Info about Jeans
The History of Jeans
Jeans are a style of trousers that are manufactured from denim. They were invented in the 19th century, and are an extremely popular item of clothing, which can be found in numerous closets across the world. They were originally designed for manual work; however they became popular amongst teenagers during the Rock and Roll era of the 1950s. There are a number of different types of jean, and Americans alone spend billions on them every year.
Jeans were invented as simple, sturdy trousers to be worn by workers, whether in the fields on a farm or in a factory. They became especially popular amongst factory laborers during the Second World War, as they were durable and required replacing less often than regular trousers. During this time period, it is worth noting that jeans for men and women differed in a more significant way than in the present day- men’s jeans had the zip on the front, as is traditional, whereas women’s jeans had the zip down the side.
Because of their sturdiness and durability, jeans became part of the official working uniform of the US Navy during the 20th Century. They were highly useful as they allowed the more traditional uniforms to be preserved for ceremonial occasions, and not subject to tearing or damage during the course of working duty. They are also still used in prisons as they are durable and low maintenance, which is suitable for the tough labor carried out by many convicts.
James Dean can be credited as making jeans more fashionable amongst the public, as he wore a pair in Rebel without a Cause. Coinciding with the emergence of the teenager and Rock and Roll Music, jeans were transformed into a symbol of youthful rebellion against the authorities. As a result, many theatres, restaurants and schools banned the wearing of jeans. During the 1960s, the wearing of jeans became more generally accepted, as the original teenagers continued the fashion of wearing them into later life. By the 1970s, jeans became the general fashion for casual wear in the United States.
Since this time, jeans have continued to remain an important fashion statement, and are available in a number of different styles and designs for men and women, in order to allow variety and a large product range for their manufacturers. Examples of different manufactures include Levis, Lee and Wrangler. Jeans can be made to be loose or tight fitting. Skinny jeans are an example of the latter, and are especially associated with indie culture and have seen an upsurge of popularity in the early 21st century. Boot cut jeans are wider from the knees downward, and as a result are considerably baggier than skinny jeans. This style was very popular in the 1960s and 70s, although it has begun to creep back in as a fashion.
Jeans have begun to be utilized after their usefulness as clothing has ended. Recycled jeans have recently become a popular insulation material, especially amongst conservationist groups.