Millions around the globe love wearing denim. North Americans buy almost half of the world's supply, and many citizens of the USA consider this tough cotton material a red, white, and blue trademark. It's true that a couple of clothing manufacturers became famous from supplying sturdy trousers for miners back in the Gold Rush days, but they didn't invent the material itself. American teenagers coming into their own after World War II adopted blue jeans as their uniform, and the popularity of the close-fitting trousers spread gradually to every country. Today, denim clothing and accessories are big business.
Denim is a durable fabric, originally made of 100% cotton woven on the diagonal. It fades fastest in areas that are stretched or rubbed; the look of wear is part of the appeal. Hard-riding cowboys of the Old West helped romanticize the image, and the well-worn look is now high fashion. In fact, people now buy jeans pre-worn and pre-faded, with carefully-designed holes.
This 'twill' was originally dyed with indigo, giving it the distinctive dark blue color of brand new jeans. It now comes in every color of the rainbow, as well as in blends with synthetics for lighter weight and comfort, or in stretch fabrics when combined with spandex. However, people probably will always think of the strong all-cotton original cloth when they hear the term.
Trousers were the first garments made of this sturdy fabric. Manufacturers in Genoa, Italy, made garb for soldiers and factory workers in the 1700's. Using this tough fabric, California storekeeper Levi Strauss and his partner Jacob Davis introduced riveted trousers in America in the late 1870's. Using rivets to secure pocket and zipper seams made the garments exceptionally durable, standing up to rough wear in mines or on ranches. Originally 'levis' were overalls with a bib front, but the waist-high pants preferred by cowboys became the favored style.
North America is still the world's largest market, but jeans and other denim clothing are worn virtually everywhere. Once considered working clothes and then informal wear, jeans are now high fashion, with people paying astronomical prices for designer labels. They are worn with a sport coat in the evening or a tweed jacket for country chic.
The look has been reproduced in almost every material, even plastic. Picture frames and watch bands are designed to complement the clothing or upholstery people enjoy every day. Handkerchiefs, footwear, hats, and bedding reflect the enduring love affair with blue jeans.
Most people still think of faded blue when they hear the word, even with all the variety on the market. It's used as a color description, needing no elaboration. Even the rage for 'stone-washed' material - artificially faded and softened to get rid of the stiff new look - hasn't totally corrupted the term.
The multi-million dollar denim industry continues, as new generations from Laurel, MD to Los Angeles, CA continue to love their jeans. They carry purses and backpacks, tie bandannas on their pets, and have their favorite brands and designers in what once were work clothes for far from fashionable people. A pair of of designer pants can cost as much as an evening gown. The craze has lasted over 150 years and doesn't seen destined to end anytime soon.
Denim is a durable fabric, originally made of 100% cotton woven on the diagonal. It fades fastest in areas that are stretched or rubbed; the look of wear is part of the appeal. Hard-riding cowboys of the Old West helped romanticize the image, and the well-worn look is now high fashion. In fact, people now buy jeans pre-worn and pre-faded, with carefully-designed holes.
This 'twill' was originally dyed with indigo, giving it the distinctive dark blue color of brand new jeans. It now comes in every color of the rainbow, as well as in blends with synthetics for lighter weight and comfort, or in stretch fabrics when combined with spandex. However, people probably will always think of the strong all-cotton original cloth when they hear the term.
Trousers were the first garments made of this sturdy fabric. Manufacturers in Genoa, Italy, made garb for soldiers and factory workers in the 1700's. Using this tough fabric, California storekeeper Levi Strauss and his partner Jacob Davis introduced riveted trousers in America in the late 1870's. Using rivets to secure pocket and zipper seams made the garments exceptionally durable, standing up to rough wear in mines or on ranches. Originally 'levis' were overalls with a bib front, but the waist-high pants preferred by cowboys became the favored style.
North America is still the world's largest market, but jeans and other denim clothing are worn virtually everywhere. Once considered working clothes and then informal wear, jeans are now high fashion, with people paying astronomical prices for designer labels. They are worn with a sport coat in the evening or a tweed jacket for country chic.
The look has been reproduced in almost every material, even plastic. Picture frames and watch bands are designed to complement the clothing or upholstery people enjoy every day. Handkerchiefs, footwear, hats, and bedding reflect the enduring love affair with blue jeans.
Most people still think of faded blue when they hear the word, even with all the variety on the market. It's used as a color description, needing no elaboration. Even the rage for 'stone-washed' material - artificially faded and softened to get rid of the stiff new look - hasn't totally corrupted the term.
The multi-million dollar denim industry continues, as new generations from Laurel, MD to Los Angeles, CA continue to love their jeans. They carry purses and backpacks, tie bandannas on their pets, and have their favorite brands and designers in what once were work clothes for far from fashionable people. A pair of of designer pants can cost as much as an evening gown. The craze has lasted over 150 years and doesn't seen destined to end anytime soon.
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