Prison Blues

Made on the Inside to be worn on the Outside.

Prison Blues was formed by the State of Oregon in 1989 as a way to create jobs for the Oregon Correctional Institution.

The factory, located at the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton, Oregon, is 47,000 square feet and produces many garments including shirts, jeans and hats. Each inmate must pass a detailed hiring process. They are then trained by managers with private industry experience.

By purchasing a Prison Blues garment, you get a quality product made by inmates who take pride in their work. You are also supporting a program that teaches inmates valuable working skills that they need to become contributing members of society.

100% US grown cotton, US manufactured fabric, US made garments
Prison Blues and Mount Vernon Mills

The denim and canvas used in the Prison Blues garments is woven at Mount Vernon Mills from 100% US grown cotton. Mount Vernon Mills, located in Trion Georgia, was established in 1847 and is now the largest denim manufacturing facility in the US. We offer several variations of the Mount Vernon Mills fabrics in our selection of Prison Blues garments:

Rigid Blue Denim — 100% US cotton denim in a 14.75 ounce weight. The Rigid Blue is not pre-washed and is fairly stiff but softens with washing. Expect about 2-4% shrinkage after initial washing.

Rinsed Denim in Blue and Black — 100% US cotton denim in a 14.75 ounce weight (Denim Blue) or 13.3 ounce weight (Black). These fabrics are pre-washed and are softer than the Rigid Blue. Expect about 2-3% shrinkage after inital washing.

Rigid Olive Canvas — 100% US cotton canvas in a 10 ounce weight. Canvas is a tightly woven fabric, stronger than denim, with two yarns in the warp and one in the weft. Although a tighter weave than the 14.75 ounce Rigid Denim, the Rigid Olive Canvas is a lighter weight resulting in a more flexible fabric and very comfortable garments.

For more information please visit:

Oregon Corrections Enterprises — Parent company of the Prison Blues brand.

An Oregon Prison Houses One of America’s Last Jean Manufacturers — A recent article by the Wall Street Journal.