The History of Starr Western Wear: Serving the Western Lifestyle Since 1964

Starr Western Wear has long been a recognizable name for those who value authentic Western clothing, durable workwear, and classic cowboy style. What began as a single storefront in downtown El Paso has grown into a trusted Western retailer known for serving hardworking individuals, families, and Western lifestyle enthusiasts across Texas and beyond.

This is the story of how Starr Western Wear was founded, how it evolved, and why it continues to play an important role in Western fashion today.

The Beginning: A Downtown El Paso Staple

Starr Western Wear opened its first store in 1964 in downtown El Paso, Texas. At the time, Western wear was not a trend or fashion statement. It was everyday clothing for people whose livelihoods depended on durable, functional gear.

The original intent behind Starr Western Wear was clear: to serve men working in farming and ranching industries, from ranch owners and managers to hands working in the field. These customers needed clothing that could withstand long hours, harsh conditions, and physical labor, while still offering comfort and reliability.

Early inventory focused on essentials such as:

• Heavyweight denim jeans
  
• Long-lasting Western shirts
  
• Practical work boots
  
• Belts, hats, and accessories built for daily wear

Starr quickly became known as a place where customers could find gear they could depend on, not just for special occasions, but for real work.

Expanding Beyond Workwear

As Western culture and lifestyles evolved, so did Starr Western Wear. While the store’s roots remained firmly planted in ranch and agricultural communities, the definition of “Western wear” began to broaden.

Western clothing increasingly became a way for people to express identity, heritage, and personal style, not just a work uniform. Starr responded by expanding its offerings to include Western apparel for the entire family, while still maintaining its commitment to quality and practicality.

Over time, Starr added women’s Western shirts, denim, and outerwear and children’s clothing designed for durability and comfort. Casual and lifestyle Western footwear also became a cornerstone of this new, more casual approach, including fashion-forward accessories like purses, wallets, and jewelry

This expansion allowed Starr to serve not only working professionals, but also families, students, and anyone drawn to Western and outdoor-inspired fashion.

A Focus on Quality and Variety

One of the defining characteristics of Starr Western Wear’s history is its emphasis on quality and selection. Rather than limiting customers to a narrow product range, Starr focused on offering a wide variety of styles, fits, and brands.

Today, Starr Western Wear carries an extensive selection of:

• Jeans and pants
  
• Western and casual shirts
  
• Boots and everyday footwear
  
• Jackets and seasonal outerwear
  
• Hats, belts, buckles, and accessories

By offering both well-established and emerging Western brands, Starr has positioned itself as a retailer where customers can find classic staples alongside newer interpretations of Western style.

Serving Cowboys and Those Who Appreciate Western Style

While Starr Western Wear was originally created to serve cowboys and ranch workers, its customer base has grown to include anyone who appreciates Western attire and outdoor-inspired clothing.

This inclusive approach has helped Starr remain relevant across generations. Parents who once shopped at Starr for workwear now return with their children to outfit them for school, events, or everyday wear.

Customer Service as a Cornerstone

Beyond product selection, Starr Western Wear has built its reputation on customer service. From in-store assistance to helping customers find the right fit, the company has consistently emphasized a straightforward, helpful approach.

This commitment has contributed to Starr’s standing as a leading Western retailer in Texas, especially for shoppers seeking authentic Western clothing without gimmicks or unnecessary upselling.

Starr’s long-term success reflects a business model built on trust. Customers know they can rely on both the products and the people behind the counter.

Growth in a Changing Retail Landscape

As shopping habits shifted over the years, Starr Western Wear adapted to meet customer expectations while preserving its identity. Expanding into online retail allowed Starr to reach a broader audience while still offering the same core product categories and brand values.

Even with this growth, the company has remained focused on Western and outdoor lifestyle clothing, offering practical, wearable designs and products intended for everyday use, rather than novelty. This balance of tradition and accessibility has allowed Starr to remain competitive without losing sight of its origins.

Western Wear for Life’s Milestones

Another notable part of Starr Western Wear’s history is its role in outfitting customers for meaningful moments. Over the decades, shoppers have turned to Starr for clothing tied to weddings and quinceañeras, rodeos and livestock shows, holiday gatherings and family photos, and even school events and celebrations

From coordinated family outfits to standout statement pieces, Starr’s inventory has made it easier for customers to express Western style during important occasions.

Where Starr Western Wear Stands Today

Today, Starr Western Wear continues to operate with the same core principles established in 1964:

• Serving the Western and outdoor lifestyle
  
• Offering quality apparel for men, women, and children
  
• Providing variety without sacrificing authenticity

While trends come and go, Starr’s focus on Western fundamentals, durability, comfort, and timeless style remains unchanged.

A Continuing Legacy

The history of Starr Western Wear is not defined by rapid change or flashy reinvention. Instead, it is shaped by consistency, adaptability, and a clear understanding of its customers.

From its first downtown El Paso store to its current presence as a well-known Western retailer, Starr has remained dedicated to serving those who live, work, and identify with the Western way of life.

More than six decades after opening its doors, Starr Western Wear continues to do what it set out to do in 1964: provide dependable Western clothing and accessories for people who value authenticity, quality, and tradition.