Jeans are a part of casual wear that has been popular for many years and symbolizes such values as roughness, sturdiness, and classic elegance. Originally designed to be workwear, jeans have come a long way to becoming a fashion staple in closets across the world. This article briefly details jeans and denim, the different types of jeans, fashion and how to wash and take care of jeans.
Denim and Jeans – Their History
Jeans can be traced back to the middle of the nineteenth century when denim fabric was used to make robust working clothes for workers in America. Denim is in itself a sturdy cotton twill fabric that is usually made with indigo colored warp yarns and white weft yarns. The word denim is derived from “serge de Nîmes, ” a type of fabric that originated in Nîmes in France. In the beginning, it was applied to such products as sails, tents, and workmen’s wear.
The popular jeans today began in 1873 when Levi Strauss, a Bavarian immigrant and a tailor named Jacob Davis came up with the idea of using copper rivets to reinforce the pockets of denim pants. These riveted pants were initially intended for miners and workers requiring durable, long-lasting work clothing. They were fixed at areas of stress, like the corners of the pockets, to avoid tearing off the fabric. This innovation paved the way for today’s modern jeans and became famous.
The Evolution of Jeans: From Workwear to Fashion Statement
Jeans were first considered functional clothing for workers in the 19th century, but in the 20th century, they were associated with rebellion and freedom. Jeans became fashionable during the 1950s when movie icons such as James Dean and Marlon Brando wore them in movies like Rebel Without a Cause. This association with the rebellious youth made jeans the preferred clothing for teenagers.
Other countercultural movements in the 1960s and 1970s adopted Jeans, including the hippies and rock musicians, which further enhanced the importance of jeans. In the 1980s, designer jeans became popular with such labels as Calvin Klein and Guess making jeans a fashion statement. Jeans are now produced in various styles, sizes and colours, which can be worn for casual and formal occasions.
Types of Denim Fabric
Denim is not only a single type of fabric but it has different types of fabrics with individuality and versatility. Here are some of the most popular types of denim used in jean manufacturing:
Raw Denim (Selvedge Denim)
Raw denim, also called selvedge denim, is denim that has not been washed or treated in any way. It has a stiffer feel and is dark and rich in colour when it is new. Raw denim is unique because the wearer can develop fade and crease patterns due to their daily activities. Many denim lovers opt for raw denim as it stretches to the shape of the wearer’s body as it wears out.
Washed Denim
Washed denim has been through the process of being treated with water and sometimes chemicals to soften the fabric and eliminate shrinkage. It also bleaches the denim to shades of blue, grey or black, depending on the type of indigo used. Pre-washed denim is softer and more comfortable to wear from the onset and comes in various finishes such as stonewash, acid wash and vintage wash.
Stretch Denim
Stretch denim is made from a blend of cotton and elastane (spandex) with a small percentage of elastane, which makes it stretchable. This type of denim is preferred for skinny jeans and jeggings as it gives a close fit to the body but is not restrictive and does not hamper movement.
Poly Denim
Poly denim combines polyester and cotton fabrics, making it light in weight, easy to iron and crease-free. Though not as conventional as cotton denim, poly denim is commonly incorporated in fashionable jeans because of its shiny appearance and strength.
Crushed Denim
Crushed denim is a kind of textured denim that has been processed in a way that gives it a crinkle look. This fabric has a different look and is mainly used in fashion formal clothing or garments.
Types of Jeans
Jeans in different cuts and designs suit people’s body sizes, fashion sense, and occasions. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular types of jeans:
Straight-Leg Jeans
Straight-leg jeans have the same width from the hips to the bottom of the pants and are considered the most versatile type of jeans. It is versatile clothing that can be used for informal and semi-formal occasions, depending on the dress worn.
Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans constrict from the waist to the ankle and are usually made of stretch denim. They are preferred for their classy and trendy design and can be worn with high heels or casual sneakers.
Bootcut Jeans
Bootcut jeans are tight through the thigh region and flare out just below the knee level to accommodate the wearing of boots. This style was especially in demand in the 90s and the early years of the 2000s, but it still has several followers.
