
On May 20, 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis received a U.S. patent for the great stapleĀ of the American wardrobe: copper riveted blue jeans
May 20, 2024
An event every year that begins at 12:00 am on day 20 of May, repeating indefinitely
On May 20, 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis received a U.S. patent for the great stapleĀ of the American wardrobe: copper riveted blue jeans.šššDavis and Strauss, based out of SanĀ Francisco, originally developed their jeans as workwear for miners, farmers, and other working men in the American West.
So when did they become so popular for everyone? In the 1920s and ā30s, film cowboys appeared in blue jeans, and soon denim was associated with, in VogueāsĀ words, āWestern chic.ā š¤ š¤ š¤ In the 1950s and ā60s, actors such as James Dean further popularized jeans as a symbol of youth and rebellion. ššš
Did you know? Jeans are more than just a pair of pants, but have served as a symbol of American freedoms in other countries. During the Soviet era, jeans were kept out of the Soviet Union and its alignedĀ territories (such as East Berlin) via trade regulation and heavy discouragement from the government. As a result, many living under communism saw jeans as a symbol of freedom, subversion, and the free market.
Noon ā Rest from Work (after Millet), Vincent van Gogh, c. 1890
-Written by Anna Zemaitaitis, Communications and Design Officer