Jeans and Denim are some of the most popular clothes and fabrics in today’s world. They have existed for a long time and so, it would not be shocking if there are enough jeans in our wardrobes, for everyone in the world to own at least one pair.

Some people have jeans and denim in different colors and designs but the fabric has largely remained the same.

In fact, at one time during the ‘60s, jeans became synonymous with protests and as a result, companies began turning down young people clad in jeans for fear that they were protesters. For casual wear, parties, and even for some professional occasions, jeans are the perfect outfit. Today, we are shedding light on four intriguing facts you need to know about jeans and denim.

Digital Buggu/Pexels | Denim

All Jeans are Denim, But Not All Denim are Jeans

Simply put, denim is a type of fabric whereas jeans are garments or clothing items. Jeans are made from denim which is a raw material that is made from 100% cotton twill. However, jeans are not the only things that can be made from Denim–lots of accessories such as bags, face caps, shirts, skirts, and jackets can be made from denim.

Domenico Farone/Pexels | Genoa

Denim was First Invented in Genoa, Italy During The 1500s

Well, everyone knows Italy is the home of fashion and as a result, many top fashion brands have an Italian name or operate under an Italian parent company. So it should come as no surprise that even though they did not invent or come up with the material, the Italians did introduce denim as a clothing item in the 1500s in the city of Genoa and it was later used to create the uniform for the Italian Navy.

The Material for Denim Came From a French City Named Nimes

Even though the Italians introduced denim as clothing, the material for the clothes actually came from the French city of Nimes. So, the material was often referred to as “De Nimes” which in English, translates to “from Nimes.” Thus, the material got its name and would be referred to as denim. The French, when referring to the clothes made from Denim, would often call them “genes” which is the French word for Genoa, the Italian city where Jeans were invented. Hence, these clothes that were made from the materials imported from Nimes, would later be known as jeans.

Atharva Tulsi /Unsplash | Levi Strauss made Denim popular in the 1870s

Levi Strauss Made Denim Popular in The 1870s

Although the material had been in use since the 1600s, Levi Strauss popularised denim during the late ‘70s when he used the material to make clothes for miners and other regular people. The material was cheap and affordable and so, it was mostly sold to the commonfolk.