Faded Glory

That's the name of Wal-Mart's cheaply made and cheaply sold, imported house brand jeans: "Faded Glory." The uber-retailer also now offers Levis.

Well, not Levis exactly, but Levis "Signature" line -- a cheaply made and cheaply sold, imported imitation of the classic American-made jeans.

Charles Fishman has the details on this and much more in "The Wal-Mart You Don't Know," which focuses on the devil's bargain that suppliers must agree to in order to see their wares stocked on the shelves of the world's biggest store.

If Levi clothing is a runaway hit at Wal-Mart, that may indeed rescue Levi as a business. But what will have been rescued? The Signature line--it includes clothing for girls, boys, men, and women--is an odd departure for a company whose brand has long been an American icon. Some of the jeans have the look, the fingertip feel, of pricier Levis. But much of the clothing has the look and feel it must have, given its price (around $23 for adult pants): cheap. Cheap and disappointing to find labeled with Levi Strauss's name. And just five days before the cheery profit news, Levi had another announcement: It is closing its last two U.S. factories, both in San Antonio, and laying off more than 2,500 workers, or 21% of its workforce. A company that 22 years ago had 60 clothing plants in the United States--and that was known as one of the most socially reponsible corporations on the planet--will, by 2004, not make any clothes at all. It will just import them.

A moment of silence for the memory of Levis jeans -- a former American icon.

Now click on over to Diamond Cut Jeans -- union-made in America, classically styled and, thanks to the unique diamond-cut gusset, the "most comfortable" jeans in the world.

UPDATE: Selise points out in comments that to ensure you're getting the union-made Diamond Cut jeans you should use this link: americanunionjeans.com.

Comments

[carla]

thanks for the Diamond Cut reference--have you ever worn them? The prices aren't too bad, and I like being able to buy US/union-made jeans.

[selise]

i think you have to order from diamond cut's union-made website to insure that you are not purchasing non-union jeans... the website is:
http://www.americanunionjeans.com/index.asp

[halle]

ok, now they have to make low-rise jeans if they want anyone under 45 to buy them.

[Fred]

Selise --

Thanks again, updated above

Carla --

I've got a couple pairs and they are comfortable. The "gusset" is particularly helpful if you've ever had occasion to ride a bicycle while wearing jeans.

Halle--

They could definitely use some more variety in their line. Their target market seems to skew toward NASCAR dads, though, and their idea of new styles includes things like jeans with camouflage trim (shudder).

[Darryl Pearce]

We've got a retailer in ventura county!

[Kelly]

I am so excited ! after years of trying to find jeans to fit my 8 yr old daughter, who is short for her age and still holding onto her baby fat, I just found a pair of Faded Glory jeans that were size 7 plus at Walmart in Indiana . That has to be the very first time I found jeans that were some other than slims or regulars. I hope they will continue to carry them .

[Emma]

I have recieved 3 pair of faded glory jeans for xmas. They were of the right size and fit. One pair split out paralell to the zipper 1/2 and hour after I put them on. The other 2 pair have also slit due ti cheep fabric. I have never been more disappointed in a product

[Connie]

I bought 2 pairs of Faded Glory 1972 jeans and I love them. I have now lost weight and need a smaller size. I was disappointed to find out that I can't buy them anymore.

[Debbie]

I was very disappointed with your jeans they ripe out so easy and do not last.

[valerie]

I bought 2 pairs of faded glory jeans at Walmart in Mooresville, North Carolina.....the first pair ripped on the side...not on the seam, but just the material shredded. the second pair did the same.....Very disappointed because they really fit otherwise. I cant keep buying pair after pair, when they are still new. The material is cheap and that's why they can sell they so cheap. They just shredded...I'm never going to buy another pair.

[Sarah]

I had a problem with Faded Glory jeans too. I contacted them (there was a phone number or address at their website at fadedglory.com). They assured me they knew about the problem, something to do with the washes used to pre-soften the jeans, and were working to correct it . They put me in touch with the factory that made the jeans (which is, btw, in the US) and I was able to arrange to get a replacement pair. If you still have the jeans, maybe you can do the same...

[victor]

I bought some F.G jeans @ walmart.I dont see an address for F.G.Whats the address?

[Sherri]

I was having a garage sale and noticed that the tag on a pair of faded glory jeans was made in Irac. Our American flag has been refered to as Old Glory. It seemed to me Irac wishes to fade old glory. I will never buy another faded glory item again. I don't think other Americans should either.

[Pat]

I just bought two pair of Faded Glory leggings with pockets and was thrilled to find them...Have tried for yrs to get other companys to make the leggings with pockets, but no one listens....They are a superior fit..I hope the fabric holds up, if not, back to WalMart they go...And by the way..It is spelled IRAQ, not Irac...And I saw nothing on the tags about where these were made....

