Our closets have become something of an ode to the timeless and versatile fabric of denim. Once designed as durable and hard-wearing material to be used in workwear and farming, denim has over the decades become an evergreen clothing staple that artists, activists, celebrities, and everyday people alike have adopted as an effortless go-to fashion statement. It’s hard to believe that a fabric as versatile as denim has a relatively short history – yet that is exactly what will be explored in this look at the birth of denim, and its triumphant rise from functional workwear to a global fashion staple.
1. Out of the Blue: The Origin of Denim
Denim has come to be an essential part of fashion, but the story of its origins takes us back to the 1400s. The original denim was created in Genoa, Italy for Genoese sailors, who needed work clothes that could stand up to the grueling sea conditions. This fabric was known as serge de Nîmes, after the French city. This fabric was then adopted by the fashion conscious in the United States.
Levi Strauss legitimized denim trousers in the late 1800s. He was an immigrant who had brought the serge de Nîmes fabric over from Europe. Then he began to produce riveted denim pants to meet the demands of working men, who did a lot of physical labor. These riveted trousers, which he named “waist overalls”, were the first examples of what we now know as “blue jeans.”
Strauss’s company became a hit with cowboys, gold miners, and farmers. This established denim as the defiant, durable material that it is today. Other fashion brands soon began producing their own denim designs, each one subtly different from the last. Today, denim is no longer just for work, but is an essential part of anyone’s wardrobe.
- Jeans have come to stand for independence and effortless, well put together style.
- Each cut, color, wash, and fit of denim has a unique story.
- Denim has had a long history, but its future is just as bright.
2. The Jeans Revolution: How Denim Changed the Fashion World
The denim revolution has been a revolutionary force in the fashion industry for decades now, and takes a variety of forms in terms of styles, cuts and designs. One can’t talk about denim without talking about its iconic blue hue. In the 1800s, denim was a preferred material for making sturdy clothing for American miners, and its popularity rose quickly. Later, denim evolved from being a reliable workwear to a symbol of style, and it has been the most popular material for casualwear ever since.
Jeans throughout the years have manifested in various styles, shades, and fabrications. Relaxed fit or skinny cut, light or dark wash, high waisted or hip-huggers; there’s something for everyone! The denim and fashion industry have a marriage like no other, and the variations on denim are too many to count. Nowadays, most clothing stores, both off and online, offer collections featuring this classic material in every style you can imagine.
The revolution of denim has also become a key cultural symbol. Jeans changed the way we dress, but more importantly, have a strong affect on how we see ourselves. From the inception of the blue jean in the 1920s, it has become a universal way to portray individuality— through slight fabric and wash variations, unique pieces of clothing that are simple in construction but full of character.
No doubt, denim has been an integral part of the fashion industry for the last century. Its stylistic ability to adapt to trends, as well as modern tastes and preferences, has set a powerful place for denim. Its classic, yet versatile, look continuously stands the test of time – whether baggy or slim, cropped or full-length, acid wash or deep blue, jeans and denim pieces are truly here to stay.
3. A Workers’ Wardrobe: The History of Denim Workwear
Forging a Fashion Statement
Denim started out as sturdy fabric used to make workwear for miners, railway workers and farmshands, and through the late 19th century and early 20th century it went from ultra-practical to stye statement. It all began when Levi Strauss made functional and fashionable ‘waist overalls’ from a hefty cotton denim fabric for miner’s and laborers in the west.
The overalls soon broke out of the coalmines and into ranching, logging and railway industries and become popular with anyone who needed simple but hard-wearing clothing.
The now iconic blue-jean overall design has changed very little in the past 100 years, which is a testament to their durability and versatility. From the workroom to the catwalk, denim has taken its place in the limelight as a much-loved fashion staple.
- The fabric of choice for the ‘working man’
- An iconic piece of fashion with 100 year old roots
- Denim is equally stylish and sturdy
4. Into the Great Wide World: Denim’s Move From Workwear to Streetwear
Denim is a timeless classic, known for its rugged silhouette and durable material. As far back as the 1800s, denim was being used as workwear, found in the clothing of labourers and factory workers. In the early 1900s, it began appearing in the wardrobes of notable figures like James Dean and Elvis Presley, making the transition into fashion. It wasn’t until the 1970s that denim was regarded as a fashion staple.
It was during this era that denim went through something of a revolution – becoming more than just a functional piece of clothing – but a fashion statement. Jeans were now available in an array of different styles – from flared and low-waisted, to slim-cut and high-waisted. It became mainstream, a fashion item that could be bought, customised and worn with flair.
By the 1980s, denim was firmly entrenched in the fashion culture and had become a wardrobe staple. Brands like Levi’s, Guess, and Tommy Hilfiger were all innovating with the fabric, creating cuffed and embellished jeans that were adopted by celebrities and adopted as streetwear by teenagers and young adults. Denim skirts, jackets, vests, and other items were also being released, accessible and affordable to everybody.
Today, denim is still seen as a fashion staple and its popularity is still strong. Different styles and designs have been created to suit different tastes and occasions, from casual daywear, to formalwear. It has become a globalised trend – everyone from rappers to runway models can be seen wearing denim, showing the versatility of the fabric and its ongoing influence in the world of fashion.
5. Destiny Denim: How Denim Became an Iconic Fashion Staple
Today, denim is synonymous with fashion whether it’s designer jeans or a jean jacket with vintage appeal. During the 1940s and 1950s, denim was worn by working-class individuals, but slowly became an iconic fashion staple as it was embraced by the Hollywood movie stars and music superstars. It has been featured in high-end fashion houses and has gone through many style changes over the years.
The history of denim can be traced back to the 19th century in Genoa, Italy. The original denim fabric was made of 100% cotton, indicated by the color indigo, and was referred to as “serge de Nimes.” It was an upgrade of the cotton twill fabric that was originally used in fabricating jeans and other clothing items.
Though largely adopted by Hollywood and Music icons, denim’s stubbornness carried it all the way up to the runways featured in high-end fashion houses. Soon, people of all classes adopted the style, from the working class to the most aristocratic modern-day trendsetters. From the punk rock world to supermodels, denim became the go-to for fashion-savvy individuals.
Now, there are different styles of wearing denim. We have:
- The ripped-up and patched distressed look
- The out-of-the-box baggy look
- The classic style
- The fitted-up look
Destiny Denim has earned its reputation for being iconic in the fashion industry due to its eternal ability to go with the flow and reflect the changing times.
From industrial-strength fabric to loud and proud fashion ensembles, denim has come a long way over the last few centuries. As the gateway to more comfortable and practical garments, we owe a debt of gratitude to rivets, cotton twill and a variety of bleaching and dyeing techniques for helping denim to become a long-standing fashion icon over the years. With its versatility and durability, it’s no wonder that denim continues to be part of our ever-evolving wardrobe. Here’s to the birth of denim!