When it comes to high-quality, long-lasting denim, Wrangler has built quite the reputation. Whether you’re styling them for a casual day of errands or wearing them to rock out at a music festival, they have that “lived-in” vibe a quality many other denim brands lack.
Let’s talk about the brand for a sec. Wrangler started in Greensboro, North Carolina, and marketed themselves as a company committed to creating authentic Western jeans. Even though the quality and craftsmanship have remained the same, their popularity has spread far beyond the U.S.
Times have changed, which means manufacturers have shifted. So that begs the question… are Wrangler jeans still made in America? We’ll answer a few important Q&As about Wrangler that you need to know. Stick with us; you’ll be surprised by some of the answers!
Where Are Wrangler Jeans Made?
When Wrangler first got their start, they were exclusively made in America. Now? Most of the Wrangler jeans you’ll find are produced overseas. We know, we’re sad too. There have been a few different American-made collections that Wrangler’s put out over the years, but because they’re such high-quality, they tend to sell out prettyyyyy quick.
Unless you’re shopping on a second-hand site for used products, USA-made Wrangler jeans can be hard to come by. We admire the brand for their roots in the U.S. and their impact on jeans, so we’re still gonna answer all these need-to-know questions!
But, at the end of the day, we just wanna help you be sure that you’re purchasing jeans currently made in the USA. So don’t stress; we’re listing some of our fave USA-made jeans below!
When Did Wrangler Jeans Come Out?
We’re gonna throw it alllll the way back to 1897. Don’t worry; we aren’t about to bore you to tears just give you a few fun facts that can help you appreciate Wrangler’s craftsmanship!
In 1897, C.C. Hudson leaves Spring Hill Farm in Tennessee with one thing in mind: Fortune. Greensboro, North Carolina, was a HOT place to be if you wanted in the textile biz, so that’s exactly where he went. Sewing buttons for 25 cents a day, Hudson had no idea he would change the fashion game forever.
When his workplace closed, Hudson saw his opportunity. He bought several sewing machines and started making overalls under the name “Hudson Overall Company.” Not expecting to be so successful, Hudson moves to larger headquarters, rebrands as “Blue Bell Overall Company,” and business continues booming.
A manufacturing company, “Big Ben,” purchases Blue Bell and launches the game-changing “Super Big Ben Overalls,” which are overalls with 100% sanforized fabric that reduces shrinkage. From there, Blue Bell acquired Casey Jones Company, a work clothing manufacturer, and voilà! Wrangler was born.
Wrangler didn’t stop there. It went global, successfully launching in Europe and teaming up with celebrity tailor Rodeo Ben to create the authentic Western jeans we all know and love today. THX for coming to our Ted Talk!
Do Wrangler Jeans Shrink?
We know we boasted about that iconic Sanforized fabric, but unfortunately, only a few specific styles have that cotton. Otherwise, the answer is yes: Wrangler jeans can shrink. There are a few key tips to keep that from happening, though. Don’t dry your jeans (always hang and air dry), and wash them in cold water.
If you forget either of these steps, your jeans will only shrink 3-4%. But hey, that can make all the difference, right?!?
Do Wrangler Jeans Run Small?
Honestly, it all depends on the style and cut of jeans you get. While a few people say that Wrangler can run small, most people vouch for the brand and say that the jeans are comfortable and well-fitting.
If you’re worried about it, try one size larger than your typical pant size! Better safe than sorry and oversized is trending now anyway, right?
Are Wrangler Jeans Good?
Wrangler jeans are a supreme choice in the denim world. With high-quality cotton, reinforced stitching, and unbeatable durability, Wrangler earned its reputation. They’re a go-to for everything from rugged workwear to laidback, everyday style.
But because there’s such a rare batch of U.S.-made Wrangler jeans available, check out some of these other chic options we found!
10 Jeans Made in USA
Citizens of Humanity: Annina Jean
These lightwash beauts are made with 100% organic cotton for an impeccable look and feel. They feature light fading, distressed detail, and a 5-pocket design the more, the better, right?!?
These jeans are perfect to dress up or down. Pair them with a chic tank top and heels for a stylish night out look, or throw on an oversized hoodie and sneakers to really nail that street-style vibe.
Modern American: Highland Relaxed Crop Jeans
Everyone needs a pair of cropped jeans, especially from a brand that uses 100% USA-grown cotton and recycled materials. Sustainability FTW!