[Sandra Harris]

I would like to know why jean companys cannot make jeans for kids that are on the short and chunky side. All I seem to find is jeans for anerexic girls and boys. or they fit in the waist but a mile to long. When i was a kids i could find jeans that fit my chunky stomach.
and now I am tall and thin and i can't find jeans to fit my legs they are all to short.

[Sheri]

I bought 2 pairs of 1972 jeans 2 years ago and the knees just ripped out of both at the same time! These were my favorite jeans and Wal~Mart doesn't carry them anymore. I went to the Faded Glory web site but it gives no information. Does anyone know how to contact the company?

[Sheri]

I bought 2 pairs of 1972 jeans 2 years ago and the knees just ripped out of both at the same time! These were my favorite jeans and Wal~Mart doesn't carry them anymore. I went to the Faded Glory web site but it gives no information. Does anyone know how to contact the company?

[robert martin]

i have purchased a couple of pair of jeans 36by 32 and the sizing is wrong. they were supposed to be relaxed fit but they were closer to being a size smaller. i need the relaxe fit for work for the extra room. if they would inspect the goods better they might get better sales. the quality sucks, its like buying irregulars.

[Tena]

I bought a Faded Glory 3T denium jacket for my granddaughter for her birthday, not realizing that the front snaps on the cuffs were missing. I just need to know how to reach customer service so I can put them on her jacket so she'll have 1 to wear like PaPa's.

Thank you, Tena

[Tena]

I bought a Faded Glory 3T denium jacket for my granddaughter for her birthday, not realizing that the front snaps on the cuffs were missing. I just need to know how to reach customer service so I can put them on her jacket so she'll have 1 to wear like PaPa's.

Thank you, Tena

[Teal]

I just bought this faded glory watch and it says self adjustable links but i don't see how you can adjust them. It doesn't give any details either. Does anyone know how to contact the company by phone or email? Please let me know asap. Thanks a bunch! ~Teal~

[Jean]

I wear a size 20. Why is it your size 20's are SO MUCH smaller then the other brands?
I picked up a pair of blue jean shorts, nice ones, when I got home... I was yelling. Why is there such a BIG difference in your clothing?
I dont care if its cheaper then other brands, the size should be the same....
If your company is gonna clothes for plus size ladies, at least make them fit.

[Love My Faded Glorys!]

I just bought 3 more pair of Faded Glory Relaxed Fit Jeans at Wal-Mart, and the tags say "Made in USA." I wear a 34 X 34 in Levis 501's and these Faded Glory jeans seem to be sized perfect. I also have numerous pairs of Levis in 527, 529, 550, 512, 517, and of course, 501. I even have some of the Premium Skinners at a hundred bucks. I like my Levis at $26.00 - $100.00, but I really like my Gaded Glorys at $10.99 each! No Levis are made in the USA any more. They are made in just about every South and Central American country. But I defy anyone to match the comfort, and value of Faded Glorys at 10 bucks a piece, and made in the USA. I absolutly love these jeans!

[Sandra]

anyone have a phone #/address to complain to for tearing jeans? we just got my husband 2 pair a month ago, and they're already unwearable for tears in the crotch.

[Robert Sperring]

Was told that Diamond Cut moved to Mexico to make thier product--So please do not buy them - -I was very disapointed--If I am wrong please write me back and I will buy several pair--thanks--bob sperring

[Deborah]

Faded Glory contact information for everyone who needs it. Like everyone else, I have had trouble with their jeans as well.

Faded Glory LTD
1411 Broadway
Suite 22
New York, NY. 10018 USA

Phone# 212-221-3001
Fax# 212-221-3004

[Dennis Capps]

While washing a pair of overalls the clasp broke on one side. Could you send me one to replace it?

Thank you in advance,

Dennis

[fr8mooovr]

TO::Dennis Capps(AUG27,2005)
Sorry Dennis. The clasps cannot be exported from the country of origin without a pair of overalls attached. Take yours outside and fill them with straw and use for your scarecrow's pants, or, keep until halloween & have them sticking out from under that broke-down truck in your front yard. Everybody will ask you how you ever thought up such a funny setup.

[fr8mooovr]

TO::Bob Sperring(AUG17,2005)
I have sympathy for your "only buy American made goods" attitude. Fact is, we have gotten dependant upon offshore goods, with the lower prices. You are hard pressed to find a manufacturing company willing to sit by & watch it's sales being swallowed up by a distributor that is supplied by some foreign country. Why do you think there is such a rise in the small business realm? The big guys that put the little guys out of business have moved out & the little guy gets to compete again with quality at a modest profit. The big guys are so heavy-profit driven, they don't mind the competition. Also, ask your local congress representative for a listing of the goods being purchased by our government & military from foreign countries. Sit down when you hear the response.

