Western Bib-Shirt

This Ely Diamond bib-front western shirt brings a touch of Old Hollywood to the range. With its distinctive bib panel across the chest, pointed yokes, and snap buttons, it carries a look that’s instantly recognizable to fans of classic Western films.

Ely Diamond vs. Ely Cattleman

Ely Diamond was a sub-label under Ely & Walker, the same parent company behind the better-known Ely Cattleman brand. While Ely Cattleman became famous for colorful plaid pearl-snap shirts worn by countless country and western fans, Ely Diamond pieces are less common. They often feature specialty cuts, like this bib-front style, that appeal to collectors looking for something a little different from the mainstream line.

The Bib Shirt Story

The bib-front shirt’s roots go back to the 19th century, but not on the ranch. They were worn by firemen, soldiers, and some laborers, valued for the added chest layer that provided protection and durability. Cowboys of the frontier didn’t typically wear bib shirts — their clothing leaned more toward simple cotton or wool work shirts.

Where the bib shirt truly became a cowboy icon was in Hollywood. Costume designers in the early Westerns wanted bold looks that stood out on screen, and the bib shirt fit the bill. No one popularized it more than John Wayne, who wore bib shirts in many of his films, making them a signature of the silver-screen cowboy. Today, the bib shirt is recognized less as authentic frontier wear and more as a Hollywood-inspired western classic.

Condition

This Ely Diamond bib shirt is in great condition, with crisp snaps, strong fabric, and all the distinctive character intact. A fine example of how western film style crossed over into real-world wardrobes.