Battle of the Jeans: Levi 501’s, Smith + Rogue No. 42’s, and Wrangler 13MWZ’s
Denim. It’s been around for longer than you may realize. The material itself dates back a couple of centuries - but blue jeans didn’t make an appearance until 1873. While they weren’t called “jeans” at the time, they were patented by a man named Jacob Davis and his business partner - Levi Strauss. Originally called “waist overalls” or “overalls”, blue jeans quickly became a hit for hardworking men who needed something sturdy.
Today, the options are endless when shopping for jeans. There’s a type of jean for every body type, every type of work, and any type of style. So how do you pick one?
Some people have been wearing the same style of jean for years. If it works, don’t change it right? But for those people who might still be looking for that perfect jean that does what you need it to do, we tried our best to help you make the choice.
Shop all of our men's jeans here.
We chose three different types of jeans to compare. We outfitted Shay Richter, a guy who is constantly on the go. He’s a fourth-generation farmer who works for a chemical company and the family farm. His days consist of a lot of checking crops, getting in and out of equipment, working on machinery, and right now, a lot of combine time. He's 6'2" and wears a 33x36 in all of the jeans. Over the course of a few weeks, Shay wore all of the jeans and reported back on what he found.
Levi's 501's
The Levi’s 501 jeans are THE original jean. The ones that were patented back in 1873. They’re celebrating their 150th birthday in 2023. The 501’s come in several different styles. You can get them preshrunk or opt for the shrink-to-fit type. This is also referred to as “raw denim” or “unsanforized.” One thing that makes them unique in this comparison is that they have a button fly instead of a zipper. The original 501 from 1873 had a button fly, and Levi’s has stuck with it, but also introduced the 501Z in 1954 to give people an option for a zipper fly. These are a non-stretch, straight leg, 100% cotton jean.
From Shay: The Levi 501's are undeniably tough and rugged, exuding a classic denim charm. While they may feel cardboardy at first, they are built to withstand heavy wear and tear. These jeans are the go-to option for those seeking a robust and durable option. However, the stiffness can lead to a limited range of motion, making activities like bending or squatting somewhat uncomfortable. I also had a hard time getting use to the button-up fly. These jeans are better suited for casual wear rather than activities that require significant movement. They have great pocket space front and back. These 501's go right over my cowboy boots - easy on and off. These jeans make it hard to high step through some of the crops I walked through, but I was almost sure that any snake I came along would not be able to bite through the fabric. It’s been very hot in Northcentral Montana and the heavy duty 501's seemed the least breathable. I think they could be washed about 100 times and they would be very comfy. Nonetheless, if you prioritize a classic, sturdy pair of jeans and don't mind sacrificing some flexibility, the Levi 501's won't disappoint.
Smith + Rogue No. 42's
Smith + Rogue is a newcomer to the clothing scene when compared to Levi’s and Wrangler. Established in 2018, Smith + Rogue currently offers four different styles of jeans. Two of the four styles are made in the USA. They also offer cargo style pants that are American made.
The No. 42 jeans are straight cut and rugged, but also have a refined look for activities after hours. They feature a “double pocket” and double-lined front pockets. They have YKK zippers and rivets in areas of stress. The No. 42 is a slimmer fit (not too slim) in the seat and thigh with a tapered cut from the knee down. They’re made of 99 percent cotton and 1 percent spandex for strength and flexibility. They are the lightest denim of the three we compared at 10.75 oz.
If you’re looking for something a little more heavy duty from Smith + Rogue, they offer the 777 Western straight fit jeans that are 13 ounce denim and the No. 41 western cut jeans that are 12 ounce denim.
From Shay: The Smith + Rogue jeans offer a different experience, focusing on comfort and stretch. With their pleasant level of Spandex, these jeans are incredibly comfortable to wear, especially during extended periods of sitting. The added stretch accommodates movements and a modern tight fit. However, this increased comfort comes at the expense of durability. The fabric, while comfortable, may not hold up as long as the stiffer options like the Levi 501's and Wranglers. Additionally, the lack of extra room in the calf area and the difficulty in removing them might be a minor inconvenience. Nevertheless, for individuals seeking a comfortable pair of jeans that allow flexibility in daily activities, the Smith + Rogue jeans are an excellent choice.
Wrangler 13 MWZ's
Wrangler 13 MWZ jeans have been around since 1947. The first people to endorse them were professional rodeo cowboys. They’re known for being a durable, quality jean. Since then, they’ve continued to be a staple in the western world. These jeans come in the preshrunk and shrink-to-fit styles, just like the Levi’s 501 jeans. They are made of 100 percent cotton heavyweight 14.75 ounce denim.
From Shay: Wranglers offer a balance between durability and comfort, catering to those with a rugged lifestyle. The jeans feel durable and ideal for heavy-duty work or outdoor activities. They initially had a cardboard feel but broke in easier. The fabric does not appear to be phased by Leatherman cuts and feels like I could get drug behind the combine for miles without sacrificing any amount of material. The ample room in the hips is a definite plus, allowing for more comfortable movement for "man-spreading." These jeans feel more comparable to the 501's than the No. 42’s, but with better movement and a zipper instead of button fly. The pockets in the Wranglers are harder to access, especially the back ones. While the overall design might lean towards a more traditional "old school" look these jeans are exceptionally reliable and functional. They are particularly well-suited for work and rodeos, ensuring you stay comfortable and unrestricted during physical tasks. If you prioritize durability and functionality over trendy designs, the Wranglers will be your go-to choice.
Conclusion
From Shay: In conclusion, the choice between the Levi 501's, Smith + Rogue No. 42's, and the Wrangler 13MWZ's depends on your personal preferences and needs. The Levi 501's excel in toughness but may limit your range of motion. The Smith + Rogue jeans offer unmatched comfort but might not be as long-lasting. Meanwhile, the Wranglers strike a balance between durability and flexibility, making them a great work jeans. Ultimately, each of these jeans caters to different lifestyles, so choosing the one that aligns with your priorities will ensure you find the perfect pair to accompany you on any adventure.
Featured Products
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Levi's Men's 501 Original Jeans$49.99 - $59.99 $59.99 -
Wrangler® 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jean$22.99 - $25.99
