Jeans Art III

In 1901, the U.S. Navy issued dungarees, as jeans were called back then, as part of the working uniform for its sailors. The straight legged jeans were replaced by the boot- cut jeans during the 1950s, allowing more ventilation and ensuring sailors could take them off easier when they fell overboard or had to abandon ship.

At those times, the cost of a pair of jeans was $1.50. That sounds cheap, but equates to around $95 nowadays. Statistics have shown that Americans spent over $15 billion on jeans in 2005 and sales are still on the rise.

Although jeans were worn by workers during WW II, they became more popular among youth after James Dean wore them in the movie 'Rebel Without a Cause'.

However, the jeans were associated with rebellion and frowned upon. During the sixties, they lost this negative association and turned in to fashion during the seventies, when the stone washed jeans were introduced by the "Great Western Garment Co.".

Nowadays, jeans can be found in every wardrobe and the average American owns about seven pairs of jeans. Hmmm, since I don't, I better get me some more!