Daring and Durable: The Timelessness of Denim
What is one of the most unequivocally timeless fashion trends that’s not timeless in the elegant or sophisticated way that pearls and little black dresses are? Denim. Denim jackets, denim pants, denim vests- essentially, any form of denim seems to captivate the fashion world with every passing decade.
Unlike most ‘timeless’ staples, denim doesn’t maintain its popularity by its delicacy or neutrality (although it is undeniably easy to pair with almost anything). Instead, denim has historically been an emblem of counterculture and rebellion. So, let’s take a look at what denim is and the history it has lived through.
Denim is a cotton fabric created using a twill weave, which makes a delicate diagonal weaving pattern. This diagonal ribbing makes it different from other types of canvas or cotton fabrics; it's sturdy and durable.
There are various types of denim, including indigo, acid-wash, raw, crushed, stretched, etc. But, more importantly, we’re here to talk about how denim secured its status as a wardrobe staple.
Denim was first introduced during the 1800s in France. Blue jeans were created from the denim fabric in the French town of Nîmes. By the 20th century, denim and other forms of casual cotton trousers were referred to as “jeans.”
In 1873, tailor Jacob Davis and fabric house owner Levi Strauss patented a pair of classic jeans that virtually all of us could recognize today: Levis. This indigo-dyed denim had pockets and riveting ideal for workwear. It took a decade for design improvements to be made- orange stitching, belt loops, zippers, etc.
When the patent ended in 1890, manufacturers were at liberty to reproduce this trouser style. Designers and brands internationally jumped at this opportunity, and the popularity of denim continued to spread.
In addition to the help of manufacturers in terms of facilitating denim’s popularity, the film industry in Hollywood romanticized blue jeans in the 20s and 30s. Heartthrobs like John Wayne and Gary Cooper wore blue jeans in cowboy-type roles, ultimately attracting attention from audiences globally.
The 1950s marked the decade that the social connotations attached to denim took an exciting and fiery turn. During this decade, the material became associated with an anti-establishment stance. Marlon Brando and James Dean gave denim sex appeal, anti-war protestors wore jeans in hopes of representing the working class, and rock’n’roll stars helped crystallize the material’s overall coolness.
By the time the 1960s came around, jeans were the epitome of counterculture- a backlash, a rebellion. Probably counterproductively, some high schools banned denim clothes- which obviously made them all the more enticing and embellished their reputation.
The 90s and 80s were the decades when high fashion embraced denim as a staple, too. Brooke Shields’ Calvin Klein campaign and Claudia Schiffer’s advertisements for Guess increased the garment’s allure. Shortly after, high-end names like Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Dior began interweaving denim pieces into their collections.
Today, denim is as popular as ever. From high-rise blue jeans to straight-leg cuts, denim jeans have remained an integral part of everyone’s wardrobe. Their versatility remains unparalleled- the fabric can be dressed up or down and has the remarkable power of being suited for any event, regardless of its formality. As net-a-porter remarks, elegant yet effortless, denim can be worn on laid-back days in the city or walks in the country at the weekend. Daring, dramatic, durable- denim does it all! How does your denim define you?
https://www.vogue.fr/fashion/article/vogue-encyclopaedia-the-history-of-denim-jeans
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-denim-fabric-a-guide-to-the-history-of-denim
https://www.levistrauss.com/2019/07/04/the-history-of-denim/
https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/porter/article-ba05ac3b3ea0a9f2/fashion/fashion-memo/the-new-denim-rules