Denim Jeans: A Story of Colonialism, Cash Crops, and Cotton
In the south of France, there is a small city called Nîmes and it is the reason why denim jeans exist. “From Nîmes” is translated to “de Nîmes,” hence the name “denim.” Denim jeans are a defining feature in the worlds of fashion and culture. Originally used to create durable clothing for tough working conditions, the blue textile has become a cultural standard, permeating all corners of the clothing industry.
Compared to other cotton fabrics, denim is dense due to its thicker yarns and stronger sewing. In classic blue denim, the warp thread is dyed blue, while the weft thread is left white, causing blue jeans to be white on the inside.
In 1853, a German immigrant by the name of Levi Strauss moved to San Francisco after hearing about the California Gold Rush. There, he met Jacob W. Davis, a tailor who used denim to create tents, horse blankets, and wagon covers. This partnership led to the creation of Levi Strauss & Co, one of the most iconic jeans brands in the world. When a customer commissioned a sturdy pair of working pants, Strauss used denim and placed copper rivets in areas prone to ripping. And thus, denim jeans were born.
