Western Wear Plus Sizes

If you are a country gal or just want to look like one, then expand your wardrobe to include some western wear in plus sizes.

Think rodeos, cowgirls and the Old West, and you will have a slight idea of what western wear entails. However, add in a bit of flare, style, and yes, even a little sass, and you will get what today's western wear is all about. Traditional garments and accessories included in this style of clothing include:

• Jeans
• Boots
• Belts
• Belt buckles
• Long-sleeve flannel shirts
• Embellished t-shirts
• Vests (suede, fringed or the like)
• Decorative blouses
• Dresses (yes, even wedding gowns)
• Skirts
• Hats
• Bandanas

Plus size women sport western wear for a variety of reasons. For starters, the clothing is comfortable. What could be more comfortable to wear outdoors in cooler weather than a great pair of jeans with boots and a soft shirt? In many areas of the United States, this attire is practical to wear. The wide-rimmed cowboy hats protect some from the blazing sun while outdoors, while the long sleeves and pants protect the skin from a variety of elements. Wearing western style clothing gives some individuals a feeling of life in the Old West.

In an article called Cowboy Clothes and The Old West, when asked to give an image or impression of Americans, some individuals who live outside of the United States used words such as "cowboy" and "jeans" in their descriptions. "It's no wonder. From such humble beginnings, denim jeans and cowboys have represented much of what makes Americans proud to be Americans — both are rugged and unpretentious, and they personify a rebellious spirit and individual freedom," the article states.

Some plus size women might prefer some of the western styles of clothing because they may help flatter their bodies and boost their self-esteem. Others may like these garments because even though they look casual, they are very polished and neat. Again, another way to "dress up" without actually dressing up. But from a fashion standpoint, there are many other reasons why women choose western wear in plus sizes, including:

• Country line dancing
• On a hayride
• Horseback riding
• County fairs
• 4-H Club shows
• Horse shows
• Apple picking
• A pumpkin patch

Today's full-figured western wear is much different than what was worn in days gone by. For instance, blue jeans are no longer stiff and straight-legged. Women can choose from a variety of styles including boot-cut or skinny and many of them have a hint of spandex to help them move more easily with your body. Cowboy boots now come in many colors including red, blue and pink, and even more so are the changes made to women's western shirts. Between embellishments, styles and cuts, there are many, many more choices available.

While jeans are probably the easiest to find of western attire, there are many other stores online where you can purchase complementary garments:

• PFI Western has a section of plus size shirts in more than 30 styles, many in sizes up to 2XL. Choose from pink plaid snap down shirts, a Rock 'n Roll Cowgirl t-shirt or a tunic shirt. Several styles of jeans are also available.
• Renton Western Wear sells a few styles of country attire including a Jacquard Keyhole Dress up to size 30W and a cute studded western blouse up to 3X.
• Sheplers offers a large variety of plus size garments such as skirts, long-sleeved tops and jeans. Many of the tops come in sizes up to 3X, while the jeans come in various petite, average and tall sizes up to 28W.
• Western Cowgirl carries a range of Rhinestone Hoodies and Cowgirl T-Shirts in sizes up to XXL.

Dress up your western attire with some great accessories such as:

• Suede pant boots by Lane Bryant
• Studded and rhinestone belts by Western Cowgirl
• Purses, wallets and belts by Just a Little Western
• Boots by Boot Barn

As with all women's plus size clothing, make sure the garments fit before you commit to buying them. If you purchase the items online, carefully read the return policy first. Especially with the jeans, allow a little room for shrinkage when washing.

• Books on Dressing for Plus Size
• Plus Size Winter Jackets and Coats
• Women's Plus Size Jeans
• Are you plus size fashion savvy?

• Plus Size Women's Mother of the Bride Dresses
• Designer Plus Size Evening Wear
• Dress Barn Woman
• Chic Plus Size Cocktail Dresses
• Cheap Plus Size Women's Dresses

• Plus Sized Button Fly Jeans
• Plus Size Concert Shirts
• Flannel Shirts Plus Sizes
• Western Plus Size Jeans
• Plus Size Equestrian Clothing