I have decided that if, for some strange reason, every pair of jeans in the country and the world, for that matter were to disappear, there would be 'a lot' of people walking around “butt naked.” I came to this conclusion as I sat in the parking lot of the local grocery store waiting for my wife to pick up a couple of items.
It was late afternoon, bitterly cold and the store was very busy as people rushed home from work. As I watched the people raced in and out of the store ( it was cold!) I realized that almost all of them were wearing some form or manner of 'jeans.” Many pair were old and tattered. Some were new, Christmas gifts I might assume. Even gentlemen with shirts and ties were wearing 'jeans'. No black or gray slacks here. The clothing and dress trends have changed.
The story goes that the term 'jean' comes from the word 'Genoa' and refers to a clothe that came from Italy. Originality it was used to make pants for sailors, being a thick blend of linen and wool. The problem with linen was that it needed to be pressed in order to look neat.
Years later jeans were being produced in England and were made primarily of wool. And the year? It was the 1700's. Later a new fabric was introduced, denim and the rest is history.
By the late 19th century America got into the 'jeans' business and the most well-know maker was a gentleman by the name of Levi Strauss. And along with Jacob Davis they would change the industry forever. (It was Davis' invention of the metal rivets to keep the pockets from coming off.)
'Jeans' hit the beginning of their everlasting popularity by the 1950's . New companies emerged on the scene and as usual, the media played a major role in their success as the rebels on the movie screen all wore jeans as a statement of rebellion.
I can remember my fist pair of 'jeans', dark denim blue and stiff as a board. But I could only wear them around the house, never in public.
'Jeans' were made for the 60's and 70's and the hippy movement They were to become the symbol of individuality and an independent character as they took on new shapes and designs. And by now, the dark blue had given way to the new look of “washed-out” and well worn.
From the early 1980's to the present day, 'jeans have continued to expand their roll into high fashion and design. There are very few who do not have at least one pair of jeans as a major part of the wardrobe whether they be designer or regular, distressed or destroyed, ultra low pencil thin.
I have several pairs of 'jeans', now that I am retired. I have a “dress pair” to wear with a nice shirt and sport coat, several pair that I wear when working around the house, one pair with the mandatory tears and worn out knee and one pair spotted with paint. ( I personally like the shirt, sport coat and 'jean' look with boat mocs.
The future of “jeans” looks sound and secure, regardless of 'how big your butt looks.' And besides, if 'jeans' were to all of a sudden disappear, what would people have to look at?
