The Evolution of Jean Culture (The Jean Timeline)

1920s

Jeans were considered popular Western wear worn by miners, cowboys and other workers who needed durable clothing that could withstand wear and tear. 

1930s

A fashion publication featured its first model in denim on the cover, hinting that jeans could perhaps be a fashion statement, and not just reserved as practical clothing for working men.

1950s

Teens really embraced jeans as they were seen as the rebellious fashion item of choice. Pop culture icons like James Dean and Marlon Brando popularised jeans in movies and they were even banned in some public schools. Light washes, cuffed jeans and black denim were the trends among men, and women rarely wore denim during this time. Popular brands included Levi’s, Lee Cooper and Wrangler jeans.

1970s

This was the beginning of the hippie age where personalising your jeans was the ultimate rage. Embroidery, bright colours, stonewash, rhinestones and patches were just some of the jean trends of the time. Popular cuts included bell bottoms and hip huggers; denim skirts also became popular.

1980s

This is when designer denim was truly born. A 15-year-old Brooke Shields starred in a Calvin Klein commercial cooing, "Nothing comes between me and my Calvin’s", bringing denim to the forefront of every fashion designer’s mind. 

Stonewash, acid wash and ripped jeans were some of the most popular looks, along with skinny leg cuts that were tapered at the ankle.

1990s

Shortall (Short Overall)

Denim saw a decline in popularity at this stage. Carpenter jeans and head-to-toe denim were among the most trendy looks, as well as overalls and shortalls, which were popular among women. 

For men, the rise of hip hop brought along a rise in popularity of baggy jeans and saggy denim.

2000s - 

In the early parts of the new millennium pop stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera popularised the ultra low rise jean. 

Denim also became a fashion staple, becoming an appropriate item of clothing to wear out on a Friday night or even to the office. 

Flare and boot cut denim were among the most popular cuts and came in a variety of washes. 

The mid-to-late 2000s saw a rise in popularity of the skinny jean and ripped (termed: distressed jeans) denim. High-waisted wide leg denim and Boyfriend jeans also came into fashion. 

An interest in premium brands also soared in the 2000s, with brands suddenly becoming mainstream household names.

Bell-bottoms came and went, came back and then left again. 

Top hats had their time to shine and platform shoes had an intense, yet short, life. 

Polyester made a brief appearance and at one point, sailor suits could be seen everywhere, but not anymore. 

Yet jeans seem to have survived. Jeans achieved one task that is nearly impossible: staying a major trend from the eighteenth century to the present day. Popularity usually comes with an expiration date, but apparently not for jeans. 

Who ever thought that jeans would be such a fashion statement and change with each decade?!

#JeanFest