General Description
There may not be any more contentious and subjective topic in fashion than denim. Countless brands that look identical to the uninformed and offer dizzying options to those who follow the trends. One thing that everyone can agree upon: there are a lot of options out there. Given a few basic principles, everyone can find the perfect jean. Because everyone knows how and where to get a pair of Gap or Levi's jeans, this wiki will instead focus on more niche-market, designer-oriented jeans.
History and Recent Developments
Denim is a durable cotton textile primarily used in work clothing, particularly by farmers and ranchers in the US through the first half of the 20th century. (While denim is one textile (among a handful) that jeans can be made from, the word "denim" in fashion has come to be somewhat synonymous with jeans.) In the 1950s, denim jeans became popular with both niche groups associated with motorcycles and proto-hippie Beat culture. In the 1960s, both groups informed what would become the Hippie cultural movement, heralding in a new norm of casual dress--jeans and tee shirt--that has lasted ever since.
The 1970s first saw what would become known as designer jeans--fashion brands (as opposed to traditionally work-wear brands) producing jeans at premium prices, with more elaborate detailing and increased attention to luxurious comfort. The trend continued throughout the early '80s, but began to wane by the end of the decade. A renewed and far larger interest in designer denim erupted in the early '00s with an unprecedented number of brand struggling for attention in an increasingly demanding youth market, not to mention healthy growth in both children's and adult markets.
Key Features
Like with any type of clothing, what you wear is a matter of personal taste. Before approaching denim, figure out what you want in a jean. Most designer jeans these days are made for durability and comfort--although, obviously, you will find some brands more durable (over time) and comfortable than others, recognized designers, almost across the board, have learned to create jeans that are considerably comfortable and long-lasting. So, cross those issues off your basic list of what to look for. Focus instead, first, on broad themes like whether you want a classic, understated look that won't turn any heads but will probably still be wearable in five or ten years; or, on the other hand, whether you want something that will make you look fashionable and of-the-moment, but may or may not look so great in a couple of years. Because jeans are so expensive these days, this last issue is a big consideration.
Once you've figure out whether you want to play it trendy or safe, these are some of the relevant features you need to consider when looking for denim:
1. Wash: The particular method used to to prewash a jean, giving it its unique look, including specific wear (distressing, whiskering, etc.) and coloring.
2. Cut: Generally refers to how tight or loose a jean fits; commonly used in reference to the width of the bottom hem, at the foot.
3. Inseam: Distance from the crotch to the hem.
4. Rise: Distance from the crotch to the waistband.
5. Raw or Dry Denim: Made from denim that has never been washed or treated.
Major Brands
Jordache is largely recognized as first popularizing the concept of designer denim in the late '70s, while Diesel is recognized as having been at the forefront of denim's resurgence in the early '00s. Seven for All Mankind? is the most recognizable designer denim brand in the US in recent years.
Other significantly popular and influential designer denim brands currently include Chip & Pepper?, Citizens of Humanity?, Earnest Sewn, Rock and Republic?, and True Religion?, in addition to smaller, more niche-oriented brands like the Japanese label Evisu, Swedish label Nudie Jeans, and NY-based Rogan?.
General Pricing
$100+ for designer denim seems to be the low-end these days, with price tags climbing toward and surpassing $500 not uncommon. As a rough goal for designer denim from a brand recognized as trendy, expect to pay $250.
Category
External Links
PhotoOwner: "robert" Last edited on April 5, 2007 7:51 pm by "johnnyb"
