For over 25 years, Cruel Girl® has been creating stylish and durable clothing for women who want to look and feel their best. Our flagship product is our innovative line of wide leg jeans that combine comfort, functionality and on-trend style. But beyond denim, we offer a full range of apparel and accessories designed to fit and flatter, including shirts, jackets, dresses, hats, jewelry and more.
Our History
Cruel Girl® was founded in 1986 by husband and wife team Dan and Debbie Griese in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dan had experience in the textile industry, while Debbie brought her keen eye for fashion and fit. Together, they saw an opportunity to create better-fitting wide leg jeans specifically tailored for riding horses. Most jeans at the time were designed for men and didn’t allow enough room to comfortably ride.
Dan and Debbie started designing jeans with a higher back rise and more room through the hip and thigh. This allowed freedom of movement in the saddle while accentuating women’s curves for a flattering silhouette. The jeans were made with premium denim for durability and featured fashionable details like embroidery, rhinestones and different washes.
The first line of Cruel Girl® Wide Leg Jeans debuted at a national equine event in 1987 and was an instant hit. Riders loved the fit, feel and flexibility. It wasn’t long before word spread and the jeans gained popularity as everyday wear.
Over the years, Dan and Debbie continued to innovate. They expanded into new styles like bootcut, straight leg and slim fit. They also grew the brand beyond denim into complementary clothing like shirts, jackets and hats. In the early 2000s, they introduced high-end touches like hand sanding, 3D whiskering and tuxedo stripes.
Today, Cruel Girl® jeans are beloved by horse riders and worn by women from all walks of life. The commitment to quality, fit and style remains as strong as ever. Dan and Debbie still lead the family-owned business with their two children working in key roles.
Our Jeans
Our innovative wide leg jeans put Cruel Girl® on the map, and denim remains the heart and soul of our brand. We use only the finest materials with just the right amount of stretch to sculpt, slim and lift in all the right places. The result is a flawless fit that holds its shape all day long.
Cruel Girl® jeans come in three main fits:
- Original Wide Leg: Our signature silhouette with a higher rise, roomy thigh and dramatic flare from knee to hem. Made for riding but looks equally chic with boots or heels for a night out.
- Bootcut: A versatile medium flare that flatters curvy figures. The close hip and thigh fit hugs curves before opening slightly at the knee.
- Straight Leg: A classic five-pocket look that skims from hip to ankle without clinging. Great for showing off statement belt buckles and western boots.
We use innovative washes and finishes to give each pair standout style:
- Dark and medium-dark washes have a classic, rugged look perfect for the trail or a night at the honky tonk.
- Medium and light washes are faded just right with whiskering and hand sanding for a modern denim look.
- Tuxedo stripes add eye-catching contrast down the sides of the leg. Offered in both wide and slim stripes.
- Acid washes give an on-trend distressed finish. Each pair features unique fading and fading for one-of-a-kind character.
- Rhinestone accents on the pockets add a dose of western glam. Choose from shiny silver rhinestones or multicolor crystal bursts.
No matter your shape or style, Cruel Girl® has the perfect pair of jeans for you. Our innovative denim lifts your curves, fits just right and makes you look and feel amazing.
Our Apparel
Beyond denim, we offer a full range of stylish apparel to complete your look:
Shirts
Cruel Girl® shirts marry western details with on-trend silhouettes. Choose from snap-front plaids, embroidered chambray, mixed media blouses and more. Styles range from the practical to the whimsical.
- Western snap shirts have that rugged ranch vibe with pearl snaps and flap chest pockets. Made from soft woven cotton or cozy sherpa fleece for fall and winter.
- Embroidered tops might feature traditional flowers or fun motifs like canoes, pineapples or feathers. Artful embroidery elevates basics like cotton peasant blouses.
- Mixed media combines lace, knit panels, faux leather and soft woven for contrast and texture. Feminine details like ties, ruffles and cropped lengths keep it flirty.
- Thermal knits have that cozy waffle weave inside and out. Great on their own in fall or layered under open shirts and vests.
Outerwear
Our outerwear lineup includes classic silhouettes with western edge:
- Denim jackets get the Cruel Girl® treatment with modern washes, whiskering and hand sanding. Add the perfect finishing touch to your jeans.
- Quilted bomber jackets put a stylish spin on the western barn coat with diamond quilting and band collar.
- Faux fur shackets bring plush texture with woolly sherpa lining. The longer length flatters and protects from trail dust.
- Fleece jackets mean cozy warmth all season. Choose from solid colors or buffalo plaid prints.
Dresses
Pretty but practical dresses go from the ranch to girls’ night out:
- Denim dresses flatter curves with stretch fabric and strategic seaming details. Pair with cowboy boots or heels.
