While the origins of denim fabric remain a mystery, we know it emerged in France and England in the 17th century. There is a town in France called Nimes where a twill fabric called serge de Nimes was made from silk and wool. Since “denim” sounds like a derivation of “de Nimes,” it is logical to assume denim originated in Nimes.
The Rise of Cotton Denim
Today’s denim is made of cotton, not silk or wool. Cotton denim was first produced in Genoa, Italy. Like serge de Nimes, the fabric was a twill weave. Denim was sturdier and more expensive, woven from colored and white threads. Jean fabric used two threads of the same color.
The Spread Across Europe and America
Mills across Europe manufactured jean and denim, capitalizing on the “foreign” romance of the fabrics’ names. Without records, the exact origins of the mills’ versions are unclear. In the 18th century, American mills began making denim and jean. The first printed reference to “denim” was in a 1769 Rhode Island newspaper. Denim and jean were popular in America. Denim was comfortable, durable, and washable. It was mainly used for manual laborers’ pants, from coal miners to ranchers. Although strong, jean was more “formal” and used for tailored pants.
The Evolution of Blue Jeans
Early blue jeans were called “waist overalls.” When Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss invented copper-riveted waist overalls, they used blue and brown denim, known as “denim overalls.” After WWII, “jeans” became the common term. Blue jeans were accepted for all in the 1970s, not just laborers. Denim has come a long way from its origins as a fabric for workwear. It is now a fashion staple for people around the world. The versatility and timelessness of denim has allowed it to evolve and adapt to changing styles. Denim will likely remain an essential part of our wardrobes for years to come.
