What brand of jeans introduced the first zipper fly in 1947?

The brand of jeans that introduced the first zipper fly in 1947 was Wrangler.

Wrangler jeans were developed by the Blue Bell Overall Company for working cowboys and rodeo riders. Blue Bell employed Bernard Lichtenstein, nicknamed “Rodeo Ben,” to help design a western jean that worked comfortably in the saddle. The resulting design included a zipper fly, reinforced pockets, and seams intended to withstand hard use.

The first model was introduced in 1947 as the 11MWZ. It was later renamed 13MWZ in 1952 to reflect the 13-ounce denim used in the style. The zipper fly was one of several features that distinguished Wrangler’s western jeans from earlier workwear designs, which commonly used button closures.

A frequent mix-up is confusing the first zipper-fly Wrangler with later versions of the same model. The 1947 launch is generally associated with the 11MWZ, while the enduring 13MWZ name came afterward. Wrangler also became strongly linked with rodeo through endorsements and later support from professional cowboy organizations.