American jeans used to mean Levi, Wrangler, and Lee, to name a few. Today, Levi jeans are made overseas. Wrangler and Lee brands are owned by VF Corp., which also owns Chic Jeans, Riders, and Rustler brands. VF Corp. has manufacturing plants located in the United States , as well as other parts of the world. So, while it MAY be possible to find a pair of Wrangler or Lee jeans made in USA , it's a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack (but see below for a lead on Wranglers). Likewise, jeans made for LLBean, Landsend, and the GAP are imported.

Luckily, there are a surprising number of American-made jean options available. The following summary table is my crack at a definitive (almost) listing of jeans still made in USA. I have divided the brands into two categories: traditional "serious" jeans and up-scale luxury jeans. Admittedly, my groupings are somewhat arbitrary, but jeans that cost over $100 a pair (and some up to $200 a pair) cry out for special treatment!

There is a confusing array of these luxury jeans, featuring hand sanding, grinding, and "destroyed effects" (i.e., the price includes having someone wear them out for you!). I did not find much to distinguish among these luxury, couture jeans; all that I list appear to be made in USA from imported (primarily stretch) denim. One stand-out is Truck Jeans, a brand of teen jeans made in USA from imported denim, offering blasted and "destroyed" effects for under $50. The label in my Truck Jeans says "Made with American hands in the USA ." How cool is that?

Here's an interesting article on the realities of jean manufacturing in the U.S.-- Apparel industry no longer a good fit in El Paso (San Antonia Express-News , October 15, 2005)

Truck Jeans

Maternity Jeans
(Keyword "Made USA")

Serious Work Jeans [Back to Top]

(Prices verified 09/22/07)