[fr8mooovr]

TO::Saundra(AUG13,2005)
Tell your husband to stop adjusting his privates all day & half the night, while wearing the jeans. It's amazing how long these jeans can last when they are not being rubbed in one little spot all day, every day.

[fr8mooovr]

TO::Jean(JUN04,2005)
Jean,Jean,Jean. Everyone over size 10 knows there are two rules on clothes for them.
1. Larger sized folks fluctuate in clothing size 2 sizes up or down on any given week.
2. Larger sized folks cannot wear clothing that has "no-give" when worn. Stretch fabric was invented for you. Yep, they even have stretch denim. Just, don't wear it for more than 9 hours. It tends to become like a second skin for you. Not good, not good to look at, as well.

[fr8mooovr]

TO::Teal(MAY23,2005)
Take the watch to your local swap-meet vendor for watches & tell them to adjust it for your wrist size. They may look at the watch and say something like (this watch no good!!) or (no can fix!!) or (this watch junk!!mine is better!!you buy mine & I give big discount.Discount for you only.Nobody else!!).
Teal, In some 3rd world countries, adjustable means that it fits the wrist of the person that made it or someone smaller than him/her.

[fr8mooovr]

TO::Tena(MAR29,2005)
These snaps are hand made from spent shell casings and cannot be imported into this country without being attached to an article of clothing. Take the snaps off of PAPA'S and he will have a jacket just like her's.

[fr8mooovr]

TO::Robert Martin(MAR13,2005)
You can't possibly think you have stayed the same size as the last time your bought denim pants! The old pants you wear now have to stretch to relax after you wash them every week. Don't they feel tight right after laundry day? Of course they do. Also, when are you people going to learn to wash in cold water & hang dry your denims? Cooking in hot water & baking in a tumbling oven can serve only two purposes.
(1) Wasting the energy that it takes to heat the water & dryer.
(2) Drying time is shortened.(Solution to drying time:: wash & hang in shower stall at night while you sleep or outside during the day when you are wearing your only other pair of pants.)
READ THE BOX OR JUG THAT YOUR LAUNDRY SOAP COMES IN!!! It clearly states the soap works equally well in cold water as hot water. Don't get me started on the bacteria issue. All commercial soaps have an ingredient that kills routine bacteria. If your clothes have some super strain of bacteria that needs to be killed with stean, don't wash the garment. Burn it. Like the haz-mat folks do.

[fr8mooovr]

TO::Sheri(JAN13,2005)
You were able to perform your favorite activity on your knees for a full 2 years? These jeans , up til now, have only been able to last a little more than 1 year, under the workload you perform.
Better cut off the remaining leg fabric & make a couple of pairs of favorite shorts.

[mamastang]

I bought two pairs of the faded glory relaxed fit Tall jeans and both of them split in the same place and the same belt loop came off of them, after they had been worn 2 times. And yes I did was them in cold water and hang them to dry. the quality of Walmarts stuff is steadily going down hill and fast.
I will call the number here and see what they say.
I hope anyone else that has this problem calls them also.

[James]

I've been wearing a pair of Faded Glory carpenter style jeans at work, every day for at least a year. They get beat on pretty hard and are pretty worn now, so I'm looking for a new pair. Seems OK to me. *shrug*

[Dan Walker]

To me the amount of rise is very important. Levis, Rustler, etc. do not give me enough room in the crotch, but Faded Glory relaxed jeans do. They fit me just right, and I would pay twice as much because they do fit. The only problem I have occasionally had is that they do not seem to be sized consistently. I wear 30/32, but sometimes the length is off by an inch or more and the same with the waist.

[Tina]

I personally love faded glory clothing and a lot of clothing Wal-Mart sells. What I don't like is tags. Tags on clothing for wash care and information is important, but put them in the side seams and not the neck. The tags put in clothing are so rough on the skin and rub my neck raw. They are sharp. Not sure why. I have to cut them out and often don't get it as far down as I want. Then I end up still getting rubbed raw. So, I take my seam ripper instead and rip the seam from the tag. It is such a pain. Maybe check out how Hanes does their tags clothing stuff and imprints the information in the neckline itself. Tagless would be so much more comfortable.

[Emmy]

I also bought a few pairs of 1972 jeans 2 years ago and they held up great. I've yet to find jeans that fit so well. Anyone know where to them?

[Lisa]

For those who seem unable to find them, Walmart still sells Faded Glory Jeans for most sizes. For those who don't like the merchandise at Walmart... Stop shopping there, nobody is twisting your arm!

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