- Lace trim dresses could be tea length, midi or maxi with flirty lace hems and bodice insets. Romantic touches like fluttery sleeves and tie fronts add drama.
- Mixed prints like floral, tribal and southwest motifs create visual interest. Silhouettes range from flowy maxi to figure-hugging bodycon.
- Embroidered dresses let you show off your wild side with fun critter and nature motifs done in vivid colors.
Hats
A good hat is a cowgirl’s best friend. Cruel Girl® hats range from classic to modern:
- Felt cowboy hats have shaped brims, decorative hatbands and indented crown. The simple clean lines work with any look.
- Crushable wool hats can be folded, packed or sat on without losing their shape. Water-repellent wool makes them rain and sweat friendly.
- Visors and caps keep the sun off your face while showing off your waves and curls.
Jewelry & Accessories
Discover handbags, belts, jewelry and more to complete your distinctive look:
- Concho belts make a bold southwestern statement with engraved silver medallions linked together. Looks amazing with our wide leg denim.
- Crystal belt buckles add a touch of glam and color to any outfit.
- Charm bracelets let you add mementos from special places and moments. Mix silver charms with colorful beads.
- Turquoise jewelry evokes the spirit of the Old West whether in earthy natural stones or bold Lucite colors. Layer necklaces, stack bangles and rings.
- Crossbody fringe bags sway with your stride in real leather or vegan suede. Super practical and chic.
Our Commitment to Quality
The very first pair of Cruel Girl® jeans was made right here in the USA, and we remain committed to domestic production. Our guiding principles:
- We only use high quality materials like premium denim from Cone Mills White Oak®, buttery soft leathers, and custom wovens, knits and woven shirts.
- Garments are cut and sewn in our Los Angeles factories under ethical working conditions. Expert pattern makers, cutters and sewing machine operators take pride in their craft.
- We meticulously sample each new style and refuse to start bulk production until the fit and details are perfect.
- Our finishing techniques include whiskering, hand sanding and enzyme washes that give each pair or garment its own character and story.
- We inspect denim at multiple stages from raw yardage to finished jean to ensure it lives up to our reputation. Garments with imperfections don’t make the cut.
By keeping production onshore, our designers can oversee each garment from concept to completion. The result is clothing with meticulous construction, premium fabrics and artful finishing touches. We stand behind every pair of Cruel Girl® jeans and apparel item that leaves our factory. When you buy from us, you become part of our family.
Our Customers
The typical Cruel Girl® woman has an adventurous spirit and confident personal style. She wants versatile clothing that transitions effortlessly from day to night, from the stable to the town. Above all, she expects quality craftsmanship and a flattering fit that makes her feel beautiful.
Our diverse customer base includes:
- Equestrians who rely on the flexibility and durability of Cruel Girl® riding jeans on the trail, in the show ring and on the ranch.
- Rodeo competitors who choose our jeans for both function and style. They appreciate the room to move during events plus rodeo-ready finishes like hand sanding and rhinestone accents.
- Country music fans who love the authentic western details like horseshoe embroidery and concho belts. Our styles are perfect for two-stepping at the honky tonk or all-day festivals.
- Farm and ranch women who need clothing to keep up with their active lifestyle. They love the comfort of our wide leg jeans for riding fences or doing chores.
- Urban cowgirls who may never ride a horse but rock Cruel Girl® jeans with heels, boots or sneakers for everyday wear. Our jeans give their look that elusive “cool factor”.
- Moms, teachers, students and professionals appreciate the versatility of our line. Our jeans easily transition from running errands to meeting friends for drinks.
No matter where she lives or what she does, the Cruel Girl® woman shares the same independent spirit and authentic sense of style. We design for her busy life and the many roles she plays.
Giving Back
At Cruel Girl®, we believe in giving back to the western community that has embraced us over the last 25 years. A portion of every purchase helps support non-profit organizations dedicated to protecting the western lifestyle and values we all cherish.
We are especially proud to partner with:
- Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) which promotes and celebrates professional rodeo through events like the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
- Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) that empowers women rodeo athletes and spotlights barrel racing, team roping and more.
- American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and its mission of preserving and promoting the American Quarter Horse breed.
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) that protects wildlife and wild places worldwide.
By supporting these organizations, we are investing in the future of the western way of life for generations to come.
Ready to Join Our Family?
We invite you to become part of the Cruel Girl® community. Our jeans, shirts, hats and more are designed to make you feel confident and comfortable from morning till night. Browse our latest styles at www.cruel-girl.com and in retailers nationwide. When you buy Cruel Girl®, you’re not just buying an ordinary pair of jeans. You’re buying a lifestyle and a state of mind.
Here at Cruel Girl® Jeans, we create versatile, hardworking clothing for women on the move. Thanks for letting us share our story. We hope to see you in our jeans soon!
