I am amazed how my 13MWZ story is so close to so many here (recent introduction to the 13's after lifelong Levi's 501/505 diet), and I am a convert. Also have a pair of whites on the way.

Just to add, the Wrangler denim jacket is also a spectacular deal (I recently Amazoned the "antique indigo" for less than $40 before shipping). It is at least as good as the LVC at half the cost and is a true piece of Americana.

Yeah, sounds great. Agree with the 501/505 assessment. Just returned a 501 pair with a rise so low when I pulled them up my upper-glute-attachment-point was above the waistband. A little tweaking I can tolerate, but good lord Levi's.

When it comes to denim jackets I'm a purist and stick with the classic cord collared Lee Storm Rider, just like Paul Newman wore in Hud!

From New York Times article on wrangler
Much of the company’s success is owed to the Cowboy Cut, a model often referred to by its style number, 13MWZ. Introduced in 1947 and to this day accounting for about 25 percent of the company’s sales annually, it was one of the original Wrangler products and the first truly functional cowboy jeans. The 13MWZ (MWZ stands for “men’s Western zipper”) was developed by Ben Lichenstein, a tailor from Philadelphia known as Rodeo Ben, for the Blue Bell Overall Company, a North Carolina-based work-apparel manufacturer looking to break into the Western cowboy market. Its design has remained unchanged for 60 years. Phil McAdams, president of Wrangler’s Western Wear division, knows these jeans inside and out. The pockets are positioned high in the back so that riders don’t sit on their wallets, and the belt loops are set a little wider in front to accommodate a championship buckle. They are made with flat rivets that do not scratch saddles and large zippers that riders can handle with gloves. The tapered legs fit tightly over boots so that they don’t drag like the flared “boot cut” jeans

After all of the recommendations I've just bought a pair of Rigid Indigo.

Last edited by mreed7864 (2013-10-26 14:54:55)