Denim Jeans: The History of Denim Jeans and How to Make Them the Focal Point of Your Wardrobe

If you are wondering if Levi Strauss invented blue denim jeans, the answer is no. One of Strauss' customers, Jacob Davis, created blue jeans.

The History of Denim Jeans

Davis was a tailor who made work pants for miners. In response to his customer's complaints about their pants pockets continually ripping, he developed a method of using copper rivets to strengthen the pants at various stress points like pockets.

Davis and Strauss formed a partnership and together they patented the process, which essentially gave them a monopoly on producing these pants. Those first jeans were functional garments and highly sought after for their durability and comfort. However, today's jeans are both functional and fashionable and are fashioned from a wide range of colors like black, white, and blue denim.

Wearing Denim Jeans

The beauty of jeans is their versatility and affordability. Stonewashed, pastel denim blue is the perfect neutral canvas for creating a multitude of fashion looks.

For instance, top jeans with a slouchy, gray cowl neck sweater, and layer on a black short-sleeved sweater vest. Wrap a matching light gray patterned scarf loosely around the neck and shoulders, and complete the look with pearl studs and knee-high black boots. This perfect about-town look goes from lunch to soccer games to dinner without missing a beat.

Work with the same pair of denim jeans, and add a crisp, white blouse with French cuffs and cufflinks. Tuck the blouse in to accent a trim midriff or leave it out and cinch the waist with a black leather belt to create the illusion of a waistline. Add a pair of black ballerina slippers - plain or embellished - and top with a glitzy, glittering sequin-embellished black shrug or bolero jacket. Create instant bling for special date nights or a night on the town. Finish the look with clean, sleek jewelry to avoid a too-glam or overdone look.

Think of your jeans the way an artist does his canvas. Use a color wheel concept, and add bold punches of color with bright, primary colors like red, yellow, and blue. Complement or contrast, depending on the mood and desired look, with splashes of secondary or tertiary colors.

Types of Jeans

With so many styles and types of denim jeans from which to choose, it is easy to feel a little overwhelmed. After all, you can choose from skinny legs, jeggins, boot cut, cropped pants, and flare pants, just to mention a few. Fortunately, there is an easy way to navigate the maze of possibilities.

Focus on styles that flatter your body type for a so-thin look. For example, those with hourglass figures traditionally have trouble getting a perfect fit in jeans because of the discrepancy between their waist and hip measurements. For those individuals, jeans that fit below the natural waistline are the best solution.

Pear body shapes who struggle with this problem may also want to try a pair of dropped-waist jeans to see how they look. For a long, lean profile, apple body shapes should opt for styles with fitted or flat fronts and avoid too many pockets, which create the illusion of girth and bulk. Rectangle body shapes can balance their proportions with flare leg jeans.

Caring for Denim

Denim jeans are easy-wear, easy-care items, which is a timesaving benefit for busy individuals. Follow these simple steps for a hassle-free routine to keep your jeans clean and protect your investment.

Always wash jeans wrong-side out, and wash them with other jeans or denim apparel. The small amount of dye that may bleed into the wash water will keep all the items looking fresh and new.

Wash in cold or warm water and use the gentle cycle on the washing machine. Use mild detergents and avoid bleach or other additives. Line dry if possible; use the tumble or air-dry cycle if necessary to machine dry.

References

Author's experience as a Certified Image Consultant
Color Matters, Color Theory, accessed 02/01/2011, http://www.colormatters.com/colortheory.html