These jeans feature a more casual style than some of the other options you’ll find at Modern American, but if we’ve taught you anything, it’s that you can dress almost ANY look up with the right accessories.
A little denim-on-denim moment with a jean corset top and U-shaped gold earrings? Voilà, now you have a trendy dinner look.
Lovers and Friends: V-Front Curve
We found these jeans, and it was love at first sight. They’re the perfect shade of bubblegum pastel pink, and they feature a V-front style to accentuate your curves??? Yeah, bagged immediately.
Crafted from 100% midweight cotton, these jeans bring the perfect balance of style and comfort. Above the knee, they feature an 18” baggy fit, while below, a more tapered 16” cut to elongate your legs and add clean, structured lines. This is a head-turning pair, no doubt.
Slvrlake: Mica Low Rise Wide Leg
If you haven’t purchased anything from this brand yet, you’re missin’ out. Slvrlake is favored for its quality and construction, really tapping into that “premium vintage” aesthetic.
This 100% cotton midweight style is all about versatility, making it easy to create endless looks. But TBH, the dark wash color and lowrise cut is giving us that 90s-style, Rachel Green vibe, right? Pair them with this white baseball henley top and you’ve nailed it.
GRLFRND: Bella Low Rise Boyfriend
Look no further if you’re searching for stylish bottoms for every day wear. These intentionally distressed jeans are IT.
We’re all about the light whiskering detailing it’s the perfect chic touch. As for the fit, the relaxed hips and slouchy legs give it that effortlessly cool vibe we can’t get enough of. From the bar and dinner to casual brunch and running errands, these denim wonders are versatile AF.
Renggli: Slim Work Straight Leg
Even on business casual days, we still wanna bring a little tailored sophistication to the office. These white Renggli straight-leg jeans didn’t come to play.
Crafted with 100% cotton, this brand creates wardrobe staples that combine functionality and style. The slim tapered fit complements endless office-friendly looks while keeping you totally comfortable.
Citizens of Humanity: Brynn Trouser
We’re throwing it back to the street-style look (and Citizens of Humanity) because we honestly can’t get enough of either.
These jeans lay the foundation for creating a super hot, laid-back ‘fit. The button fly, drawstring waist tie, and 5-pocket style blend comfort with an edge for a chill and elevated vibe. If you love these jeans as much as we do and you wanna grab them in another color, your wish is our command. Click here to get the light wash pair!
Aligrace: Ultra Wide Cuff Customs
Aligrace is shaking up the denim game with a whole new approach, making its mark with some super unique detailing. These aren’t just regular jeans; they’re made with reclaimed vintage fabrics from brands like Levi’s to create pieces that are totally one-of-a-kind.
They still feature that zip fly, button closure, and 5-pocket design that we all know and love in a typical denim style; they’re just adding a customized flair.
We’ve said this 100 times before, but we always love getting our hands on a one-of-one.
Aligrace: Double Waist Customs
You didn’t think we’d drop a killer company like that and not provide at least two pairs, did you??? Plus, we couldn’t help but include these custom double-waist jeans.
Don’t be confused; these jeans aren’t JUST about the unique look. The 100% cotton design, dual button closure, and 5-pocket styling make them comfy, durable, and functional AF! A double waist isn’t an everyday fashion choice, so we totally get being skeptical at first glance. But, fashion is all about having fun and breaking barriers! Do it, do it, do it!
Mother: The High-Waisted Rider Skimp
This list wouldn’t be complete without adding a pair of high-rise black skinny jeans! They’re SO versatile, making them the perfect wardrobe staple piece. Plus, all of us millennials long for some skinnies.
These jeans feature a cotton-poly blend, making them durable and breathable. There’s light whiskering along the pockets, and they feature that same zip fly, button closure, and 5-pocket styling that all the other options have.
They’re great for workwear, nights out, or casual brunches with the girls what can’t black jeans do?
Which one of these American-made jeans are you adding to your wardrobe?
As sad as we are about Wrangler being hard to find here in the U.S., we found plenty of other jeans to compensate for it. Remember baddies; we can value a company for where it started and still choose to shop locally and sustainably!
Looking for how to dress up t-shirts and jeans? Head over to our blog for helpful inspo (and much more!) For any other American-made needs, we’ve got a shop full of irresistible options.
