jeans

Jeans are a durable trouser type made from denim, a cotton fabric woven in twill that yields a diagonal rib. Denim is typically colored with indigo dye; the warp threads are dyed while the weft remains lighter, producing the classic blue color that fades with wear. Modern jeans may include a small amount of elastane for stretch and come in a range of weights, commonly 11–14 ounces for daily use and heavier selvage denim for specialty styles.

Most jeans use a five-pocket design: two front pockets, a small coin pocket, and two back pockets, with rivet-reinforced corners and a zip or button fly. The design was developed in the United States in the 19th century as durable workwear for miners and laborers. Levi Strauss & Co., together with tailor Jacob Davis, patented riveted work pants in 1873, a key moment in jeans history. The term jeans is linked to the fabric’s blue dye and historical associations with Genoa, via the phrase bleu de Gênes.

Over time jeans have become a staple of casual dress worldwide. They vary by fit (straight, bootcut, tapered, skinny) and rise (high, mid, low), and by finish (raw/unwashed, prewashed, distressed). Care guidelines emphasize washing infrequently to preserve color and fit; when washed, cold water and line drying help minimize shrinkage. Raw denim is typically bought stiff and fades with deliberate wear. Sustainability issues concern water usage, dye runoff, and labor conditions in some supply chains.