Big Tex will debut a fresh Western look when he welcomes visitors to the 2026 State Fair of Texas, thanks to a new partnership naming Cavender’s Boot City the official Western wear store of the iconic fair ambassador.
The State Fair of Texas announced that Tyler-based Cavender’s collaborated on the design of Big Tex’s signature Western shirt, while Garland-based Resistol will provide his trademark 95-gallon cowboy hat. The partnership brings together three Texas institutions with longstanding ties to the state’s Western heritage.
“Big Tex has long represented the spirit, hospitality, and traditions that make Texas unique,” Jennifer Schuder, senior vice president of customer engagement for the State Fair of Texas, said in a statement.
“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.”
The collaboration comes as the State Fair prepares for its 2026 event, themed “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,” which runs from September 25 through October 18 at Fair Park in Dallas.
Texas Brands With Deep Roots
Founded in Pittsburg, Texas, in 1965 by James and Pat Cavender, Cavender’s has grown from a single family-owned store into one of the nation’s largest Western wear retailers. The company now operates more than 130 locations across 19 states and has been inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame for its contributions to preserving Western culture.
“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 of Western and 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.”
Mike Cavender, vice president of Cavender’s Boot City and son of the company’s founders, said the partnership reflects the shared histories of the retailer and the fair.
“The State Fair of Texas has been bringing families together for generations, just as Cavender’s has welcomed generations of families into our stores,” he said. “It’s a privilege to play a small role in one of Texas’ most cherished traditions.”
Resistol Returns to Fair Park Roots
Joining Cavender’s is Resistol, one of the country’s best-known cowboy hat makers.
Founded in Dallas in 1927 and now headquartered in Garland, Resistol has spent nearly a century producing hats worn by ranchers, rodeo competitors and entertainers, including George Strait and John Wayne.
The partnership also carries historical significance. Resistol introduced its first Western cowboy hat at the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition held at Fair Park, making its role as Big Tex’s official hat supplier nearly 90 years later a symbolic return to where its Western legacy began.
A Symbol of Texas Tradition
Standing 55 feet tall, Big Tex has greeted millions of fairgoers since becoming the State Fair’s official ambassador in 1952. While his wardrobe has evolved over the decades, his cowboy persona has remained one of the most recognizable symbols of Texas culture.
State Fair officials said Big Tex’s updated attire reflects their ongoing commitment to celebrating Texas craftsmanship and heritage.
“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,” the fair said in its announcement.
When Big Tex greets visitors this fall, officials said his refreshed look will showcase not only timeless Western style but also the enduring legacy of quintessential Texas brands that have helped define Western wear for generations.
For the past several years, Texas bootmaker Luchesse has crafted Big Tex’s size 96 footwear. The 55-foot-tall cultural icon is set to receive a new pair of Luchesse boots this fall, designed by Big Tex Boot Design Contest winner Aaliyah McNeal, The Dallas Express reported.
Provided by Dallas Express
