Big Tex to sport a new look at this year’s State Fair

The State Fair of Texas has announced two new partnerships relating to its iconic cowboy, Big Tex. The first is with Cavender’s Boot City, which will produce his shirt. The second is with Levi’s, which will produce his jeans.

The State Fair of Texas and Cavender’s partnership will see a new annual design tradition for the 55-foot tall Big Tex.

“Rather than replacing his entire shirt every three years, key elements of the design will evolve each year, keeping his iconic look fresh while giving each Fair its own visual story,” a spokesman said, noting that the shirt’s blue panels will provide a canvas that can be changed each year to do such things as honor commemorative artwork, celebrate significant Fair milestones, or mark important historical moments. This year, the panels celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.

“We’re proud to partner with Cavender’s to bring together two Texas institutions that share a deep appreciation for the heritage and traditions of the Lone Star State,” said Mitchell Glieber, State Fair of Texas president. “Together, we’re establishing a new annual tradition for Big Tex that keeps his iconic Western style fresh while giving us a new story to tell each year.”

As part of the State Fair’s new partnership with Levi's, Big Tex will now wear a custom pair of 501®s, “adding one of America's most recognizable garments to the beloved cowboy's signature western look,” the spokesman said. “Together, the partnership unites two icons whose legacies have become woven into the fabric of American culture through authenticity, craftsmanship, and a shared connection to generations of families. 

See Big Tex's new look at the 2026 State Fair of Texas, which is themed "Stars, Stripes, and Howdies," and runs from Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Oct. 18. 

For more information about the fair, including tickets, visit www.bigtex.com.