Jeans from humble to couture

Clothing is necessary for us to keep our bodies protected against the abrasive elements of nature. From leaves and animal hides to woven cloth, clothing has now evolved from a necessity to a trend. The materials used are now so vast that at times, it is difficult to keep track.

There are many types of clothes too, from gowns, shirts and coats to pants, skirts and shorts. Clothes have spawned a fashion industry worth billions of dollars. From street wear to couture, there is something for everyone. But what has remained one of the most popular forms of clothing (In Swedish kläder) is jeans.

This item has a very humble origin, and was worn mainly by workers in factories during World War II. However, soldiers from Genoa in Italy were the first wearers of this material. The word ‘jeans’ comes from the French phrase ‘bleu de G nes’, meaning ‘the blue of Genoa’.

Levi Strauss set up the first company to manufacture blue jeans under the name Levi Strauss & Co. A German immigrant, Strauss and Jacob Davis, a tailor, received a US patent to use copper rivets to strengthen the pockets of the pants. The brand has now become a household name with jeans lovers no doubt having at least one pair in their wardrobe.

The styles and cuts of jeans have also seen many changes throughout the years. In the 1950s, skinny jeans were in fashion, especially after the release of the James Dean starrer, ‘Rebel without a cause’. In the movie, Dean is seen wearing slim fit jeans which spurred a following among the youth. The 1960s, on the other hand, saw flare jeans in vogue which continued till the 70s. In the 1980s, stone washed jeans came into the picture and jeans became more of a fashion statement than working garb. Though the 90s saw a slight decline in popularity, the present has seen a massive comeback.

From designer cuts to high quality fabric, jeans are worn by many celebrities, helping them gain in popularity. Custom-made jeans, though more expensive, have seen a rise in demand with many people going for something that flatters their bodies. The humble jeans has had an interesting history over the decades and will no doubt continue to rule the roost of most preferred clothing.