Who Owns Wrangler?
Wrangler is owned by Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE: KTB), a publicly traded American apparel company headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina. Kontoor Brands was spun off from VF Corporation in 2019 and owns both Wrangler and Lee denim brands. Wrangler was founded in 1947 and is known for its durable jeans, western wear, and its long association with rodeo and ranch culture.
Parent Company
Unknown
Acquired
1986
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
Who Owns Wrangler?
- Parent Company: Unknown
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 1986
- Company Type: State-Owned
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wrangler | Unknown | Wholly owned |
History of Wrangler
- Founded: 1947
- Founders: Blue Bell Inc.
- Acquired by : 1986
Wrangler was established in 1947 by Blue Bell Inc., a North Carolina-based apparel manufacturer. The brand was created to produce durable jeans and western wear designed specifically for cowboys, ranchers, and outdoor workers in the American West.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Wrangler established itself as a premier brand for western wear and work jeans, known for its durable construction and authentic western styling. The brand became popular among rodeo riders, ranch workers, and western enthusiasts.
The 1970s and 1980s saw Wrangler expand beyond traditional western wear into casual denim and apparel, gaining popularity among consumers who appreciated authentic western style and durable construction. The brand's reputation for quality and authenticity grew significantly.
In 1986, VF Corporation acquired Blue Bell Inc. and its Wrangler brand, bringing the iconic western wear brand under corporate ownership while maintaining its focus on denim and western apparel. Under VF's ownership, Wrangler has continued to innovate in denim technology and expand its global presence.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Wrangler maintained its position as a leading western wear and denim brand while expanding into lifestyle and casual categories, serving diverse consumer segments from ranch workers to fashion-conscious consumers.
Where Is Wrangler Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Mexico, Global manufacturing partners, International production facilities
Wrangler Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Kontoor Brands' focused two-brand denim strategy provides dedicated corporate resources and strategic attention for Wrangler, unlike VF Corporation's broader multi-brand portfolio
- +Authentic western heritage and long-standing PRCA sponsorship provide genuine brand credibility in the western wear and workwear markets
- +The Wrangler FR (Flame Resistant) workwear line serves a growing industrial workwear market with strong demand from oil and gas, utilities, and other industries
- +Strong brand recognition in the American South and West, where western culture creates genuine consumer demand
- +Kontoor Brands' publicly traded status provides access to capital markets for investment in brand development and product innovation
Considerations
- -Competition from Levi Strauss (NYSE: LEVI) and Carhartt in the denim and workwear segments from brands with comparable or greater brand recognition
- -Kontoor Brands' two-brand portfolio creates concentration risk, with the company's performance heavily dependent on Wrangler and Lee
- -The western wear market is geographically concentrated in the American South and West, limiting the brand's growth potential in other regions
- -Fast fashion and premium denim brands have pressured the mid-market denim segment where Wrangler primarily competes
- -VF Corporation's financial challenges prior to the spin-off created a period of uncertainty that required Kontoor Brands to establish its own financial footing as an independent company
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrangler
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Wrangler on AmazonCompetitors to Wrangler
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