Wrangler made the 13MWZ cowboy jean its signature model in 1947.
The 13MWZ was designed for rodeo riders and working cowboys. Wrangler developed the model with input from rodeo professionals, seeking a fit and construction that worked in the saddle. The letters and numbers identify the model within Wrangler’s product system.
The jean became associated with western clothing because of its high-rise fit, durable denim, and details intended to reduce discomfort while riding. Wrangler’s close relationship with rodeo helped distinguish it from brands that originally focused more broadly on industrial workwear.
The 13MWZ is often described as a classic cowboy jean, but it was not the first blue jean ever made. Its historical importance comes from how strongly it linked a specific denim model with organized rodeo and western style.