Overview
Jeans are trousers made from denim. Originally work clothes, they became popular among teens starting in the 1950s. Popular brands include Levi's and Wrangler.
History
Jeans were invented in Genoa, Italy when that city was an independent Republic, and a naval power. The first jeans were made for the Genoese Navy because it required an all-purpose pant for its sailors that could be worn wet or dry, and whose legs could easily be rolled-up to wear swabbing the deck and for swimming. These jeans would be laundered by dragging them in large mesh nets behind the ship, and the sea water would bleach them white. The first denim came from (French:de) Nîmes, France ... hence the name denim. The French word for these pants was very similar to their word for Genoa; this is where we get the term 'jeans' today.
Jeans were developed in America around 1872. Levi Strauss was a German-born dry goods merchant living in San Francisco. One of Levi's customers was Jacob Davis, a tailor who frequently purchased bolts of cloth from the Levi Strauss & Co wholesale house. After one of Jacob's costumers kept purchasing cloth to reinforce torn pants, he had an idea to use copper rivets to reinforce the points of strain, such as on the pocket corners and at the base of the button fly. Jacobs did not have the required money to purchase a patent, so he wrote to Levi suggesting that they both go into business together. After Levi accepted Jacobs offer, on May 20, 1873, the two men received patent #139,121 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and the blue jean was born.
Jeans have been often compared to four-wheel drive vehicles and hiking boots, because they can go anywhere. Levis are known for their rugged construction, personal "shrink-to-fit", and versatility. Originally worn by miners, farmers, and cowboys, Levis are now worn in all walks of life.
Shrinking The Original Levis To Fit In Water
The concept of wearing jeans in water dates from their very beginning and continues today. Levis were originally produced in only three sizes, and the wearer would jump into a body of water - either a creek, a pond, or a horse trough, to shrink them to fit. Today, Levis are available in a variety of styles, from tight to loose fit, and are sold either pre-washed or shrink-to-fit. However, the best method of 'breaking-in' Levis remains the same ... buy them with a snug fit, wear them new, jump into a hot tub or spa -- then swim, and allow them to dry-on, for a personal fit.
