Jeans are undeniably a fashion mainstay, but that wasn’t always the case. In fact, jeans are one fashion item that has definitely had its ups and downs and changed throughout time. Take a look at the history of denim throughout the years.
In the late 1800s, denim trousers, typically worn by male workers and referred to as “waist overalls,” were in fashion. But it was a tailor, Jacob Davis, who approached businessman Levi Strauss about seeking financial support to patent his idea. The idea? To add metal rivets to the pockets and button fly of denim trousers. And so, on May 20, 1873, jeans as we now know them were born.
In the 1920s, jeans were considered popular Western wear worn by miners, cowboys and other workers who needed durable clothing that could withstand wear and tear. In 1936, Levi Strauss added his signature red flag to the back pocket of jeans, making it the first item of clothing to have an outside label. It was also in the 1930s that Vogue featured its first model in denim on the cover, hinting that jeans could perhaps be a fashion statement, and not just reserved as practical clothing for working men.
Teens really embraced jeans in the 1950s as they were seen as the rebellious fashion item of choice. Pop culture icons like James Dean and Marlon Brando popularized jeans in movies and they were even banned in some public schools. Light washes, cuffed jeans and black denim were the trends among men, and women rarely wore denim during this time. Popular brands included Levi’s, Lee Cooper and Wrangler jeans.
This was the beginning of the hippie age where personalizing your jeans was all the rage. Embroidery, bright colors, stonewash, rhinestones and patches were just some of the jean trends of the time. Popular cuts included bell bottoms and hip huggers; denim skirts also became popular in the ‘70s
This decade is when designer denim was truly born. A 15-year-old Brooke Shields starred in a Calvin Klein commercial cooing, “Nothing comes between me and my Calvin’s,” bringing denim to the forefront of every fashion designer’s mind. Designer jeans became a true status symbol and brands like Calvin Klein, Jordache and Gloria Vanderbilt were among the most popular. Stonewash, acid wash and ripped jeans were some of the most popular looks, along with skinny leg cuts that were tapered at the ankle.
Denim saw a decline in popularity in the ‘90s. Carpenter jeans and head-to-toe denim were among the most trendy looks, as well as overalls and shortalls, which were popular among women. For men, the rise of hip hop brought along a rise in popularity of baggy jeans and saggy denim.
In the early 2000s, pop stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera popularized the ultra low rise jean. Denim also became a fashion staple once again, becoming an appropriate item of clothing to wear out on a Friday night or even to the office. Flare and boot cut denim were among the most popular cuts and came in a variety of washes. The mid-to-late 2000s saw a resurgence in the skinny jean and distressed (ripped) denim. High-waisted wide leg denim and Boyfriend jeans also came into fashion. An interest in premium brands also soared in the 2000s, with brands like 7 for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and Hudson Jeans suddenly becoming mainstream household names.
https://web.archive.org/web/20130413074547/http://jeans.about.com/od/Jeans101/ss/The-History-Of-Jeans_5.htm
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