• Founded: 1904 (as Hudson Overall Company)

• Wrangler brand introduced: 1947

• Founder: C. C. Hudson

• Headquarters: Greensboro

• Parent company: Kontoor Brands (since 2019)

• Industry: Apparel and Fashion

• Products: Jeans, shirts, jackets, shorts, workwear, Western wear, accessories, and footwear

• Markets: Worldwide [2]

Wrangler’s roots date back to 1904, when C. C. Hudson established the Hudson Overall Company in Greensboro, North Carolina, producing durable work clothing. In 1919, the company was renamed Blue Bell Overall Company.

A major turning point came in 1943, when Blue Bell acquired the Casey Jones Company, gaining ownership of the little-used Wrangler trademark. Four years later, in 1947, Wrangler officially launched its first line of Western jeans, designed specifically for cowboys and rodeo riders. These jeans were developed with the help of famous tailor Bernard “Rodeo Ben” Lichtenstein, who incorporated features to improve comfort and durability while riding horses. [3]

Professional rodeo champions including Jim Shoulders, Bill Linderman, and Freckles Brown tested and endorsed Wrangler’s original 13MWZ jeans, helping establish the brand as the authentic choice for Western wear. [4]

Wrangler expanded rapidly throughout the second half of the 20th century.

Key milestones include:

• 1962: Expansion into Europe with a manufacturing plant in Belgium.

• 1974: Became the first Western apparel brand officially endorsed by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

• 1986: Blue Bell merged with VF Corporation.

• 1996: Wrangler became one of the leading jean brands in the United States.

• 2019: Wrangler became part of Kontoor Brands after being spun off from VF Corporation. [5]

Wrangler’s philosophy centers on creating clothing that combines:

• Durability

• Functionality

• Comfort

• Authentic Western heritage

• Everyday performance

Unlike many fashion-focused denim brands, Wrangler emphasizes practical design and clothing built for work, outdoor activities, ranch life, and everyday wear. The company also highlights responsible manufacturing and environmental stewardship in its corporate initiatives. [6]

Wrangler is best known for:

• Cowboy Cut® Jeans

• 13MWZ Original Cowboy Cut Jeans

• Denim jackets

• Western shirts

• Workwear collections

• Stretch denim

• Outdoor apparel

• RIGGS WORKWEAR®

• Wrangler Retro® Collection [7]

Wrangler jeans became famous for several innovations, including:

• Flat rivets that do not scratch saddles

• Seven belt loops instead of the traditional five

• Reinforced stitching for durability

• Comfortable felled seams

• Deep watch pockets

• Broken twill denim, developed to reduce leg twisting after washing [8]

Wrangler has long been associated with:

• Professional rodeo

• Ranching

• Cowboy culture

• Country music

• Auto racing

• Outdoor lifestyles

The brand has partnered with rodeo organizations and sponsored well-known figures such as NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt. Country artists including George Strait and Jason Aldean have also collaborated with or represented the brand. [9]

In recent years, Wrangler has increased its focus on sustainability through efforts such as:

• Reducing water use in denim production

• Using responsibly sourced cotton

• Improving supply chain transparency

• Promoting durable products designed to last longer

• Expanding responsible manufacturing practices [10]

Wrangler products are sold across:

• North America

• Europe

• Asia

• Australia

• Latin America

• Africa

The company operates through retail stores, department stores, online marketplaces, and its official e-commerce platforms, making it one of the most internationally recognized denim brands. [11]

For more than a century, Wrangler has evolved from a small workwear manufacturer into a global denim icon. While fashion trends have changed, the brand has remained closely tied to its heritage of producing dependable clothing for workers, ranchers, riders, and outdoor enthusiasts. Its blend of Western tradition, functional design, and everyday durability continues to make Wrangler one of the most respected names in the denim industry. [12]

1. Wrangler (brand)

2. Our History

3. Our-company

4. About-us

5. BRAND HISTORY pc | 〖公式〗Wrangler（ラングラー）ブランドサイト

6. Wrangler75周年 TOP | 〖公式〗Wrangler（ラングラー）ブランドサイト

7. 〖公式〗Wrangler（ラングラー）ブランドサイト

8. HISTORY

9. About us – Wrangler Jeans

10. Thomas Cook Boots & Clothing Co. | About Us – Wrangler

11. Wrangler® | Official Site | Jeans and Apparel Since 1947

12. Wrangler® | Official Site | Jeans and Apparel Since 1947