Being a true western man has always been more than just putting on a cowboy shirt and boots and calling yourself a cowboy. In the days when the West was still wild, working cowboys and ranchers would get together to test their roping, riding and steer-wrestling skills. The unique look of western fashion, such as a men's western shirt, sturdy boots and a wide brim hat comes from the functional needs of these cowboys and ranch hands.

A cowboy worked long days on horseback tending to and moving livestock through miles of open pastures exposed to rain, sun and everything in between. A cowboy had to quickly master a special set of skills to manage cattle and horses, he had to think on his feet. Success or failure often centered on how he handled the tense reactive nature of the livestock. The same holds true today: a cowboy needs more than a hearty men's denim shirt to live up to the physical demands of a ranching life. A cowboy needs to be fast, he needs to have nerves of steel and he needs the sheer physical stamina to take on the wildest bull or bronco.

Both today and in decades past, the strongest, fastest and most skillful of men would be honored among his peers. Beginning in the 1830s western ranch workers would hold events to challenge one another in roping skill, speed, strength, and agility. This spectacle undoubtedly attracted an audience, and the rodeo was born.

Over the past century, the rodeo has evolved into a serious professional sport and does its part to breath new life into the iconic pastime. Today cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world including, USA, Canada, Mexico, South America, Australia, and Spain participate in professional competitions, risk serious injury, and brave the adrenaline of various events for a chance to be king or queen of the rodeo.

It is no secret that a true rodeo cowboy needs a men's western shirt that keeps up with the demanding and versatile rodeo lifestyle. A rodeo professional knows that a cowboy shirt such as a men's denim shirt is not just a fashion statement, but a useful material that will hold up to stains like mud, blood, sweat, tears, and hopefully an occasional victory.

While the stakes for rodeo participants are high and the thrill of simply watching the sport is unparalleled, every true rodeo fan knows that a cowboy shirt is only an accessory to the nerves, wit, drive and endurance required to press your luck and tempt your fate on the back of a bucking bull or bronco.