Texas pride is a language all its own. It’s not just about big hats or BBQ sauce stains on a well-loved shirt; it’s about the everyday details that signal home, no matter where you’re standing.
Accessories make that statement without overpowering your outfit or your space. With the right mix, you can keep a little Lone Star energy with you whether you’re boarding a flight, walking into a conference, or pulling up at a tailgate.
Below is a practical guide to accessories that feel authentic, hold up to real use, and travel well.
Know the Basics
Before you pin, print, or wear anything with the Texas flag on it, it’s worth a quick look at the state’s rules for display.
Texas has its own flag code outlined in Government Code Chapter 3100. A few key points:
- Vertical display: Blue on top and the white stripe on the observer’s left.
- With other flags: No flag should fly above the Texas flag, except the U.S. flag, as specified in the law.
- Vehicles and other displays: The code gives guidance on flags for cars, caskets, and buildings.
Knowing the basics ensures your gear is respectful and confident rather than unintentional parody. If you’re designing or buying custom gear, double-check that your vendor follows the code for proportions and placement.
Everyday Wearables That Travel Anywhere
No matter where life takes you, a few well-chosen wearables can quietly signal Texas pride without weighing down your suitcase or your style.
Cowboy Hats That Are Actually Texan
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If you want to project Texas from a mile away, start with a cowboy hat. The craft is alive and well in Garland, where Hatco manufactures Stetson and Resistol hats.
Production there traces back to the 1930s, and both brands now offer a wide range of straw and felt styles.
How to Pick One That Fits Your Life
Feature
Best For
Why It Matters
Straw
Summer, festivals, outdoor games
Breathable, lightweight
Felt
Fall football, stock shows, evenings
Dressier holds shape
Crown & Brim
Lower crown with medium brim
Less wind-catching, versatile
Care Kit
Brush + travel case
Keeps the hat looking sharp on the road
Where to Buy in Person
Resistol and Stetson maintain outlet and factory-adjacent retail in Garland and Irving. You’ll find deep selections across fits and price points, plus staff who know how to fit you properly.
Boots That Walk the Talk
Boots do double duty: they elevate jeans and turn shorts into a statement. Two standout brands:
- Lucchese (founded in San Antonio, now based in El Paso) with legacy craftsmanship.
- Tecovas (Austin-based) with a modern direct-to-consumer approach.
Belt Buckles and State-Seal Keepsakes
If you prefer subtle nods, a classic Texas star buckle or a state-seal motif can be your signature. The Texas Capitol Gift Shop sells officially licensed items like “Don’t mess with Texas” accessories and state seal designs. Buying there keeps you on the right side of licensing while supporting a state institution.
Jewelry With Texas DNA
James Avery Artisan Jewelry, founded in Kerrville, is a Hill Country icon. Their pieces, Texas outline charms, bluebonnet motifs, and “TX” designs, are made for everyday wear.
Recent collaborations even celebrate Texas favorites like Blue Bell ice cream, a wink only Texans will immediately recognize.
Ball Caps and Sport Logos
@andys_caps Fitted of the day Texas #fittedcaps #texasrangers⚾️ #streetstyle #ExploreMor ♬ Texas – RNB.FOEMOB
Sports gear is a fast way to declare your zip code. Think:
- “T” caps for the Rangers
- A spur for San Antonio
- Longhorns and Aggies collegiate marks
You can buy officially licensed pieces from team shops. Even Texas retailers like H-E-B stock team tees that work well on game day.
Carry-Everywhere Accessories
Sometimes the smallest items make the biggest impact. Under “Carry-Everywhere Accessories,” you’ll find practical pieces built for daily use that quietly show your Texas roots wherever life takes you.
Drinkware That Survives a Texas Summer
Are you familiar with $YETI? Famous for its high-end Tundra coolers, YETI is an American designer, retailer, and distributor of products for the great outdoors.
The company has grown its revenue from $90M to $1.6B since 2013, an impressive 10-year CAGR of 33%.
The YETI Brand… pic.twitter.com/tsNzv0aBab
— Quartr (@Quartr_App) December 12, 2023
YETI, founded in Austin by Roy and Ryan Seiders, built its reputation on the Gulf Coast’s brutal fishing days. Their stainless drinkware and coolers keep water, tea, or soda cold long after kickoff or a river float.
Good Picks to Start
- 20 to 30 oz insulated tumbler for your car console
- Slim can be an insulator for tailgates and porch hangs
- Soft cooler for road trips to lakes and trailheads
Many tumblers can be customized with laser-engraved Texas outlines or personal monograms. It turns a practical item into a travel-ready statement.
Hats, Bandanas, and Bags From Texas Originals
Not every Texas brand looks purely Western.
- Howler Brothers (Austin) blends hill-country, surf, and outdoor culture into hats and soft goods.
- Tumbleweed TexStyles (Frisco) and Texas Humor (Austin) create hand-drawn designs, stickers, caps, and simple tees that travel well.
These brands give you options for representing your home state, whether you’re on a downtown coffee run, a Barton Springs picnic, or a Padre weekend.
Your Car as a Canvas
Your car can carry Texas pride just as boldly as your wardrobe. With the right touches, every road trip turns into a moving tribute to the Lone Star spirit.
Specialty License Plates
Want your vehicle to speak Texan before you step out? Check specialty and personalized plates. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles oversees them, and you can order through approved channels.
Fast Facts to Know
- “Texas Classic” is the current general-issue plate with embedded security features.
- Personalized plates are subject to approval, with one, three, or five-year renewal terms.
- Tens of thousands are issued each year, so plan ahead for clever combinations.
