This week, it's all about the red, white and…old blues!
In honor of Fourth of July, we're delving into the history of an Americana staple: denim. What was once used as upholstery and patch fabric for the working class now sets the foundation for a perfect everyday outfit.
Since the 19th century, blue jeans has helped distinguish the American image—from gun-slinging cowboys to punk rockers to modern-day celebs. So before you break out the patriotic colors this weekend, read how this cotton fabric influenced style in the good, ol' U S of A.
1873
Jacob Davis, a tailor by trade, and Levis Strauss, a dry goods and fabric supplier, partnered up to patent pants featuring rivets, which made it easier to fasten. These pants were later called the 501—yep, just imagine the asking price for these vintage Levi's.
1930s
Denim continued to be a sturdy, reliable fabric used through wartime. Additionally, Hollywood depiction of the Wild, Wild West and endorsements from John Wayne in Westerns like Stagecoach reinforced the idea that men wearing jeans were not to be messed with.
1955
James Dean personified angsty teen heartthrob in Rebel Without a Cause, solidifying the white-tee-and-blue-jeans pairing as the official look of bad boys everywhere. The signature combo was used to outfit the T-Birds in Grease and now, interestingly, constitutes the model off-duty uniform.
1970s
Punk rock and the counterculture movement, instigated by the likes of The Ramones and The Clash, fueled an interest in the distorted and distressed. You can peg your affinity to pant holes and acid wash to this decade.
1979
A hillbilly-inspired series called The Dukes of Hazzard introduced the world to Daisy Duke and her very mini jean shorts. Although Jessica Simpson later reprised the role in a 2005 film of the same name, the shorts are still known as Daisy Dukes and are favored by celebs like Britney Spears, Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez.
1980s
Is there anything more iconic than Bruce Springsteen's 1984 Born in the USA album cover? At the same time, hip-hop introduced the world to baggy and loose-fit jeans while punk rockers gravitated to skinny silhouettes.
2001
C'mon, you know this image of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at the American Music Awards is emblazoned in your head. At the time, the denim-on-denim look (aka the Canadian tuxedo) was considered a fashion faux pas. Ironically, doubling down on denim is proving very trendy these days.
Present
With the nostalgia trend going strong, all denim looks are seeing a resurgence. Whether your pair is flared, skinny, distressed, vintage or paired with other denim, it's been seen before. It has a story, just the way we like it.