Immerse yourself in the riveting tale of denim, the fabric that revolutionized the fashion world and defined generations. A staple of wardrobes across the globe, this iconic fabric is steeped in history and quirks that make it unique and enduring.
Armani Jeans - 100% Cotton Culotte Trousers
$82.99 $205
Calvin Klein - High-Waist Striped Straight Fit Blue Jeans
$45.99 $169.90
Jacob Cohen - Italian-Made Regular-Fit Gray Jeans
Starting at $163.99
Raw Cut Frayed Hem Jeans
$40
Delving deeper into the intriguing etymology of denim and jeans, we're transported back to the Italian city of Genoa in the 1500s. It is from here that the term 'jeans' derives its origins. Interestingly, it's not Italian, but French - 'Genes', denoting Genoa.
Now, turning to the fabric that spun the first jeans - it originated from the French city of Nîmes. This brings us to the term 'denim', a contraction of 'de Nîmes', literally translating to 'from Nîmes'. Known for its textile craftsmanship Nîmes bestowed the fashion world with a fabric that would go on to change the face of fashion forever.
In its authentic form denim is a 100% cotton twill, a robust and durable fabric that is skillfully crafted into not just jeans but a lot of stylish wardrobe staples. This sturdy fabric lends itself to the creation of shirts, jackets, skirts, and even accessories, further reinforcing denim's versatility and timeless appeal.
| Our Men's Jeans: | Our Women's Jeans: |
| TOMMY HILFIGER | TOMMY HILFIGER |
| CALVIN KLEIN | CALVIN KLEIN |
| LEVI'S JEANS | ARMANI JEANS |
| DIESEL JEANS | JUDY BLUE JEANS |
The journey of the modern 5-pocket-jeans began with an innovative duo, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis. On May 20, 1873, they secured a patent for what we now call blue jeans – hence, the 'birthday of jeans'. The 501s, a popular model by Levi's, are a testament to the brand's commitment to quality, even pre-shrinking their jeans to prevent customer dismay.
Calvin Klein - High-Waist Striped Straight Fit Blue Jeans
$45.99 $169.90
Faded Mid High Rise Jeans
$41
Kancan Kendra High Rise Distressed Straight Jeans
$64
Judy Blue Full Size Taylor High Waist Overalls
$85 $112.50
So, why are jeans predominantly blue? It was practicality that led to the birth of the classic indigo denim we know and love. The first denim was dyed with indigo, not for aesthetic reasons, but because the deep blue hue was optimal for hiding dirt and grime. The indigo plant was widely accessible, making it the ideal dye. Today, approximately 20 thousand tons of indigo are produced solely for dyeing jeans.
But not all jeans are created equal. Take skinny jeans, for example. Their stretchiness differentiates them from traditional denim, which isn't stretchy at all. The secret lies in the addition of elastic fabric, creating a flattering, fitted silhouette loved by many.
The denim industry is indeed a significant consumer of cotton. To put it into perspective, one pair of jeans requires around 2 pounds of cotton. This natural, breathable material is what makes jeans so comfortable and durable.
Americans purchase around 450 million pairs of jeans on an annual basis. On average, each person in the US owns 7 pairs of jeans. They are the perfect choice for casual or party wear and also some professional occasions. Despite this impressive number, the denim market saw a 5% decrease in sales between 2013 and 2014, as leggings stormed the fashion scene.
The industry's answer were Jeggings: a mix of jeans and leggings. They managed to combine the comfort of leggings with the look of denim. And what about that sought-after washed out look? While enzymes are predominantly used today, it's not uncommon to find jeans beaten with rocks to achieve that rugged, worn-in look.