It is amazing to see how the different events in history have influenced and changed the way people have dressed throughout time. Some of the most popular fashions are classic, they can stand the test of time and hardly ever “go out of style”, only experiencing minor changes to keep up with the trends. Often certain fashion trends are dependent on the tastes of particular groups of people and are usually associated with social status or cultural preferences like the type of music a person likes. Popular fashions reflected the mood of each decade and showcased changes in society as the styles of clothing and accessories evolved with the times.
From 1800 to 1930 The Birth of Jeans & Western style
May 20, 1873, the first pair of blue jeans as we now know them were born. In the late 1800s, denim trousers, typically worn by male workers and originally referred to as “waist overalls,” were fairly commonplace as rough and tumble work wear. In the 1920s and 1930s, jeans were popular Western wear in the United States, worn by miners, cowboys and other male workers who needed sturdy clothing that could withstand heavy wear and tear. In 1936, Levi Strauss added his signature red flag to the back pocket of jeans, making it the first item of clothing to have a designer label on the outside. It was also in the 1930s that Vogue magazine featured its first fashion model in denim on the cover, hinting that jeans could perhaps be a fashion statement for women, and not just reserved as practical clothing for working men.
The 1950s to 1960s- The Birth of Cool & Hippies Jeans
Teenagers embraced blue jeans in the 1950s, as they were seen as the rebellious fashion item of choice. Pop culture icons like James Dean and Marlon Brando popularized jeans in movies and this “bad boy” clothing item was even banned in some public schools for being too provocative. Light washes, cuffed denim styles, and black jeans were the reigning jeans trends among men, and popular brands included Levi’s, Lee Cooper and Wrangler jeansThe 1960s launched the beginning of the hippie age. The youthful, free love movement that rocked American culture embraced the casual blue jean, which was seen to represent freedom from more structured clothing. In this decade of creative expression, personalizing your jeans was considered very groovy.
1980-1990 Birth of Designer & Baggy jeans
The 1980s is the decade when designer denim was truly born. Designer jeans became a status symbol and brands including Calvin Klein, Jordache, and Gloria Vanderbilt was among the most popular in stores. Stonewash acid wash and ripped jeans were some of the most desired looks, along with the new, skinnier leg cuts that were tapered at the ankle. Even men got in on the designer denim trend in this decade and started to show up more in jeans advertising. Denim fashion changed in the 1990s, as the new era in fashion began, becoming more casual wear than stylish must-have. Carpenter jeans and head-to-toe denim were among the trendier looks, as well as overalls and shortfalls, which were popular among younger women. For men, the rise of hip-hop brought along a rise in popularity of baggy jeans.
2000-2018 Birth of Skinny & High waists Jeans
In the early 2000s, Skinny jeans were famous for its stunning looks. This denim is the most popular of the early 2000s and came in a variety of washes. But the biggest story of the decade began in the mid-to-late 2000s, with the resurgence of the skinny jean, as a result of innovations in denim stretch technology. Suddenly, everyone was wearing skinny, legging-style jeans to work, on the weekend and for date nights out. Boyfriend jeans for women also became a hot fashion trend in the 2000s. today, the trend in denim fashion is toward variety, though skinnier styles for women remain the most popular. Higher waisted jeans are in popularity among younger women in this decade. Other vintage-inspired jean trends such as denim overalls, jumpsuits and Skirts became must-have fashion items for real women and celebrities alike.
