The Origins of Jeans: from Sailors to Style Icons
The story of jeans begins in the 16th century, when the Genoese Navy in Italy first used a sturdy fabric known as "jean" to outfit its ships with sails and clothe its sailors. Genoa, famous for this indigo-colored cotton-and-linen canvas, lent its signature hue—Blu di Genova—to what would later be called "blue jeans" in English.
Meanwhile, in the French city of Nîmes, weavers like the André family sought to recreate the durable Genoese fabric. By the 17th century, they had developed a new twill canvas woven from wool and silk. Known as "denim" after its origin—de Nîmes—this fabric became popular in the French countryside, particularly for making rugged work clothes for shepherds and farmers. Exported to Genoa, the fabric was dyed indigo and repurposed into a practical, long-lasting clothing item.
The modern jean as we know it was the result of a partnership between Levi Strauss, a fabric merchant, and Jacob Davis, a Nevada-based tailor. In 1853, Strauss’s business supplied canvas to miners and settlers during the California Gold Rush. One of his customers, Jacob Davis, innovated by reinforcing work trousers with copper rivets at stress points, like the pockets and flies, making them more durable. These trousers became a hit among miners and lumberjacks, leading Davis to team up with Strauss in 1872 to commercialize and patent the design, marking the birth of the modern blue jeans.
Today, denim—whether made entirely of cotton or blended with elastane for flexibility—remains beloved for its strength and comfort. The distinctive texture, with indigo-dyed warp yarns and ecru-dyed weft yarns, gives denim its iconic chambray-style appearance, making it a timeless fabric worn by millions across the globe.
The History of Jeans at agnès b.
At agnès b., denim is more than just fabric—it’s a symbol of timeless style, versatility, and effortless elegance. From the very beginning, Agnès herself recognized the potential of jeans to go beyond their origins as durable workwear. When she launched her brand in 1975, she envisioned a new kind of denim—one that could seamlessly blend with Parisian sophistication while remaining comfortable and accessible for everyday life.
The story of jeans dates back to the 19th century, when they were invented as rugged clothing for workers. By the mid-20th century, jeans had transformed into a symbol of rebellion, worn by icons like James Dean and Marlon Brando. As denim entered mainstream culture, it became clear that this once utilitarian fabric had an undeniable connection to individuality and expression.
But while denim gained popularity, Agnès took a different approach. She saw beyond the flashy, embellished trends of the 1970s and 1980s and instead focused on creating jeans that embodied her core design philosophy: simplicity, elegance, and functionality. Her aim was to craft jeans that could be worn by anyone, anywhere—timeless pieces that would never go out of style.
agnès b.’s early collections featured jeans that were sleek and minimalist, a sharp contrast to the loud designs dominating fashion at the time. Her designs embraced clean lines and perfectly tailored fits, offering an effortless balance between casual and chic. Jeans, in her hands, became a wardrobe essential for those who valued both comfort and understated luxury.
As the years went on, Agnès continued to innovate within the world of denim. Her slim-cut jeans became a signature look, loved for their flattering silhouette and timeless appeal. But her love for denim didn’t stop at jeans—iconic denim jackets, skirts, and dresses became part of her collections, all with the same attention to detail and quality craftsmanship that defines agnès b. clothing.
Beyond aesthetics, sustainability has always been central to the brand. agnès b. was ahead of her time, believing in "slow fashion" long before it became a movement. Today, our denim is crafted using eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices, ensuring that each pair of jeans not only looks good but also reflects our commitment to a more sustainable future.
Explore agnès b.’s latest denim collection and add timeless pieces to your wardrobe today!