History of Denim Jeans
Where did the names denim and jeans originate?
A popular theory for the word "denim" is that it is a derivative of a French fabric known as "serge de Nimes". Because denim was traditionally dyed a blue colour it also got the name "blue jeans". But "jean", which is derived from the word Genoa, is actually a different material from Italy. In the 1500s it is said that Genovese sailors wore jeans. The popularity of both fabrics grew but they were used for different types of clothing, denim became the choice material for workers as it is the more durable, and jeans material was used for lighter weight pants.
Did you know? On average, every American owns 7 pairs of wearable jeans.
Why do we use to the term "jeans" when we are referring to pants made from denim and not jean material?
The story is that rebellious teenagers in the 1950s/1960s started to use the term jeans instead of the "waist overalls" which was Levi Strauss original name for their denim pants.
Jeans through the Decades
1930s: Cowboy Culture
In the 1930s Western movies were the top genre in Hollywood and cowboys and jeans became extremely popular.
1940s: American Soldiers
During World War 2 soldiers would wear waist overalls when they were off duty. Soldiers were national heroes and raised the profile of denim jeans and overalls among males. After the war Levi jeans grew in popularity and rival companies like Wrangler, Lee and Jordache started competing for market share.
1950s: Youth Rebels
Teenagers strongly associated jeans with rebellion and rock and roll during in this decade. Jeans were highly desired by rebel teenagers who idolised stars like Elvis Presley, James Dean and Marlon Brando. James Dean wore jeans for most of the movie "Rebel Without a Cause", and Marlon Brando wore Levi jeans in most of his movies. Schools did not allow jeans to be worn by students which increased their rebellious appeal.
1960s: Hippie Movement
Jeans with psychedelic colours, embroidery, bell bottoms and stone washes were well in tune with the fashion of the decade. Levi 501s
1970s: Sweatshop Flower Power
The flared bell bottoms and versions of jeans with embroidery, studs and graffiti continued on from the 60s. Cut-off jeans and denim skirts were a rage, and old jeans were recycled into patchwork jeans. At this time regulations were very relaxed and jeans started to be made in sweatshops where workers were paid very little money.
1980s: Designer Jeans
In the history of jean fashion, there is no more important decade than this one. It was during the 1980's that denim jeans became the attention of high fashion designers. Pioneer jean designers like LEVI'S, GLORIA VANDERBILT, JORDACHE, CALVIN KLEIN AND ARMANI begun to design new styles of denim jeans in their collections. Designer jeans soon became the garment to be seen in. Television presenters and top fashion models paraded around in jeans marked with designer labels on their butts. Designer jeans became a status symbol and increased in price, which have only increased from there. Brooke Shield commercials for Calvin Klein.
1990s: Designer Jeans in the Recession
In the nineties minimalist and classic cut styles of jeans were the most popular. Baggy jeans become a trend with teenagers.
2000: Reinvention of Designer Jeans
No fashion item has offered versatility, durability, comfort and glamour as successfully as designer jeans. This is why we are again experiencing another revolution in designer jeans. Jeans are very much status driven, Seven and True Religion are just a couple of the new super pricey boutique brands on the market. The price and universal appeal of designer jeans can be attributed to celebrities who have countless pairs of designer jeans in their wardrobe. Today's innovative jean makers are able to provide jeans fans with the most versatile and figure flattering jeans ever. Whatever your shape, personal style, or status, you will be able to chose from a fantastic range of designer jeans.
Each decade designers have managed to reinvent jeans so they to suit the attitudes and fashion trends of each generation. Designer jeans are an excellent investment for both men and women.