Cowboy clothing evokes the spirit of the Old West

(excerpted from an AP story by Alisa Blackwood, appearing in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, 12-4-00.

Perhaps the allure of western wear stems from the big screen glamour of films starring well-known cowboys such as Roy Rogers or Gene Autrey. Or perhaps, it comes from wanting to relive the unknown, the opportunity associated with he American dream.
Whatever it is, westerners continue to display a fondness for gearing up in western outfits. So it's not unusual to watch a cowboy striding by the facade of a modern steel and glass skyscraper. In Arizona, whose past is deeply rooted in the Wild West, wester wear is definitely still going strong, according to a recent poll of 718 Arizonans conducted by the Behavior Research Center. Four in 10 adults say they suit up in western shirts, pants, boots or hats from time to time. The figure rises to nearly half among men.

"I think it's (about) an independent spirit", said Matt Obele, and arizona native and jeep tour guide turned mortgage broker. "It's not the norm. It's not your khaki slacks and loafers. It's specific to this region and to the spirit of the West. And it's distinctly American."

 But it's not just fashion that prompts some westerners to hang onto their hats - it's practicality. Farmers and ranchers, positioned smack in the middle of Arizona's intense sunshine, dot the sate's urban outskirts and rural areas. Lack of trees and shade all but beg workers to wear the classic wide-brimmed hat for protection. Off the ranch, the popularity of western attire might not last beyond those who sling ropes or drive cattle in Arizona's wide open spaces, according to the poll. The survey says western clothing is most popular among those over 35, suggesting the desire for western wear might die out with the baby boomer generation's love for Wayne and Autry.

Manufacturers are addressing that concern and are attempting to attract more young buyers with new designs.

"Ask someone from outside the United States to describe his or her image of Americans, and, more often than not, you will hear "cowboys" and "jeans" somewhere in the description. It's no wonder. From such humble beginnings, denim jeans and cowboys have represented much of what makes Americans proud to be Americans — both are rugged and unpretentious, and they personify a rebellious spirit and individual freedom."

This quote posted August 21, 2002, and it comes from the article at www.hlsr.com/hmagazine/99feb/, as American as Cowboys [no longer posted as of April, 2009].

Problems at Wrangler? Maybe Contractors Aren't Doing the Job!

(April 3, 2001) It seems that there's a problem with Wrangler jeans and dress jeans these days. Maybe the manufacturer is trying to increase profits - I don't know - but Wrangler jeans, both cowboy cut and slim cut, don't fit the same as they used to. And the same goes for the Wrangler Rancher dress jeans.

Maybe it's a local problem, but I tried to buy some jeans here in Las Vegas, and the two stores I shopped had the same problems - sizes smaller than marked, and bad fit. Now I've been buying Wrangler jeans for many years, and this is the first time I've come across this problem. The retailers also said they've recently had more returns returns because of fit than in the past. It seems like whatever contractor Wrangler may be using is not working to the exact specs, or are careless about how the goods are cut.

This is a shame...I'd hate to have to start buying other brands. If you have had this problem, write and let me know. Send e-mail to Joe Chernicoff.

3-01-02, a reply from Johnny Westurn KKUP
Joe, I see your comments on wrangler jeans. Yes, they do fit different that they did acouple of years ago. I seems to me if Levi would just make a jean that fit like a 501, with a zipper front, and back pockets that are higher up like Wrangler, they could give Wrangler a run for there money. Levi 517 are flare bottoms and not a good jean like the fit of the 501. Lee Riders where a great fitting jean too.. I'm glad to see you have some of My dear friend Maestro Gaxiola's western outfits as a link.. I made his web site...
JJ

How Levi's began

Live music is better, bumper sticker should be issued! Catcha' Later from the Lazy SOB Ranch"... JW

And here's some comments from visitor Marshall Massengale [4-10-03]

I have never worn Wranglers but have worn Levi's and Lee Jeans for many years. You mentioned the smaller cut in Wranglers which I have also noticed in Lee Jeans. Both are coincidentally products of VF Industries.

A little research on my part turned up the fact that before Wrangler had the "franchise" so to speak on official cowboy wear, Lee Riders were more prominent. I'm not sure when this changed, but I anticipate the PRCA had much to do with this. Lee ads through the 1950s regularly featured the likes of Casey Tibbs, champion saddle bronc rider wearing Lee Riders Jeans and Jackets. This was also the same brand Steve McQueen wore in the Sam Peckinpah movie "Junior Bonner" about a rodeo cowboy which was made in 1972. I believe Casey Tibbs was connected with this production as well.

It seems Lee Jeans have abandoned their cowboy connection further in recent years by eliminating the "Riders" name from their principal line of jeans, having created a secondary marketing identity simply called "Riders." In the process, they changed also the styling to more closely resemble that of Levi's in the back pocket design. Gone altogether from the product is availability of dark indigo rigid denim jeans in favor of a pre-washed product. The leather waistband patch has also been cut down in size and the garment now sports antiqued rather than bright copper rivets. I'm sorry to report that it's just not the same.

Vicki Coleman writes (5-21-04): I have noticed that the same size and style jean does not fit the same and it is very distressing. Once I find a size I like to be able to order it or buy it off the rack without trying it on. I can't do that anymore. Some were short in the crotch and some were tighter or looser than others.

(I'm thinking that the fault lies with Wrangler's contractors, especially if they are cut and trim operations. Regardless of who's cutting the jeans, quality control appears to be missing.
After attempting to buy Wrangler cowboy cut jeans for a couple of years, I finally found some cut to the correct size, so something is definitely wrong with the company's QC. Wrangler's consumer relations department number is 1-888-784-8571 ( JC)

Here's some recommended reading:

But first, a trivia question - What brand uses 13MWZ on its label, and what does it mean?


Gibbs-Smith Publisher - Salt Lake City, UT

Trivia Answer: Wrangler, 13 tries - Men's Western Zipper. Designed by Philadelphia tailor Rodeo Ben, with suggestions from Jim Shoulders and Freckles Brown, this was the begining of the Wrangler brand of jeans. Innovations included 5 pockets, with the watch pocket at the belt line, and designed to give the most comfort in the saddle. Read more about Rodeo Ben and the other tailors who made Western clothing what it is today. Find the book at amazon.com or in your local library.

[3-3-09] You might also want to read this piece (if it's still posted)

Boots and Stuff