Jeans

Jeans are trousers made from denim. Originally work clothes, they became popular among teens starting in the 1950s. Popular brands include Levi's and Wrangler.

Jeans in popular culture

Blue Jeans

Initially blue jeans were simply sturdy trousers worn by workers. In the United States during the 1950s, wearing of blue jeans by teenagers and young adults became symbolic of mild protest against conformity. This was considered by some adults as disruptive. For example, some movie theaters refused to admit patrons who wore blue jeans. The alternative to jeans was a type of light khaki pants worn by conformist teens (largely males) who were branded with the name "Socs" (apparently from "social"). During the 1960s the wearing of blue jeans became more acceptable and by the 1970s had become a general fashion in the United States, at least for informal wear. Acceptance of jeans continued through the 1980s and 1990s to the point where jeans are now a wardrobe staple, with the average American owning 7 pairs.

Related Topics:
Workers - United States - 1950s - Khaki - 1960s - 1970s - 1980s - 1990s

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Outside of the United States, particularly in Russian popular culture, blue jeans were and are fashionable, symbolizing American culture and the good life. Being imported American products, especially in the case of the Soviet Union which restricted hard currency imports, they were somewhat expensive. In Chinese, jeans are known as niuzaiku (SC: ???), literally, "cowboy pants" (trousers), indicating their association with the American West, cowboy culture, and outdoors work.

Related Topics:
Russian popular culture - Chinese - SC - Cowboy - American West

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