Vintage RL Western Shirt. The iconic design of the Western shirt is a blend between popular dress of Europeans and traditional Native American garments. Due to scarcity of materials, the shirt was originally sewn using leather and animal skins caught during expeditions, until the early 1900s when tailors received better access to cottons and wools. It was at that time that the shirt was updated to include many of the signature details found on the Western-style shirts of today. Longer lengths became customary to prevent the shirt from becoming untucked while on horseback, and the signature pointed yoke found across the shoulders and chest was added to provide better support and durability in the field. Snap closures were added in the early 1900s thanks to Rockmount Ranch Wear founder, Jack A. Weil — whose innovations allowed for better functionality for cowboys and rodeo riders in the event their cuffs were snagged on a fence.
