What type of fabric pattern did Wrangler introduce in 1964?

Wrangler introduced a broken-twill fabric pattern in 1964.

Broken twill is a denim weave designed to counter the twisting that can develop in traditional right-hand or left-hand twill fabrics. In a conventional twill, the diagonal pattern runs consistently in one direction. Reversing the direction of the diagonal at intervals creates a subtle zigzag or “broken” structure, helping the fabric hang and wash more evenly.

Wrangler introduced this construction in 1964 as a practical denim innovation. The technique improved fabric stability and helped eliminate the leg-seam twisting that could occur after washing. That mattered particularly for hard-wearing western jeans, which needed to remain comfortable and maintain their shape during demanding work or riding.

Broken twill is sometimes confused with denim itself, but the terms describe different things. Denim is the cotton fabric category; twill describes the weave structure; broken twill is a specific variation of that structure. Selvedge, meanwhile, refers to a finished woven edge, not the diagonal weave pattern. Wrangler’s 13MWZ Cowboy Cut jeans are strongly associated with the company’s broken-twill innovation.