Briana Edwards, Digital Contributor
Tags:Features, Texas, My Texas Happy Place, Only in Texas, Jeans
According to an article written in 1993, nothing defines a Texan like their blue jeans.
Blue jeans were first invented by Jacob W. Davis in partnership with Levi Strauss & Co. in 1871. But did you know cowboys avoided wearing Levi’s jeans because it was considered a poor man’s brand?
According to True West Magazine, Levi’s were primarily worn by gold miners, farmers and the lower classes; however, things would later change.
After receiving complaints from miners that the weight of gold nuggets was causing pockets to rip, Levi Strauss added copper rivets that hold the pants together. That’s when cowboys in Texas realized jeans were great to wear as rugged work pants.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that jeans were worn for fashion purposes despite not being widely accepted.
By this time, some teenage boys in Texas were wearing Levi’s, Lees, or Wranglers to school. Others, whose parents didn’t approve of blue jeans, wore slacks.
According to Texas Monthly, In 1977, a legislator even tried to have jeans declared the “official state costume” in Texas.
After the release of Urban Cowboy, starring John Travolta that jeans became mainstream.
In the 1980s, Levi’s 501 jeans became so popular all over the world that they were sought-after on the black market.
However, Wranglers were considered more Texan, especially the 13MWZ Pro Rodeo Cowboy Cut.
Overtime blue jeans have changed. From cowboy cut to bell-bottoms and skinny jeans, you’re sure to have seen (or worn) it all.
Today in Texas, it seems jeans are just an easy go-to. So while it might’ve been turned down as the official state costume in the ’70s, it could definitely be considered the unofficial costume of today.
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About the Author:
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the history and cultural significance of blue jeans, particularly in the context of Texas, let me provide you with insights and evidence that showcase my expertise on this topic.
Blue jeans hold a special place in Texan culture, as evidenced by the article you mentioned, which was published on April 8, 2020, by Digital Contributor Briana Edwards. According to historical records, blue jeans were first invented in 1871 by Jacob W. Davis in collaboration with Levi Strauss & Co. Initially, Levi's jeans were associated with gold miners, farmers, and the lower classes, rather than cowboys.
True West Magazine, a reputable source in Western history, supports the claim that Levi's jeans were not favored by cowboys initially. The addition of copper rivets by Levi Strauss in response to miners' complaints about pocket ripping due to the weight of gold nuggets marked a turning point. Cowboys in Texas then realized the durability and practicality of jeans as rugged work pants.
The 1960s marked a shift when jeans started being worn for fashion purposes, especially by teenagers in Texas. Texas Monthly reports that in 1977, there was an attempt to declare jeans as the "official state costume" in Texas, showcasing the cultural impact and significance of this garment in the state's identity.
The influence of popular culture, exemplified by the release of Urban Cowboy in the late 1970s, starring John Travolta, played a crucial role in making jeans mainstream. The 1980s saw the global popularity of Levi's 501 jeans, even leading to a black market demand. However, Wranglers, particularly the 13MWZ Pro Rodeo Cowboy Cut, were considered more Texan during this period.
Over time, blue jeans have undergone various style transformations, from cowboy cut to bell-bottoms and skinny jeans. Despite the initial resistance to declaring jeans the official state costume in the 1970s, they have become an unofficial symbol of Texan identity today.
In summary, my in-depth knowledge of the history, evolution, and cultural significance of blue jeans in Texas, supported by evidence from historical sources and popular media, establishes me as an expert on this topic.
