Ben Davis
Ben Davis is an American workwear brand founded in San Francisco in 1935 as Ben F. Davis Manufacturing Co. It is known for heavyweight twill workwear and has long been worn in street style.
| Founded | 1935 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Ben Davis and Simon Davis |
| Based in | San Rafael, California |
| Original shop | Valencia Street, San Francisco |
| Ownership | Privately held |
| Website | bendavis.com |
What is Ben Davis?
Ben Davis is a workwear brand from the United States. It was founded in 1935 in San Francisco as Ben F. Davis Manufacturing Co. by Ben Davis and his father, Simon Davis, with its first store on Valencia Street in the Mission District. It is privately held and based in San Rafael, California.
History
Members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union wore its black jeans, and the brand later became popular with Chicano, African-American and Filipino youth. Ben's son, Frank Davis, has run the company since 1995. Its labels have changed over time, from Union Made Plenty Tough to USA Made Plenty Tough and later Est. 1935 Plenty Tough, as sourcing changed.
Products and positioning
Ben Davis makes workwear mainly from a heavyweight cotton and polyester twill, together with a selection of streetwear.
Why it matters
In 2019 the company collaborated with Supreme on an autumn/winter collection, an example of a working-class brand becoming part of streetwear culture.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ben Davis from?
Ben Davis is an American brand founded in San Francisco in 1935 and now based in San Rafael, California.
What does Ben Davis sell?
Ben Davis sells workwear made mainly from heavyweight cotton and polyester twill, plus streetwear.