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You’re out shopping for a slick new pair of jeans, and come across multiple kinds to try out.
Two brands stick out at you, Levi’s and Wrangler.
Is there a way to tell which brand is better?
Aren’t jeans just jeans?
Read on, fellow jeans enthusiast, and we’ll explore the details between these two iconic labels.
What are Levi’s and Wrangler jeans?
They were originally used by the working classes of the 1800s.
Before doing a comparison, we first have to explore each brand a little.
It’s important to understand where these two companies came from, what they produced at the time, and what they produce today.
Levi Strauss & Co. was created by two immigrants during the late 1800s, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis.
Their goal was to make a pair of workpants that men could use in gold mines, ranches, and other hard lines of work.
Back then, their new line of work pants were called “bibless overalls,” and not the term that we use today.
The word “jeans” came from a man named James Dean, the person responsible for introducing the work garment into popularity during the 1950s.
Wrangler, originally called the Hudson Overall Company, didn’t sell their first pair of jeans until 1947.
Like Levi’s, Wrangler aimed to create a pair of pants that proved durable in many fields of work.
However, they took a slightly different direction than Levi’s by having Wrangler jeans made with ranch work in mind.
Whereas Levi’s created many kinds of jeans to suit different people and styles, Wranglers instead chose to specialize in making cowboy wear.
Even today, Wrangler is still the main go-to jeans for those working on ranches, or riding and performing in rodeos.
Nowadays, the Wrangler name is owned by Kontoor Brands.
Even though both kinds of jeans are still worn by many presently, each brand has a slightly different following than the other.
Whereas those living in cities tend to side with Levi’s, people living out in the country will more often than not pick Wrangler instead.
What makes Levi’s and Wrangler different from each other?
Durability and niche markets.
Seeing as how Wrangler is preferred by rural folk, each pair of Wrangler jeans typically uses heavier, tougher denim.
This design is intentional, as working out in the fields and riding horses requires some extra-tough clothes that are built to last.
With their hardy construction, most Wrangler jeans won’t rip even when caught by sharp barbed wire!
However, the thicker layers of denim come with a distinct disadvantage, as Wrangler jeans tend to be much less comfortable than Levis.
Sure, a pair of Wranglers will hold up even when dragged through the dirt all day long, but wearing them tends to have a more “scratchier” feel than most other jean brands.
If you want something incredibly durable to wear, be prepared to sacrifice some comfort.
One distinct advantage Wrangler has over Levi’s is having a cheaper cost. The cheapest pair of Levi’s will be around $69, while jeans with the Wrangler brand will only be about $20.
Another difference you’ll notice is that Levi’s jeans are a lot stretchier than a Wrangler pair.
This means that a Levi’s pair will adjust to your body shape, even if the pair feels a bit small at first.
The denim used in Wrangler jeans is much more rigid, and won’t adjust well over time.
Denim also shrinks a little with each wash, so you may have to grab a larger size to prevent your Wranglers from becoming unwearable!
One thing that Wrangler can claim over Levi’s is that much of the cotton used to make their jeans comes from local farms within the US.
Also known as the “Wrangler Rooted Collection,” Wrangler sells jeans that are harvested and sewn closer to home, as opposed to off-shoring production in another country.
The largest difference by far is that Levi’s sells way more variety than their Wrangler competition.
In addition to their jean line of international renown, Levi’s also sells shirts, t-shirts, and denim jackets.
What are some similarities between the two?
They both make high-quality denim products.
As both companies are in the denim-making business, and have been doing so for several decades, Levi’s and Wrangler boast that all their clothes are very high quality.
A pair of Wrangler and Levi’s jeans are also both made from the same material, cotton. “Denim” was originally made from silk and wool in the 1850s, not the common cotton that’s used today.
Another similarity the two brands share is that their denim products tend to shrink after a wash.
Even though Wrangler uses a thicker variety of denim, it still behaves more-or-less the same as a Levi’s pair after a trip to the washing machine.
Lastly, Levi’s and Wrangler both have loyal followers who stick to their respective brand names.
The reasons aren’t always the same, but those who’ve worn Wrangler all their lives will tend to continue sticking with their iconic ranch wear, and the same applies for any Levi’s fans out there.
Final Thoughts
So, the verdict is that one isn’t necessarily better than the other, just different.
Whichever pair is your favorite depends on your needs, style preferences, and how comfortable a pair of jeans is while wearing them.
What you’re willing to spend can affect your opinion as well.
Robert is a native Texan writer for TexasWalkabout, passionate about Texas culture and food, wearing cowboy boots daily. He interviews local pitmasters and chefs, tastes and reviews innovative dishes, and explores hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Graduating magna cum laude in Cyber Security from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Robert excels academically and professionally while also being knowledgeable in Texas history and culture. After living in Texas for over 28 years, he provides first-hand and trustworthy information for all your Texas needs!
