Americans Love Their Denim Clothing And Accessories
Americans, as well as millions of people in other countries, love denim. Although this strong cotton twill actually originated in Italy, a survey would probably find that most citizens of the USA believe that storekeepers in California invented it for miners during the Gold Rush. Teenagers adopted 'blue jeans' in the rebellious years of the 50's and 60's, and their appeal spread world wide. Today, denim clothing and accessories are a multi-million dollar industry.
Denim wears exceptionally well, gets softer as it is worn and washed, and fades in areas of greatest wear, giving it a unique well-worn look that was part of the cowboy image of the West and now has become high fashion. In fact, sometimes modern pants are more holes than whole cloth.
Once all jeans were blue, since the original fabric invented in Italy was died with natural indigo. Now, of course, they come in every color and can be made with synthetic fibers or cotton combined with spandex for stretchy fit and comfort. Although the word itself still means the original faded blue, fashion has brought infinite variety to clothes and other fashion details.
This sturdy fabric developed in Genoa was used for military uniforms and factory wear. Two California suppliers made history when they fashioned overalls and later waist-high pants from the heavy cotton, adding rivets to zipper and pocket seams for longer wear. Known as 'levis' after Levi Strauss, one of the partners, the trousers were also popular with cowboys. The mystique of the Old West helped make levis an American icon.
North Americans may not be able to claim all the credit for blue jeans, but they did make them an icon and continue to buy more denim than anyone else. Once jeans were considered symbols of rebellion. They then were reserved for informal occasions, accepted for work or play. Now, of course, they can be worn with a blazer to a fine restaurant or with tweeds to any country-chic event. Denim jackets are also an enduring favorite.
Pants, skirts, and jackets are made for people of all ages, even infants and toddlers. Other garments and accessories may look like the real thing but be fashioned from synthetic materials for lighter weight or from plastic, (watch bands, for instance). Hats, scarves, belts, shoes, boots, and handkerchiefs look like they're made from well-worn jean scraps. The look is popular for den furniture, picture frames, and lamp shades.
Most people still think of faded blue when they hear the word, even with all the variety on the market. It's used as a color description, needing no elaboration. Even the rage for 'stone-washed' material - artificially faded and softened to get rid of the stiff new look - hasn't totally corrupted the term.
The multi-million dollar denim industry continues, as new generations from Laurel, MD to Los Angeles, CA continue to love their jeans. They carry purses and backpacks, tie bandannas on their pets, and have their favorite brands and designers in what once were work clothes for far from fashionable people. A pair of of designer pants can cost as much as an evening gown. The craze has lasted over 150 years and doesn't seen destined to end anytime soon.
Denim wears exceptionally well, gets softer as it is worn and washed, and fades in areas of greatest wear, giving it a unique well-worn look that was part of the cowboy image of the West and now has become high fashion. In fact, sometimes modern pants are more holes than whole cloth.
Once all jeans were blue, since the original fabric invented in Italy was died with natural indigo. Now, of course, they come in every color and can be made with synthetic fibers or cotton combined with spandex for stretchy fit and comfort. Although the word itself still means the original faded blue, fashion has brought infinite variety to clothes and other fashion details.
This sturdy fabric developed in Genoa was used for military uniforms and factory wear. Two California suppliers made history when they fashioned overalls and later waist-high pants from the heavy cotton, adding rivets to zipper and pocket seams for longer wear. Known as 'levis' after Levi Strauss, one of the partners, the trousers were also popular with cowboys. The mystique of the Old West helped make levis an American icon.
North Americans may not be able to claim all the credit for blue jeans, but they did make them an icon and continue to buy more denim than anyone else. Once jeans were considered symbols of rebellion. They then were reserved for informal occasions, accepted for work or play. Now, of course, they can be worn with a blazer to a fine restaurant or with tweeds to any country-chic event. Denim jackets are also an enduring favorite.
Pants, skirts, and jackets are made for people of all ages, even infants and toddlers. Other garments and accessories may look like the real thing but be fashioned from synthetic materials for lighter weight or from plastic, (watch bands, for instance). Hats, scarves, belts, shoes, boots, and handkerchiefs look like they're made from well-worn jean scraps. The look is popular for den furniture, picture frames, and lamp shades.
Most people still think of faded blue when they hear the word, even with all the variety on the market. It's used as a color description, needing no elaboration. Even the rage for 'stone-washed' material - artificially faded and softened to get rid of the stiff new look - hasn't totally corrupted the term.
The multi-million dollar denim industry continues, as new generations from Laurel, MD to Los Angeles, CA continue to love their jeans. They carry purses and backpacks, tie bandannas on their pets, and have their favorite brands and designers in what once were work clothes for far from fashionable people. A pair of of designer pants can cost as much as an evening gown. The craze has lasted over 150 years and doesn't seen destined to end anytime soon.