Conservation Plates With a Cause
Texas Parks and Wildlife offers conservation plate designs that support state wildlife and habitats. If you want your car to show pride and fund something local at the same time, consider one of these.
Window Decals and Bumper Stickers
A simple Lone Star, longhorn silhouette, or bluebonnet decal adds character. Place them clear of windshield sightlines, lights, and mirrors.
Obstruction rules live in the Texas Transportation Code and city ordinances, so when in doubt, keep decals in non-critical sight areas.
Texas Icons That Make People Smile in Any State
Nothing sparks instant recognition like the everyday symbols Texans love. Below, you’ll find a few playful, authentic icons that bring a smile no matter where you roam.
Buc-ee’s Gear for the Road
Buc-ee’s is a Texas travel-center legend known for spotless restrooms, giant snack aisles, and a beaver mascot. Hats, tees, and small accessories are available in-store.
Third-party resellers exist online if you’re gifting a far-away Texan, but selection varies.
Whataburger’s WhataStore
Breakfast on a bun and an orange-and-white cup are Texas shorthand. The official WhataStore sells caps, blankets, socks, and novelty items inspired by the chain’s A-frame rooflines and ketchup packets. Perfect for graduates moving out of state or coworkers who became Whataburger converts.
“Don’t Mess With Texas” That Actually Supports the Mission
The slogan began as a TxDOT anti-littering campaign in the 1980s and evolved into a cultural signal. For official merchandise, check the Texas Highways shop. Buying licensed gear helps control quality and keeps the association with litter prevention sharp.
The campaign’s impact is real, with studies documenting reductions in roadside litter and ongoing education efforts.
Nature-Driven Motifs With Deep Roots
You can nod to the state’s natural heritage with accessories featuring official symbols:
- Bluebonnet (state flower)
- Northern mockingbird (state bird)
- Pecan (state tree)
- Texas longhorn (state large mammal)
- Rodeo (official state sport)
Jewelry, patches, and prints that use these symbols read Texas without a single word. Museum resources and state agencies keep concise lists if you want motifs that feel authentic.
How to Choose Quality and Avoid Throwaway Souvenirs
Not every accessory with a Lone Star logo is worth your money. A quick focus on quality, authenticity, and where it’s made can save you from souvenirs that wear out fast and help you pick pieces that last.
Look for Texas Provenance
Factory towns and brand stories matter. Resistol and Stetson are made in Garland. YETI is Austin-born. James Avery grew up in the Hill Country.
Those details become part of your own story when someone asks about your hat, cup, or charm.
Buy From Official or Mission-Aligned Shops
For state symbols and the “Don’t mess with Texas” slogan, buy licensed items through official outlets like the Texas Highways store or the Capitol Gift Shop. That keeps you aligned with trademark rules and supports state programs.
Prioritize Materials That Age Well
- Felt or quality straw in hats
- Full-grain leather in belts and wallets
- Surgical or sterling silver in jewelry
- Drinkware with reliable insulation and lids that don’t leak
Maintain the Look
Brush felt hats, keep boots conditioned, and rinse stainless drinkware to prevent odor. Accessories that look cared for say good things about their owner.
Sample Starter Kits
Want a quick way to pull your look together? The sample starter kits below pair tried-and-true Texas accessories so you can hit the road with an authentic mix that feels effortless.
The Subtle Traveler
- James Avery Texas mini charm on a thin chain
- Howler Brothers unstructured cap
- YETI Rambler 20 oz tumbler with custom laser engraving
The Weekend Tailgater
- Team tee or cap from an official or Texas retailer like H-E-B
- Specialty license plate or conservation plate that funds wildlife
- Whataburger cooler tote for snacks and sauces
The Classic Texan
- Resistol or Stetson hat fitted in Garland or at a trusted Western shop
- Lucchese or Tecovas boots for everyday wear
- State-seal belt buckle from the Capitol Gift Shop
Quick Buyer’s Table
Accessory Type
Why Texans Love It
Where to Find Solid Options
Travel Friendly
Cowboy Hat
Instantly recognizable, practical sun coverage
Resistol and Stetson in Garland
Use a crush-resistant case for flights
Boots
Dress up or down, built for miles
Lucchese, Tecovas
Wear on travel day to save luggage space
Jewelry
Subtle symbols with heritage
James Avery Hill Country designs
Layerable and TSA-friendly
Drinkware
Beats the heat and reduces single-use plastic
YETI from Austin
Spill-resistant lids for cars and flights
Plates & Decals
Make the vehicle your canvas
TxDMV specialty plates, conservation plates
Legal, durable, supports causes
Slogans & Tees
Cultural shorthand everyone gets
Texas Highways “Don’t mess with Texas,” Capitol Gift Shop
Packs light, easy gifts
Final Etiquette Notes So Your Pride Wears Well
- Follow the Texas Flag Code when you display the Lone Star on a wall, vehicle, or large hanging. It’s easy to get white-left versus red-right wrong on a vertical display.
- The “Don’t mess with Texas” mark is a TxDOT trademark. Licensed gear is the way to go if you want the phrase on shirts or stickers.
- For vanity plates, keep it clean. The state can deny combinations that don’t follow the guidelines.
Closing Thoughts
Showing Texas pride is about more than big gestures. It’s the well-worn belt buckle you fasten every morning, the cup in your console that outlasts a road trip, the hat that shades you through a summer football game.
By choosing pieces with real roots and practical quality, you’re carrying a slice of the Lone Star everywhere you go.
It’s a quiet but unmistakable signal: no matter where you travel, Texas travels with you.
