Big Tex is getting a new pardner for this year’s State Fair of Texas, and that means the 55-foot-tall Texan is also getting some fresh, new duds.
The fair said the new shirt design is sponsored by Tyler-based Cavender’s Boot City and “blends classic Western style with a distinctly Texas story.” The fair said they worked with Cavenders to “develop the style, color palette, and overall direction for Big Tex’s new shirt.”
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Big Tex will debut a new shirt, sponsored by Cavender’s Boot City, for the 2026 State Fair of Texas.
“Nothing says Texas more than Big Tex and Cavender’s. Pair that with his pearl snap shirt, how can it be any more Texas than that! Big Tex’s shirt is featuring our signature Rafter C angled pearl snap pocket. It’s a match made in heaven! We are proud to be a part of such a great tradition,” said Clay Cavender.
A new twist for Big Tex’s wardrobe
The State Fair of Texas and Cavender’s said that instead of rotating Big Tex’s shirt every three years for a totally new design, they’ll change key elements every year to keep his look fresh while giving the fair its own visual story.
“The blue shirt panels will serve as the annual storytelling element, providing a canvas that can be refreshed to honor commemorative artwork, celebrate significant fair milestones, or mark important moments in Texas and American history,” the fair said.
For 2026, the State Fair of Texas said the inaugural panel design will celebrate America’s 250th birthday but with Texas style. The panels on this year’s shirt include an eagle, a star and a horseshoe.
Big Tex will debut a new shirt, sponsored by Cavender’s Boot City, for the 2026 State Fair of Texas. (State Fair of Texas)
“The design offers a subtle nod to the milestone while staying true to Big Tex’s classic Western aesthetic. The result is a look that is distinctly Big Tex: iconic, authentic, and unmistakably Texas,” the fair said.
The State Fair of Texas is also partnering with three other iconic Texas brands to outfit Big Tex. Resistol will create his iconic 95-gallon cowboy hat, Levi’s will sew custom 501 blue jeans, and Lucchese will stitch together this pair of size 96 boots. The designs for the jeans and hat will be released at a later date.
The 2026 State Fair of Texas runs Sept. 25 through Oct. 18 at Fair Park in Dallas.