History of Jeans

In the early 1850s, German-born Levi Strauss began manufacturing rugged work pants that would withstand the lifestyle of Northern California’s gold miners.  Levi’s original design was a far cry from the blue jeans we know and love today, most notably because they were made of brown (yes, brown!) canvas intended for tents, tarps, and sails.  The style was loose-fitting with no belt loops, instead held up by suspenders and a waist-cinching buckle in the back.  Over the following decades a number of changes were made, including the addition of reinforcing rivets, more pockets, and top-stitching details.  Most importantly, the signature blue jean fabric came into use.  Called serge de Nimes for the town in France where it was first loomed, we now refer to the fabric as just denim.

Continuing through the early 1900s, jean overalls were the garment of choice for blue collar workers countrywide.  Though it was by no means considered stylish, denim was the prevailing style seen on American streets both during and after the Depression.  Beginning in the 1940s, however, all this changed.  The status associated with denim began to shift, and what was once a purely utilitarian garment evolved into a range of compelling fashion statements.  First through the popularity of the western cowboy films, and then because of rebellious rock and roll idols, denim came to represent youth, sexual freedom, and progressive culture.  Europeans took note, and began to import the American-made fashion in the 1950s.

In the 1960s and 1970s consumers began exploring denim personalization, adding panels at the hems to make bell bottoms, or painting statements and images directly onto the garments.  Manufacturers too played with the idea of customization, experimenting with bright colors, embroidery, lace, rhinestones, and other lavish details.  The 1980s were dedicated to developing denim treatment processes; the more extreme styles applied acid washes and skin-revealing tears to the fabric.  Out of these fads came the “grunge” anti-fashion of the early 1990s alternative scene, which matured into more refined vintage and distressed looks in the later part of the decade.  Finally, since the turn of the new millennium, the market concept has been premium denim.  Great body-shaping cuts and designer detailing are paramount, as retail prices reach new highs for jeans.

Now that you are familiar with the history of jeans, what do you predict for the future of denim?  At indi, we believe the future lies in custom jeans as unique as you.  You choose the fabric, you create the style, and you enjoy the fit that is tailor-made for your genes.  Only indi allows you to select your own wash, rise, fly, cut, hem, pockets, embroidery, and distressing effects.  When you design your own jeans, the future of denim is in your hands.

posted by: Emily H on September 30, 2008 at 3:27 pm
filed under: Denim 101 | comments (8)
TAGS: custom jeans, design your own jeans, history of jeans

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On 12-05-2008, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) said

i <3 jeans!

On 12-05-2008, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) said

wo0o0o0oo00o!

On 01-17-2009, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) said

I’m having trouble completing the order as I have not had the indentfit.

On 05-15-2009, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) said

It is a very nice site, I have bookmarked your site yet and I will come back again ! You have a greatest site!

On 06-08-2009, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) said

It is a very nice site, I have bookmarked your site yet and I will come back again ! You have a greatest site!

On 06-29-2009, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) said

I guess the denim will be personal styled in the future.Handmade features the denim.

On 06-29-2009, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) said

Now I got a whole information of the denim history.I always decorate my denim by making fringe.It looks cool.

On 09-05-2009, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) said

In 1959 and early 60’s we wore womans jeans that had side snaps, no zipper at all.  I cannot find them on the Internet at all.  Does anyone remember them or know where I can find a pair?  I think they were GWG or Levis, maybe cowboy King. This was is Alberta Canada.
Thank. Sharon