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Jeans, a type of trousers made from denim fabric, were originally made for labourers in the 19th century as they were durable for work.
A merchant Levi Strauss and a tailor Jacob Davis partnered to create the first true blue jeans, which they patented on May 20, 1873.
While denim is a fabric that originated in France’s Nimes, the word ‘jeans’ comes from Genoese, which refers to Italian sailors who wore similar cotton trousers.
In the early years, jeans were primarily worn by miners and railroad workers. With time, Levi’s jeans became iconic casual wear, shaping global fashion trends.
During World War II, jeans were also popularly worn by American soldiers off-duty. Many soldiers brought denim culture to their home countries, making them trendy.
In the 1950s, American film stars like James Dean and Marlon Brando wore jeans, which then became a symbol of rebellion among the youth.
Jeans became a part of many subcultures, especially greasers, who were working-class and lower-class teenagers and young adults in the US and Canada.
By the 1970s, jeans became a fashion statement, worn by people of all ages and backgrounds. Many new styles of jeans started emerging, like the acid-wash jeans.
Jeans quickly became a symbol of Western culture and freedom throughout the world, gaining widespread popularity everywhere from Europe to Asia.
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