Wrangler 13MWZ new Vs 4years approx 10-15washes.
Wrangler "Cowboy" jeans
Wrangler 13MWZ vs 936 FIT COMPARISON
The Underrated Wrangler 13MWZ
Videos
I've had the 13MWZ Rigid for about 9 months, 60 wears, 14 washes (plus some dryer usage). The fit pics are when they were newer, but obviously the fade pics down lower are them currently.
I LOVED the 13MWZ. It's the classic. It's what made me fall in love with Wrangler. Loved them so much I made a video about them. BUT after wearing them for months, I relegated them to work clothing cuz as you can see, they're a little too roomy for my slim (buttless) figure to get that classic slim Wrangler look. I like them just fine if I'm going for a wide straight leg look, but for that legendary trim Wrangler aesthetic, the 13MWZ just wasn't a good match for my body proportions.
Enter the 936 Slim (also in Rigid)! It's supposed to be the same as 13MWZ, just slimmer from the thigh up. As you can tell from the comparison photos, the difference isn't drastic, but it is just the right amount for a slimmer person to get that classic fitted Wrangler look, with essentially the same leg. I have about 10 wears on these. I will do a video on these 936s too, just haven't gotten to it yet.
See measurements below. Keep in mind, there's probably some variance between pairs of the same model due to either my imperfect measuring skillz or manufacturing variance. My measurements may not perfectly reflect every other pair of 32x30 in the world, but still the dimensions I give are pretty close.
936 measurements in size 32x30:
Waist - 16.75”
Front Rise - 12”
Back Rise - 15.5”
Hip - 19.25"
Inseam - 30.5”
Thigh - 12”
Knee - 9”
Hem - 8.25”
13MWZ measurements in 32x30:
Waist: 16.75”
Inseam: 30”
Front Rise: 12.25”
Back Rise: 15.5”
Hip: 20”
Thigh: 12.25”
Knee: 9.5”
Hem: 8.5”
As you can see, the measurements are different, but they're barely different. Both pairs drape almost identically, just with less excess fabric on the 936. The main difference between the 13 and 936 is that top block volume, as evidenced by the hip measurement (which I think is a measurement ALL raw denim brands need to start putting in their sizing chart). I was cuffing a lot when I wore the 13MWZ frequently, but I don't anymore. It doesn't affect the drape too much tbh, though it might a little bit.
As for how I'm using them, I experimented with the 13MWZ by cutting off the arcs and patch. On the 936 I left those beautiful W arcs but couldn't stand that plastic patch, so I cut it off as well. I'm considering finding a leather Wrangler patch and sewing that on. Would also be cool to chain stitch the hem before my first wash.
This sounds like raw denim sacrilege to some, but the 936 is one of my favorite jeans of all time, on account of the excellent fit, the high-back-pocket and 7-belt-loop design, and the classic vibe and color. I appreciate that Wrangler has a model that's almost unchanged since its creation in 1947, while you kinda hafta jump through hoops and fork out dough to get Levi's or Lee's equivalent original. The price is great too; maybe there are ethical issues for this, but I like to think that it's because they're manufacturing like 20 million a year so can afford to sell them for $40 USD instead of the $250 a Japanese company would have to charge for the exact same pair.
The 14.75oz broken twill fabric is not quite what it used to be as far as I'm told, but tbh I have zero issues with it. I would by no means categorize it as inferior.
I think no one is making Wrangler replicas because they literally can't improve upon this jean without changing it into something that, while cool, is no longer a Wrangler. There's a repro market for Levi and Lee models simply because Levi and Lee abandoned their original designs and fabrics and construction methods (until the advent of LVC, which is relatively new).
Lemme know if you have any specific questions about these Wrangler jeans! I love talking about them. Blessings, everybody!
13MWZ left, 936 right 13MWZ left, 936 right 13MWZ when new 13MWZ 13MWZ 936 936 936 13MWZ fades 13MWZ fades 13MWZ fades 13MWZ fades 13MWZ roping 13MWZ new vs now 13MWZ new vs now labels