Americans, as well as millions of people in other countries, love denim. Although this strong cotton twill actually originated in Italy, a survey would probably find that most citizens of the USA believe that storekeepers in California invented it for miners during the Gold Rush. Teenagers adopted 'blue jeans' in the rebellious years of the 50's and 60's, and their appeal spread world wide. Today, denim clothing and accessories are a multi-million dollar industry.
The original heavy cotton twill (diagonally woven fabric) held up to hard use and softened as it was worn and washed for a comfortable fit. It also faded where it was rubbed or stretched, becoming the emblem of a hard-working man. Today, manufacturers fake that look, so people can have it without all the effort. Some fashionable pants have more holes than whole cloth.
Once 100% indigo-blue-dyed cotton, the diagonally-woven material now comes in many weights, colors, and composite fabrics (such as stretch when combined with spandex.) However, the faded blue, heavyweight cotton material is what people think of when they hear the term. They probably always will.
The fabric is not an American innovation but originated in Italy in the 1700's. It was used for military uniforms and factory wear. However, Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss made 'levis' famous in the California Gold Rush days, when they created overalls and pants made of this strong cloth and reinforced with rivets at stress points. Miners, farmers, and ranchers all loved the unsurpassed durability of levis.
Today North America still buys most of the jeans made in the world, but the style is worn virtually everywhere. Once considered informal wear, blue jeans are now paired with blazers at fancy restaurants or worn with tweed coats to trendy outdoor activities (hunt races, polo games, soccer matches). Ladies wear jean skirts, and everyone likes jackets made of this material.
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.
Actually, the word is now a color, the faded blue of a well-worn and well-loved garment. Even the 'stone-washed' craze for pre-faded and pre-washed garments of a grayer tint did not erase the predominance of the original blue. The world has never tired of its blue jeans.
All across America, from Laurel, MD where every groom on the racetrack wears it to the Los Angeles movie scene, denim is king. Even well-dressed Labs wear it tied around their necks. The garments made by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis over 150 years ago changed the nation and the world.
The original heavy cotton twill (diagonally woven fabric) held up to hard use and softened as it was worn and washed for a comfortable fit. It also faded where it was rubbed or stretched, becoming the emblem of a hard-working man. Today, manufacturers fake that look, so people can have it without all the effort. Some fashionable pants have more holes than whole cloth.
Once 100% indigo-blue-dyed cotton, the diagonally-woven material now comes in many weights, colors, and composite fabrics (such as stretch when combined with spandex.) However, the faded blue, heavyweight cotton material is what people think of when they hear the term. They probably always will.
The fabric is not an American innovation but originated in Italy in the 1700's. It was used for military uniforms and factory wear. However, Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss made 'levis' famous in the California Gold Rush days, when they created overalls and pants made of this strong cloth and reinforced with rivets at stress points. Miners, farmers, and ranchers all loved the unsurpassed durability of levis.
Today North America still buys most of the jeans made in the world, but the style is worn virtually everywhere. Once considered informal wear, blue jeans are now paired with blazers at fancy restaurants or worn with tweed coats to trendy outdoor activities (hunt races, polo games, soccer matches). Ladies wear jean skirts, and everyone likes jackets made of this material.
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.
Actually, the word is now a color, the faded blue of a well-worn and well-loved garment. Even the 'stone-washed' craze for pre-faded and pre-washed garments of a grayer tint did not erase the predominance of the original blue. The world has never tired of its blue jeans.
All across America, from Laurel, MD where every groom on the racetrack wears it to the Los Angeles movie scene, denim is king. Even well-dressed Labs wear it tied around their necks. The garments made by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis over 150 years ago changed the nation and the world.
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