearl Snap Shirt Style

What to Wear for Rodeo: Nailing the Pearl Snap Shirt Style

Except for perhaps a pearl snap shirt, no one thing quite resonates with the style of the West: an iconic heirloom-quality garment that is as rugged as it is refined. With snap closures and heavy-duty construction, pearl snap shirts have long been synonymous with intrepid cowboys and death-defying rodeo riders. This classic morphs into a multi-wear fashion staple with so many different ways to style it.

In this guide, I will share my insights on how to rock the pearl snap shirt for any occasion, take you through the storied history of this iconic shirt, and showcase some of the best places to shop for high-quality, American-made versions including options from Richter Goods.

What Exactly is a Pearl Snap Shirt?

Without more than a passing first look, one might even assume that a pearl snap shirt is like any other button-up; however, snap shirts differ by their distinctive snaps. Most are crafted from mother-of-pearl or metal, which adds flair in functionality, plus this distinctiveness. Originally designed for cowboys and ranchers alike, the snaps allow easy putting on and taking off in a hurry, great for those out on the range.
Today, the pearl snaps shirt is acclaimed for its unique balance of hard-wearing resilience and fashion. One size fit for all, the garment can either be worn in everyday casual use or smart-casual.

The Pearl Snap Shirts: A Brief History

These shirts were born out of the love of cowboys, rodeo competitors, and the ranchers of West America, in the middle of 20th century. The reasons these shirts became their favorite shirts include not just their appeal but also a lot to do with their functionality.

The snaps did not come off, unlike buttons that might pop off under strain. They were perfect for active, hands-on work that defined cowboy life. What began as simply raw workwear had, over the decades, become a fashion of the most laid back, roughneck kind.

How to Wear Your Pearl Snap Shirt

Classic Cowboy

Conjure that charming Western look, genuine to your men's pearl snap shirt, a well-worn pair of jeans, and high-rise classic cowboy boots. Try it with some real western yokes for a throwback, bold decorative stitching, and of course, some good snaps. With it, you are good to go, be it a rodeo visit or a special love for the concept of country concerts and an urge to add some flair to your life's routine.

Wear Modern Casual Style:

Modern take on the pearl snap shirt: untucked over a pair of dark jeans or chinos. Get it in a solid color or a slight pattern for a more sleek, understated look. Complete it all with some casual sneakers or loafers for an effortlessly put together look. You really can wear it for casual days out, coffee dates, or casual Fridays.

Master the Art of Layering:

Pearl snap shirts are great for layering and can always amp up an outfit. Add another level of visual interest by layering an open collar shirt over a basic white tee to create a laid-back, casual style. For those cold times of the year, it can be paired with a denim or leather jacket: this cool, rough detail will definitely keep you warm. Not only does layering provide extra warmth, but it also adds dimension and texture to an overall look.

Choosing the Right Type of Pearl Snap Shirt

In choosing a pearl snap shirt, first and foremost, there can be several variations to consider. This would include open collar shirts, or even camp collar shirts. Such variations can put a fresh twist on the otherwise classic design:

Open Collar Shirts:

These are simply great to wear for casual, relaxed attire. Open collar shirts adorned with pearl snaps can be ideally worn with jeans or shorts and then create that perfect casual, laid-back look.

Camp Collar Shirts:

A camp collar features a very easy relaxed collar; sometimes, this type of collar also comes in a looser fit on the shirt. This is a great collar to have for vintage style. They're just a bit festive to wear on a hot day, but the camp collar shirt retains that pearl snap a lot of times.

The Benefits of American-Made Shirts

Wearing American-made shirts is not just fashion: it speaks quality make and resonates with a cause close by. American-made shirts, particularly are made to the highest standards, with incredible attention to detail and only the very finest materials.

This guarantees durability and satisfaction in comfort whenever you are making an investment in an American-made pearl snap shirt. It means you are getting a piece that will stand the test of time and will become a heritage of quality workmanship.

Where to Buy the Best Pearl Snap Shirts

Sometimes, however, less is more, especially in the case of buying some high-priced dimes-a-dozen Snap Shirt. Below are some outlets we'd like to recommend:

Richter Goods: Finely crafted quality garments designed with detail, Richter Goods offers American’s style Pearl Snap Shirts in an array of both traditional Western and contemporary styles

Levi's: Equally celebrated for their denim, Levi's has a number of great chambray and pearl snaps shirts available. By melding the brand's vaunted durability with the light, diverse functionality of chambray, they've created some truly fantastic men’s shirts.

J. Crew: With their number of styles and fits, J. Crew puts just the right styling into their shirts for those looking to keep a solid balance of classic/cool. Their shirts are well crafted and would be ideal for a smart-casual to casual occasion.

Urban Outfitters: With a much more high-street acquisition, Urban Outfitters carries their pearl snapped shirts in different patterns and color combinations. Good for just someone looking to try out some new styles but wanting to keep it low-key.

Final Thoughts:

Far from a simple homage to the best of Western heritage, the pearl snap shirt is one garment that works very easily into almost anyone's wardrobe, fancy or plain, for any given occasion.

Whether your aspiration goes as far back as the classic, rodeo-ready look, or it rests on the modern casual, a pearl snap shirt can give you an effective way to add a touch of rough charm to an outfit.

With so many great American-made options out there, from Richter Goods and beyond, you can make a purchase that is not only stylish but also built to last. So, next time you are looking to switch up your style, add a pearl snap shirt to your rotation, you won't regret it!