The State Fair of Texas will unveil a new look for its iconic mascot, Big Tex, when the event opens later this year. After decades of outfitting the giant cowboy figure in Dickies apparel, the fair announced on Wednesday that Big Tex will now wear a Western shirt designed by Cavender’s Boot City, with a new 95-gallon cowboy hat supplied by Resistol.

The change comes after Dickies relocated its headquarters from Fort Worth to California last year. Both Cavender’s and Resistol are longtime Texas-based companies, with Cavender’s headquartered in Tyler and Resistol, founded in Dallas in 1927, based in Garland. Jennifer Schuder, the State Fair’s senior vice president for customer service, described the collaboration as a partnership that highlights Texas heritage and craftsmanship, reflecting the spirit embodied by Big Tex for generations.

In addition to the new shirt and hat, Big Tex will also debut boots designed by 31-year-old Aaliyah McNeal. McNeal, who currently resides in Georgia but spent considerable time visiting the State Fair with family near Fair Park, won the 2026 design contest in March. Her design was selected from nearly 450 entries submitted for the size-96 boots.

Big Tex has been a central figure at the State Fair of Texas since his first appearance in 1952, serving as a landmark and symbol of Texas culture. This year’s fair, themed “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,” will run from September 25 through October 18, offering attendees the opportunity to see Big Tex’s updated attire as part of the celebration.