When did jeans/denim become acceptable attire for society at large?

Question

When I was growing up the only people who wore denim were children, blue-collar workers, and farmers. But now it seems like everywhere you look you see people wearing denim for all sorts of occasions whether it be a play, interview, or business casual events. I'm not saying it's wrong. I understand that society and style will change even if I personally detest denim, but I still wonder if anyone can pinpoint when this phenomenon. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for your input.

Thanks for all the input so far. I'm pretty up to date on the history of denim and Strauss what I'm really looking for is when do you think it became acceptable for adults and poeple in business situations to wear denim and why did this happen?

Answer 1

The 1960s. I think it started on college campuses (which used to be all suits and dresses), when they dropped or greatly relaxed dress codes. It was partly political, showing solidarity with the workers.

Answer 2

It started in 1849 with Levi. Took awhile but the word got out that denim was durable and comfortable. Then of course, if you didn't realize it, country became cool in late 1960's early 70's. Why should people conform to the previous generations outdated ideas about proper dress? If we did who knows what we'd all be wearing. Maybe powdered wigs. Maybe wool underwear. A point of interest, denim is considered cowboy/western attire but cowboys of the 1870's did not wear denim much at all. Many wore homemade leather pants or more often a suit (cheap suit) bought off the shelf at a local merchantile for about $6 vest and all. The creases from being folded on the shelf made it all the more fashionable. By the way I was putting peanuts in my coke long before Dolly Pardon ever sang about it.

Answer 3

Jeans were created during the time of the gold rush in California when an immigrant needed clothes that were more durable - his name was Levi Strauss and the year was 1849. Jeans have traditionally been worn by labourers and farmers because they are durable and easily washed (and still looked good when scruffy).

The hideous acid wash jeans led the way for the stone washed when it became trendy in the 1980s - just look at all the old pop videos (Madonna, New Kids of the Block).

Answer 4

They became more popular in the 1950's, mostly among kids and blue-collar workers as work clothes. But in the 60's, teens began to wear them for comfort and durability. Those unwashed hippies could live in the same pair for weeks. Eventually, in the 70's, they grew more acceptable to the point that when I went to high school in the late 70's, 95% wore jeans, either Levi's, Lee's or designer jeans.