Ariat jeans are popular among equestrians, workers, and those who enjoy western wear. They are high-quality jeans that have remained a favorite in the western wear world since their release. But, who actually makes Ariat jeans?
Ariat International is actually owned by Fisher Family, a well-known, wealthy family that is a major shareholder of many other companies. Although Ariat jeans are designed in the United States, they are manufactured around the world.
In this article, we will discuss the history of Ariat jeans, the Fisher Family, and what we know about the manufacturing process of Ariat jeans.
Table of Contents
What Is The Story Behind Ariat Jeans?
Ariat International was founded in 1993 by Beth Cross and Pam Parker. It began with only two different boot styles that aimed to combine athletic shoe technology into horseback riding boots.
But, the company soon expanded into various forms of apparel, including workwear.
They expanded into international sales and sell their products throughout the United States, Japan, Europe, Mexico, and Australia.
As of 2020 Ariat International was determined to be the largest equestrian apparel and footwear company in the world.
Are Ariat Jeans Good Quality?
Ariat jeans are designed in the United States and manufactured throughout the world. They are made using an advanced sustainability process and have unique finishing done to them by denim artists.
This finishing touch is what gives Ariat jeans their signature look and helps them stand out.
According to the Ariat website there are seven main reasons their jeans are so popular:
- Inclusive sizing,
- High quality and comfortable,
- Made to move,
- Durable and long-lasting,
- Designed for specific uses,
- Wide range of styles, and
- Sustainably made.
Essentially, this all tells us that the design process for each pair of Ariat jeans takes multiple different things into consideration in order to make high-quality, comfortable jeans that fit every body type, will last forever, fit your personal style and need, all while focusing on sustainable manufacturing practices.
Whether you need jeans for horseback riding or working on the jobsite, Ariat will have a pair that is built to suit those needs.
Although they were originally known for their boots, their jeans are a staple in their collection and are arguably just as popular among Ariat fans.
Read also: Who makes Code Bleu jeans (Are They Good? Quality + More)
When Did The Fisher Family Purchase Ariat International?
Ariat was actually purchased by the Fisher Family back in 2012. The Fishers are considered a dynasty family and are major shareholders in GAP. They also own Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Piperlime.
In fact, the Fisher family actually started Gap over 50 years ago, and they currently hold a 43% stake in the company’s holdings.
This sale was not a surprise to anyone familiar with the beginning of Ariat, which was made possible due to investment from the Fisher Family.
Prior to the purchase by the Fisher Family, Ariat actually received funding from two other private equity firms that helped it launch its international sales.
These were LNK Partners and Brentwood Associates. These firms were major players in helping to broker the final sale to the Fisher Family.
Who Is The Fisher Family?
The Fisher Family is known to be one of the wealthiest families in America. Donald Fisher originally co-founded Gap Inc. with his wife Doris back in 1972.
The clothing line was a resounding success and launched the family into their wealth.
They purchased Banana Republic soon after and then went on to found Old Navy.
They all enjoy the outdoors and many are avid horse riders as well, making them a perfect fit for the Ariat brand.
How Did This Acquisition Change Ariat International?
Ariat International already had plans to keep expanding globally and when the acquisition happened the Fisher Family stated they were dedicated to helping them along this path.
Their growth strategy included turning Ariat into more of a lifestyle brand. This meant stocking their products in department stores and independent shoe stores.
The goal behind this is to make Ariat more accessible, instead of the brand only being found in specialty equestrian and workwear stores.
The Fisher Family’s support has likely been what helped Ariat jump to its place in 2020 as the largest equestrian apparel and footwear company in the world with over 6,500 retail locations!
Read also: Who Makes Arizona Jeans? (Are They Good)
Do We Know Anything About Where Ariat Jeans Are Made?
Although we know that Ariat International is owned by the Fisher Family, this still doesn’t provide us with too much information about where the jeans are made or who exactly makes them.
Ariat has manufacturing facilities all over the world, according to their website. They employ over 500 people in offices in Northern California, the UK, China, Mexico and Japan.
Their website states they partner with different factories, which is presumably where the jeans are manufactured. However, they don’t reveal exactly where this is.
It is likely they are partnered with many different factories across the world and the jeans are made in a variety of different locations.
Conclusion
Although we can conclusively say that Ariat International is owned by the Fisher Family, we can not say the exact entity behind the manufacturing of Ariat jeans.
The company still controls their manufacturing plants, but the only information available online about these is that they are located across the world.
However, all Ariat jeans are designed in the United States!
References
https://www.ariat.com/about-us
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