You see the iconic horseshoe logo and the bold stitching, and you know the name True Religion. But with so many changes in the fashion world, you're not sure about the story behind the brand.

True Religion jeans are made by the American company True Religion Brand Jeans. The brand was founded in 2002 by Jeff Lubell¹ and Kym Gold², but it is now owned by the private equity firm ACON Investments³.

As someone who has run a denim factory for over 20 years, I've seen brands come and go. But some, like True Religion, make such a mark that they become a part of denim history.

I remember when their "Super T" stitch first appeared; it was a completely new look. It broke the rules of traditional jean construction. But a brand's journey is rarely a straight line.

Ownership changes, manufacturing strategies evolve, and market tastes shift. The story of True Religion is a perfect example of how an iconic brand adapts to survive and thrive.

Who is the actual manufacturer of True Religion?

You know the brand name, but you're curious about the company behind it. Was it started by a single designer, or is it owned by a massive corporation?

The brand is True Religion Brand Jeans⁴. It was founded by designers Jeff Lubell and Kym Gold, but after several ownership changes and bankruptcies, a controlling stake is now held by ACON Investments, a private equity firm.

The journey of True Religion's ownership is a fascinating case study in the business of fashion. It started with a clear creative vision but soon faced the realities of the market.

Jeff Lubell and Kym Gold launched the brand in Los Angeles in 2002, determined to create a premium American denim line. Their unique designs caught on quickly.

However, the path forward wasn't smooth. The company has gone through major changes, including being bought and sold, and even filing for bankruptcy twice. This history shows just how challenging it can be to stay on top in the competitive world of fashion.

Here is a simple timeline of the major shifts in ownership and operations:

Year	Event	Impact on the Brand
2002	Founded by Jeff Lubell and Kym Gold.	Established as a premium, "Made in America" denim innovator.
2013	Acquired by TowerBrook Capital Partners for $835 million.	Shifted from founder-led to private equity ownership.
2017	Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the first time.	A sign of major financial struggle and changing market tastes.
2020	Filed for bankruptcy a second time due to the pandemic.	Faced near-collapse, forcing another major restructuring.
2021	ACON Investments acquired a controlling stake in the company.	Provided new capital and strategic direction for a comeback.

Where are True Religion jeans made today?

You might remember the brand being proudly "Made in America." But with so many companies moving production overseas, you wonder if that's still the case.

Originally, True Religion jeans were made entirely in the United States to ensure high quality. Today, the brand uses a global supply chain, meaning their jeans are made in various countries under strict ethical guidelines.

When True Religion started, the "Made in the USA" label was a core part of its identity. It signified quality craftsmanship, a lot of hand-finishing, and a premium price tag.

For a factory owner like me, that commitment is a big deal. It means investing heavily in local labor and quality control.

However, as brands grow and ownership changes, the pressure to manage costs often leads to a global manufacturing strategy. This doesn't mean quality has to suffer. Instead, the focus shifts from a single location to managing a complex network of suppliers.

True Religion now addresses this by having a very strict Vendor Code of Conduct⁵. This code ensures that their partners, wherever they are in the world, provide fair wages and safe working conditions.

They also use third-party auditors to make unannounced visits to these factories, which is a practice I fully support. It keeps everyone honest and ensures the brand's standards are met.

What is so special about True Religion jeans?

You see the high price and the very distinct look, but what really sets True Religion apart? Is it the denim, the fit, or something else entirely?

True Religion is special because of its revolutionary and unmistakable stitching. The iconic "Super T" stitch uses five needles and thick, bold thread, creating a unique, rugged look that no other brand had at the time.

From a manufacturing perspective, the Super T stitch⁶ was a game-changer.

Standard sewing machines for jeans use a single needle. To create their signature look, True Religion had to customize their machines.

Their process uses a five-needle machine that creates a stitch with only two stitches per inch. This thick, rope-like seam became their trademark. It was bold, loud, and completely different.

On top of that, they created the iconic horseshoe logo on the back pockets, which is instantly recognizable. This combination of a unique construction method and powerful branding is what made them a status symbol.

They didn't just sell jeans; they sold a look that was impossible to mistake for anything else. That kind of design innovation is what makes a brand legendary in the denim world.

Are True Religion jeans a designer brand?

The brand is sold in high-end stores and has been worn by countless celebrities. But with its financial troubles, you wonder if it's still considered a luxury or designer item.

Yes, True Religion is and has always been positioned as a premium, designer denim brand. Its status is defined by its unique design, high price point, celebrity following⁷, and distribution in luxury department stores.

The term "designer" is about more than just the name on the label. It’s about having a distinct point of view and a commitment to quality that justifies a premium price. True Religion established this from its very first collection.

Jeff Lubell was a designer with a vision, and he created a product that stood out. Their jeans are sold in stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales, right alongside other high-fashion brands.

The fact that countless musicians and celebrities adopted True Religion as part of their uniform in the 2000s cemented its place in culture as a luxury item.

Even today, as they expand into new markets like China, they partner with groups who manage other high-end brands like EVISU. This shows that they continue to operate in the premium space. They are not just a pair of jeans; they are a fashion statement.

Conclusion

True Religion is a designer brand born from American innovation. While its ownership and manufacturing have evolved, its identity is still defined by the iconic Super T stitch that changed denim forever.

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