It’s also home to Excel Manufacturing, which has its own history of strength and bouncing back from hard times, and where our Roughneck pant is made.

Joel Ortega, the latest of the Ortega family to run this business, told us the backstory: Excel started as a laundromat in the 1970s, and built a reputation for quality and integrity. The great American denim company, Levi’s, took notice and brought them in as a partner to handle the washing, and later sewing, of their storied jeans. 

It was a success for many years. But eventually, as clothing manufacturing moved away from the U.S., the facility and the Ortegas found they had big challenges to overcome. They had to stay determined, tough, and smart to navigate a changing apparel business. But they managed to do it. 

We partnered with Joel and his facility to produce the Roughneck Pant: they’re comparable to your favorite 5-pocket jeans (but with a bit of stretch for better mobility.) We spent a lot of time perfecting the signature canvas fabric, tightly weaving cotton yarns together for a tough, flexible result. The Roughneck is finished with smart details like beautiful stitching inside and out, custom metal hardware, deep pockets, and a leather patch.

These pants don’t shy away from work, but also dress up easily, making for a versatile closet staple. That’s probably why they’re our best-selling pant. A bit like the city of El Paso, they’ll stay strong, for many years to come.