Many people are aware of the roots that blue jeans have in America. Jacob Davis had invented the riveted pockets of the blue jeans at the pocket's stress points for a customer of his pants. For the next 25 years while Levi Strauss & Co held the patent rights to blue jeans, they became immensely popular among the working class. Right after the exclusive patent rights expired and the invention became public domain, many companies started manufacturing blue jeans. The wealthier, pampered members of society did not wear blue jeans during this era.
During World War II, blue jeans gained the popularity overseas that they had garnished many years before in America. Foreigners admired the pants worn by American soldiers. Shortly after World War II with jeans now internationally recognized as a durable, comfortable pair of pants, sales skyrocketed.
Jeans were a symbol of rebels during much of the mid-20th century, up until the 1980s. Rebel figures like James Dean in movies wore blue jeans almost exclusively while the older more conservative generation did not. It was during this time period that jeans were a symbol of high fashion. Sales for jeans skyrocketed during this decade. Blue jeans lost popularity in the decade following the 80s as children scoffed at wearing clothing their parents wore. While blue jeans were still worn among kids, they had to be different from the traditional straight down blue denim their parents grew up in. Blue jeans continue to be worn today and still cloak the status of the wearer. Currently jeans are making a fashion comeback and the traditional jeans manufacturers have fragmented as a result of the past two decades filling various niches. Whatever path blue jeans may take, their roots are entrenched in American soil.
By Grant Davis
summarized by eri rm
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