Flare Jeans
Flare jeans are cut in the same way as bootcut jeans but with a much more pronounced flare from the knee area down. Flare jeans are the type that was most famous in the 1970s and are considered a part of the boho fashion trends.
Boyfriend Jeans
Boyfriend jeans are loose-fitting and are typically faded or distressed to give the impression of being well-worn. They are relaxed and free-spirited, giving a chic look without effort.
Mom Jeans
o Mom jeans are jeans characterized by a high waistline and a slight fitting at the bottom that has become popular recently. They are vintage-inspired and have a rather loose cut, making them easy to wear and fashionable.
Wide-Leg Jeans
Wide-leg jeans are very comfortable and have no restrictions on the entire leg area. They are usually crafted from denser denim materials and are suitable for everyday or avant-garde styles.
Trends in Denim Fashion
Denim is a material that is constantly being developed, and something new always comes up every season. Here are some current and recent trends that have shaped the world of jeans:
Sustainable Denim
With the growing awareness of the impact of the environment on society, brands are shifting their attention to sustainability in their production of jeans. This ensures that the clothes are made from organic cotton, the dyes used are environmentally friendly, and the washing process is done in a way that does not consume much water. Also, there has been an increase in recycling programs whereby customers can exchange old jeans with new ones.
Distressed Denim
It is worth noting that jeans with rips, tears and frayed hems have been trending for several years. The worn-in look gives a certain level of toughness and urbanism to an outfit.
High-Waisted Jeans
High-waisted jeans are the new trend, which gives a retro look and makes the legs longer and the waist thinner. They are especially preferred in skinny, mom, and wide-leg types.
Cropped Jeans
The cropped jeans that end at the ankle are trendy and fun. They are ideal for showcasing shoes and can be worn during casual and semi-formal occasions.
Patchwork and Embroidered Jeans
Additional features such as patchwork, embroidery and applique give character and style to jeans. These designs include small and complex embroidery to large and bright appliques, making jeans look handmade.
Vintage-Inspired Jeans
Some modern fashion trends include the revival of vintage fashion wear that includes the straight-leg, flare, and mom jeans. Some consumers look for authentic vintage denim or purchase new jeans with the looks and fits of jeans of different decades.
Denim Care and Maintenance
Jeans are one of the most durable fabrics, but their care is crucial to keep your jeans looking and fitting like new and retain their colour. Here are some critical tips for denim care:
Washing Frequency
One of the biggest myths is that jeans should be washed after each wearing. Indeed, washing jeans too often leads to fading and shrinking of the fabric and losing the original form. However, you should wash your jeans after 5-10 wears or when they get dirty or emit a bad smell.
Cold Wash
Jeans must be washed in cold water to avoid their shrinking and the fading of colour. Wash your jeans with their inside out to help protect the fabric even further.
Air Drying
Dry your clothes outside or in a room; do not use the dryer because heat shrinks the denim and weakens the fibres. To avoid shrinkage of your jeans, do not tumble dry them; instead, air dry them by hanging them in a room with proper ventilation. If you want to dry your clothes faster, use the lowest heat setting of your dryer as much as possible.
Stain Removal
You can use a gentle detergent to wash the stains without washing the whole pair of jeans.
Storage
Hang your jeans by the waist or fold them neatly to ensure they are well arranged. Do not overcrowd your closet because this will lead to creases and wrinkles on your clothes.
Raw Denim Care
When you own raw denim jeans, it is recommended that you do not wash them for the first six months so that the jeans can wear out naturally. If you have to wash raw denim, do it in cold water and with a mild detergent and let it dry naturally to retain the deep indigo hue.
Conclusion
Jeans and denim have been used for over a century and have been transformed from work wear to fashion wear for all. They have a long history, different kinds, and constant updates, which is why women across the globe love them. The knowledge of the various categories of denim and jeans, such as raw, washed, skinny, wide leg, and many more, enables the wearers to choose the right jeans that fit them best. As this article has outlined, several easy-to-followeasy-to-follow care and maintenance tips can be used to ensure that your favourite pair remains in good condition for as long as possible. As we have seen, denim remains one of the most popular fabrics in fashion.
