The World of Denim: (R)Evolution of jeans – Livemint

Practically ubiquitous, and seen nearly every single day, denim has come a long way. From being part of work apparel in the 1700s to attaining iconic fashion-item status in modern times, no other piece of clothing has been worn as long as denim jeans. The humble jean, despite its diversity and longevity, is one of the most intricate but frequently worn pairs of clothing.

A good denim jean is more than just an article of clothing; it's often a comrade and a mood booster. Its so versatile that it adapts to the ever-changing fashion trends, and remains a wardrobe staple, even though a lot of these trends may come and go. Our treasured piece of simple denim has undergone multiple transformations over the past several years, sometimes seeing a spike in baggy jeans and other times seeing a surge in tight, low-rise, or mom and boyfriend styles.

Although jeans are often associated with North America, the material they are made from - denim - actually originates from the southern French city of Nimes. In the 18th and 19th Centuries, France was home to large textile factories producing many different fabrics and many of these fabrics were exported to North America, including serge de Nimes, which caught the eye of a businessman in the 1860s who used this new fabric, re-baptized as denim, to create what became known as blue jeans.

View Full Image

Denim was first used by workers because of its high durability. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, miners, cowboys, and labourers wore jeans as workwear, particularly in the American West, but it wasn't until Hollywood's Western films brought the fad on the big screen that jeans became the it" piece of clothing. In the 1950s, jeans became a symbol of "hip" as they rattled the mainstream costumes seen worn in cinema. So it was only a matter of time before rebellious teenagers hopped onto this fashionable whim. Some schools retaliated by prohibiting the students from wearing them as they believed these pieces of couture to be "anti-establishment." The following decades, the 1960s saw a rise in bellbottoms with floral patterns and stayed popular all through the 70s. It was during this period that the OG founders of Denim, France reclaimed their ingenuity by offering iconic high-street denim brands such as Celio. The brand presented trendy and chic denim offerings that took the populace by storm, as their favourite piece of la mode clothing was now affordable too!

The evolution of denim underwent even further changes in the following years, with the 1980s showcasing the first designer denim wear, which became extremely renowned in pop culture. The 1990s saw the rise of straight-legged mom jeans, and high-waisted denim followed by the 2000s witnessing the popular ultra-low-rise jean, which was commercialized by fashion icons Destiny's Child, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera. As a result of advancements in denim stretch technology, skinny jeans became the most striking trend to emerge in the recent decade and became the go-to style to wear during the week, on the weekend, and even on a date night. The increasing usage eventually paved the wave to the present day comfort as the most sought-after style factor for purchasing jeans, be it high or low-waisted, straight or boot-cut fit. Understanding the needs of the consumers, the French menswear label Celio ensures to keep comfort at the heart of the design and drives innovative new styles such as the powerflex jeans, which brings cat-like agility to the table without any wear or tear, or soft touch denim, which is created with a unique combination of yarns, a specific weaving and the finishing, making it the softest denim on the market. Even the stay-dark jeans which dont give into fading upon being washed repeatedly, justifying its position as the French leader in mens jeans.

View Full Image

Denim jeans upon becoming popular, served to blur societal inequalities by allowing everyone - from the suit-wearing affluent to the manual laborers - to own durable pairs of long-lasting denim pants. Denim, as we know and love today, is not only a chic and elegant piece of garment, but it is also a slice of history that continues to reign supreme in our closets. Today, over a century later, we may choose from a variety of styles, sizes, washes, and colours in our favourite denim, and find ourselves visiting stores and malls, going back for more!

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters

* Enter a valid email

* Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Read more:

The World of Denim: (R)Evolution of jeans - Livemint