Wrangler · 1947–present (Blue Bell from 1919)
Vintage Wrangler denim
Wrangler grew out of an overall factory. C. C. Hudson's Hudson Overall Company started in Greensboro in 1904 and became Blue Bell in 1919, Big Ben Manufacturing bought it in 1926, and Blue Bell picked up the little-used Wrangler name when it bought the Casey Jones Work-Clothes Company in 1943. In 1947 Blue Bell hired the rodeo tailor Rodeo Ben to design the 11MWZ, and rodeo champions like Jim Shoulders sold it. The W stitch arrived in 1948, the lot became the 13MWZ around 1952, and broken twill came in 1964. Blue Bell took Wrangler to Europe from 1962, the PRCA made it the official rodeo jean in 1974, and Blue Bell merged into VF in 1986. Production moved abroad in the early 2000s, and since 2019 Wrangler has belonged to Kontoor Brands.
6 models we cover.
How to date one from the photos
A W stitched on the back pockets (from 1948) with the Wrangler patch above it on the right back pocket, seven belt loops, flat rivets, felled seams with no selvedge showing, a watch pocket at the waistband and a rope-logo button. Older labels carry the Blue Bell logo above the Wrangler name with Sanforized and Made in U.S.A. Denim from 1964 on is broken twill with a zigzag weave, and earlier Wranglers are left-hand twill.
Greensboro, North Carolina. Blue Bell, an overall maker there, bought the Wrangler name in 1943 and launched Wrangler jeans in 1947.
Wrangler · Straight leg
11MWZWrangler 11MWZ
1947 to about 1952, then renamed 13MWZ
$1,150–$2,550 typical ask
25 on eBay
Wrangler · Straight leg
13MWZWrangler 13MWZ Cowboy Cut
About 1952–present (the renamed 11MWZ)
$35–$50 typical ask
230 on eBay
Wrangler · Straight leg
13MWZPWWrangler 13MWZPW Prewashed Cowboy Cut
PW versions by the late 1970s or early 80s, still made
$25–$40 typical ask
215 on eBay
Wrangler · Slim
11MWZ and 13MWZ reissuesWrangler 1947 Heritage Reissues
Limited runs from 1997 on
$50–$65 typical ask
23 on eBay
Wrangler · Slim
936DENWrangler 936DEN Cowboy Cut Slim Fit
About 1988–present
$30–$55 typical ask
211 on eBay
Wrangler · Overalls
Bib overallBlue Bell Bib Overalls
1920s to the 1950s and later (Super Big Ben from 1936)
$35–$55 typical ask
76 on eBay
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