The Origins of Jeans: A Guide to the History of Denim

Jeans have been one of our favourite fashion options for so long that most of us have likely ceased considering their evolution. However, several of the characteristics of contemporary jeans result from innovation, invention, and technical advancement, as opposed to the original workwear versions manufactured by Levi Strauss.

Denim was initially developed in France and lacked belt loops and even the colour blue. Yet, its actual creation date and inventor remain unknown. The fabric was initially known as “serge de Nimes,” which evolved into “denim.”

According to mythology, denim was coloured blue because the organic indigo dye was readily available when textile manufacturers discovered the fabric’s composition. Indigo produces a blue hue derived from the plant itself. In the present day, both natural and synthetic indigo is used to make jeans.

Denim Jeans as Workwear, “Early 20th Century”

In the early 20th century, denim became the fabric of choice for western cowboys, miners, and farmers in the United States. The cloth was inexpensive and more robust than the popular alternative, ‘typical jean’ (traditionally made from cotton, linen, and wool).

As Levi’s & Strauss developed the metal rivets to make them more durable, they began manufacturing the iconic blue denim jeans that have become a staple of working men.

Jeans have grown from essential workwear to ordinary and economical casual or business apparel, gaining worldwide popularity with many variations, such as jeggings and boyfriend jeans, as well as numerous designs, washes, and tints.

Suggested Read: Why Men Should Embrace Modern Business Casual?

Fun Facts –

• In the 1950s, wearing jeans was prohibited from schools, theatres, and restaurants due to their association with rebellion.
• Jeans originated in the United States but gained popularity abroad when American service members on leave wore them elsewhere.
• One bale of cotton contains sufficient raw materials to manufacture 325 pairs of jeans.
• Jeans were first designed as functional workwear, and their indigo hue was meant to conceal dirt better when worn by miners and labourers.
• In the 1950s, the term “jeans” acquired popularity. Before that time, they were commonly known as waist overalls.
• On May 20, 1873, Levi Strauss patented his invention, and this day is widely regarded as the birth of blue jeans.
• The most frequent colour of denim stitching is orange, chosen initially to complement the copper rivets used to create Levi trousers.
• The innermost pocket of a pair of jeans was initially intended for a pocket watch. The pocket watch remains on most jeans as a stylish touch and a homage to their heritage, even though wristwatches are significantly more popular today.

Exploring the Diversity of Jeans

As time went on, people came up with all sorts of different denim styles. Here are some of the most popular ones you’ll want to check out! These are the best denim jeans we can vouch for in recent years. Here’s the list of them:

Rugged Denim Jeans

This specific variety of denim isn’t supposed to be washed or treated. Instead, it is worn for six to twelve months without cleaning to conform to the wearer’s body. In addition, raw denim enthusiasts frequently freeze their jeans overnight to eliminate harmful bacteria and microbes.

Sulfurised Denim Jeans

Most denim variations have used sanforisztion, the washing process that developed the modern denim fabric. Sanforized jeans are softer than raw denim jeans but less durable and customisable.