This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Few things have traveled as far as jeans: from pants for miners and gold diggers to a basic element of any wardrobe. Today, women's jeans are made in dozens of styles — from straight to flared — and to not get lost in this variety, it's useful to know where each of them came from. We tell a brief history of denim and how to choose your pair.
Where jeans came from
The names we use every day have European origins. The word "jeans" is associated with the Italian city of Genoa (French — Gênes), from where strong cotton fabric for sailors' work clothes was supplied to Europe. And "denim" is a shortened French term serge de Nîmes, meaning "serge from Nîmes," a city in southern France where dense fabric was produced.
Modern jeans appeared in the USA. In 1873, merchant Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis received a patent for work pants with metal rivets that reinforced the pockets. They were worn by miners, cowboys, and workers — everyone for whom clothing had to last for years.
How jeans became women's wear
- 1930s. Women on ranches and resorts of the Wild West wear jeans as comfortable clothing for work and travel; the first models tailored for the female figure appear.
- 1940s. During World War II, women work en masse in factories — and pants, including jeans, finally enter the women's wardrobe.
- 1950s–1960s. Hollywood and youth culture turn jeans into a symbol of freedom and rebellion.
- 1970s. The era of flares and high waists.
- 1990s–2000s. From mom jeans to low-rise and skinny.
- Today. Styles coexist: straight, wide, flared, and boyfriend jeans are all equally relevant.
Styles today and who they suit
- Straight. A straight leg from hip to bottom. The most universal style that suits most body shapes.
- Wide leg. Loose from the hip, visually elongate the legs, especially with a high rise.
- Mom. High waist, loose hips, and a tapered bottom. Beautifully accentuate the waist.
- Baggy. Voluminous, with a low or medium rise, in the spirit of the 1990s. For a relaxed style.
- Flare. Fitting at the hips and flaring from the knee. Look best with heels or platforms.
- Skinny. Fits tightly to the leg. Today, this is more of a basic than a trend, and works well with boots.
Stylists from the Ukrainian brand SKRIPKA recommend starting your acquaintance with denim with a straight cut of medium or high rise. This model suits most body shapes, pairs well with sneakers and boots, and is not dependent on fleeting trends. From there, you can move on to experiments with wide leg or flared styles.
How to read denim composition
- 100% cotton — classic "stiff" denim: holds its shape, adapts to the figure over time, but may initially feel stiff.
- 1–2% elastane — the golden mean: jeans are comfortable and do not lose their shape.
- 3% elastane and more — very soft jeans that fit closely, but may stretch over time at the knees.
- Lyocell or viscose in the composition — lighter and softer denim that drapes well.
Care to prevent jeans from shrinking and fading
Wash jeans less often than you think — inside out, in cold water (up to 30 °C) and without bleach. For the first few washes, do them separately from light-colored items: dark denim can bleed dye. Do not dry jeans in a dryer — high temperature is the main cause of shrinkage. Dry them flat, hanging by the waistband.
Frequently asked questions
Why do new jeans shrink after washing?
Cotton shrinks from hot water and drying at high temperatures. Choose cold washing and let jeans dry naturally.
How much elastane should be in jeans?
For everyday jeans, 1–2% is optimal: they are comfortable and hold their shape for a long time.
How to choose the length of jeans for shoes?
Straight and wide jeans with sneakers or loafers look good at ankle length, while flares — with a small heel, when the leg almost touches the floor.
