western wear

Western Wear Mourns

By admin ⋅ August 14, 2008 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Sad news today in the world of western wear. Jack Weil who is credited with creating the very first western style shirt died in his home at the age of 107. From KRDO.com:

Jack A. Weil, founder of a Western wear store whose shirts were favored by movie actors and rock stars, died Wednesday. He was 107.

Weil died at home with his family present, said Steve Weil, his grandson and president of Rockmount Ranch Wear, which his grandfather founded in 1946.

Steve Weil says his grandfather was the first to design Western shirts with snap buttons and also created sawtooth-pattern pockets.

His shirts have been worn by Elvis Presley, Clark Gable, Heath Ledger, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton. Rockmount also designed shirts for Colorado’s House delegation for the Democratic National Convention.

Steve Weil says his grandfather remained chief executive officer of Rockmount and went to work daily until his death. He was believed to be the oldest CEO in the world.