“Howdy, Folks!”

Standing 55 feet tall, Big Tex is an iconic symbol of Texas, welcoming millions of fairgoers to Dallas’ Fair Park each year for the State Fair of Texas. This year, Big Tex is getting a new look, including a Resistol cowboy hat.

Resistol proudly announces its partnership with the State Fair of Texas as Big Tex's official hat, further cementing the Texas-based brand’s connection to one of the state’s most recognizable icons.

“At Resistol, we are incredibly proud to be recognized as the cowboy hat of Big Tex and a symbol of the authentic Texas spirit celebrated at the State Fair of Texas,” said Resistol President Devin Marcum. “Our partnerships with Cavender’s and the State Fair of Texas are relationships we deeply believe in and are truly honored to be a part of. Together, we celebrate the traditions, values and Western heritage that connect generations of Texans and cowboy hat enthusiasts alike.”

For Resistol, the partnership represents a true full-circle moment. As the Garland, Texas-based company prepares to celebrate its centennial anniversary, it is tipping its hat to its longstanding history with the State Fair of Texas. The partnership holds special historical significance, as Resistol’s first Western cowboy hat debuted at the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition at Fair Park. Nearly 90 years later, Resistol’s role as the official hat partner of Big Tex brings that history full circle.

In celebration of the partnership, Resistol is also teaming up with fellow Texas-based company Cavender’s Boot City, the official Western wear store of Big Tex. As part of the partnership, Cavender’s collaborated on the design of Big Tex’s signature Western shirt, giving the Texas icon a new — and distinctly Texan — look.

For more than 60 years, Cavender’s has served Texans as a premier Western retailer. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company has grown into one of the nation’s largest Western wear retailers, operating more than 140 stores across 19 states. 

“The State Fair of Texas has been bringing families together for generations, just as Cavender’s has welcomed generations of families into our stores,” said Mike Cavender, son of James and Pat Cavender and vice president of Cavender’s Boot City, in a recent release. “It’s a privilege to play a small role in one of Texas’ most cherished traditions. We’re honored that Big Tex will wear a Cavender’s shirt, and we’re proud to stand alongside Resistol and the State Fair in celebrating the heritage, craftsmanship and values that make Texas so special.”

The 2025 State Fair of Texas marked its 139th year with a spirited celebration that brought together people from across the Lone Star State and beyond for 24 days of food, festivities and fun. More than 2.02 million people attended the fair, experiencing the sights, sounds and flavors that have earned the State Fair of Texas its reputation as the “Most Texan Place on Earth.”

The 2026 State Fair of Texas will run Sept. 25 through Oct. 18 at Fair Park in Dallas. Fairgoers can see Big Tex’s new Resistol hat and Cavender’s Western shirt throughout the 24-day celebration.

For more information about the State Fair of Texas, visit the official State Fair of Texas website.