Any advice on well made budget alternative for Bronson Mfg 1936 Cowboy Jeans or 1944 Jeans?

[Rick Dalton]

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on finding a good budget alternative to the Bronson Mfg 1936 Model Cowboy Jeans or their 1944 Jeans. Unfortunately, these models are no longer available, but I really like this style: a straight, looser cut with a very high waist and that vintage/retro look.

Do you know of any brands or current models that come close in terms of cut and overall feel, but are still affordable? I’d prefer something that balances quality with a reasonable price point, rather than going straight into high-end repro territory.

Any suggestions or personal experiences would be very much appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Pandemic]

I say this as a fan (I’m wearing Bronson 1955 jeans right now), but they don’t do anything original. All of their stuff is ripped from high-end Japanese makers (who are usually reproducing vintage American brands).

I don’t know those two particular models, but I’m sure someone here can help you figure out what they are copies of. I’d start by looking at the Sugarcane catalogue

 

[Rick Dalton]

I say this as a fan (I’m wearing Bronson 1955 jeans right now), but they don’t do anything original. All of their stuff is ripped from high-end Japanese makers (who are usually reproducing vintage American brands).

I don’t know those two particular models, but I’m sure someone here can help you figure out what they are copies of. I’d start by looking at the Sugarcane catalogue

Thank you for your reply, much appreciated. What I’m really after is a budget-friendly repro with solid quality – something that still captures the right details without breaking the bank. From what I understand, Sugar Cane is on the pricier side, so I’m trying to see if there are any alternatives that deliver decent construction and a bit of authenticity at a lower cost (like bronson).

 

[Biff42]

What's your budget?

 

[Rick Dalton]

What's your budget?

I’m looking for something in the Bronson price range. PS cool profile picture (mad max II)

 

[Biff42]

What about Red Tornado?

 

[Biff42]

The sugar cane 1947 might be in the ballpark.if purchased from a shop like Bears Tokyo.

 

[Bfd70]

https://www.wrangler.com/shop/rigid...NS_JEANS_COWBOYCUT&dwvar_31MWZR_color=31MWZDN

 

[Rick Dalton]

https://www.wrangler.com/shop/rigid...NS_JEANS_COWBOYCUT&dwvar_31MWZR_color=31MWZDN

Yeah I have 3 pairs. They arę great. But I'm looking for something with higher rise and looser. True retro

 

[Bfd70]

How many inches rise are you after?

 

[Pandemic]

https://www.indigo1995.com/products/raw-jeans

 

[Pandemic]

TCB are a budget-friendly Japanese brand that does a lot of repros of vintage Levi’s.

 

[Biff42]

TCB are a budget-friendly Japanese brand that does a lot of repros of vintage Levi’s.

Tcb are good. The one pair I had were slow faders though.

 

[Pandemic]

Tcb are good. The one pair I had were slow faders though.

True. Though my Bronson ‘55 jeans are the slowest faders I’ve ever owned.

 

[Aloysius]

Bronson stuff is usually copied from SC/BR or TMC so you could find the exact thing (for more money) that way.

But Wranglers as posted fit the bill. Alternatively Levi's for a few years now has introduced a a wide straight leg cut as part of its regular line.

 

[Biff42]

Kojima Genes may also be worth a look, but I've never owned a pair.

https://bears-tokyo.myshopify.com/products/kojima-genes-児島ジーンズ-rnb-102w-15oz-セルビッチワイドストレート

 

[Edward]

Jeans get expensive fast once you move away from the fashion norm at any time. There are some nice, not too heftily expensive options. Luctece MFG in Germany are about the Euro120 and lower range - watch out for sales. Similarly, Freddies of Pinewood in the UK are £100 full price, but they do often have sales - they have some of their 1940s cut (wide, high waist) on sale for £50 currently. Great jeans, I had a pair before. Though one word of warning, these are 'braces only'. The braces studs on the outside and the buckle at at the back (in line with where a belt would go) mean a belt isn't an option.

I've always found military repro places can be a good spot to try. Soldier of Fortune in the UK do a 1940s fit USN denim 'deck trouser' that looks exactly like a pair of civilian jeans. Buckle back (*below* the belt line) and no braces studs, so great with a belt. Selvedge. £50. Can't touch them for the money; I compared them back to back with the Freddies at twice the price and felt they were just as good. If you're in the USA, it's worth having a look at Whatpriceglory.com - they have a few pairs of denim trews they do, both civilian jeans and various USN and US Army denim fatigues, that might well work for what you're looking for, around the sixty dollar mark.


This might not matter to you if you've been happy with Bronson (I don't think they're extra heavy? Never have the chance to try, they don't go up to my size), but fwiw you'll find the more affordable options in vintage style jeans tend to the lighter end of the available denim. 14oz is pretty common; you don't tend to see the 21oz and heftier stuff that's been fashionable in the workwear niche in recent years. Not a problem if you're after an accurate vintage drape / look / feel: back in the 40s, a lot of jeans were 11oz. Wrangler's 13MWZ only became labelled s such into the 50s. When the pattern was first sold in 1947, they were called the 11MWZ because that was the oz weight of the denim. 11 oz was common across the board then. My Dickies dungarees are about 11/12oz, and they wear out far less quickly than any heavier denim I've ever encountered.

 

[mcnuonuo]

Op, the 1936 Model Cowboy Jeans is back in stock at Bronson website.


This could also be a good choice I feel. cinch straps, loose fit, high rise.
https://bears-tokyo.myshopify.com/products/studio-dartisan-sd-102cb-15oz-right-hand-loose-straight