These are the Denim Moments that Stand Out in History

Denim has many shades and styles, making it one of the most versatile fabrics in the fashion industry. Looking back over the decades, these denim moments stand out as some of the most iconic ones. Depending on your age, you may remember some or all of them. Which one is your favorite?

1990s Mom Jeans

This style of denim pants became popular in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s. It is also making a comeback now, as many clothing styles tend to do. “Mom jeans,” as they are affectionately called, feature a high waist and straight leg. The attractive versions available today from popular jean manufacturers are designed to suit many different women’s body types and are so comfortable because they sit on the natural waistline. They can be distressed, have intentional rips, and be any shade of blue (or other color).

Oversized Jeans

Also in the ‘90s, two young rappers known as the duo Kriss Kross decided to turn their shirts backward and wear oversized jeans at their live performances; it was unlike anything seen. Yes, these Grammy-nominated singers wore their pants backwards too. It started a trend among teens and 20-year-olds to wear pants that were not just one or two sizes too big but more like five or six. They often needed a belt to stay up on the waist, and even then, the jeans had to constantly be pulled up because of how baggy they were.

Katherine Hepburn Inspired

Going further back in time to the 1940s, Katherine Hepburn often wore jeans and did so with flair, making denim look effortlessly sophisticated. She wore her favorite jeans to set when working on RKO, and her pants were confiscated while she was on set as not appropriate for a movie scene. Katherine then proceeded to return to the set in her underwear until the pants were returned to her as a way to pressure this into happening. Yes, they eventually were returned to her. She is known for being the first woman to wear pants in a film.

Denim among Presidents

Jeans have such a clean look and pair well with so many tops that it’s no wonder many Presidents have had their photos taken in these bottoms. Denim was extra popular after Jimmy Carter wore it. This US President was a peanut farmer first, so his love of jeans and cardigans dated back a while. We love that he stuck to the same fashion even after he entered the Oval Office. It also showed he was an everyday kind of guy you might be friends with, just like everyone else, rather than someone who was upper class and knew it.

Then, Now, and Looking Ahead at Fashion

These are only some of the many big denim moments in history. This fabric continues to be popular in pants, shirts, jackets, overalls, dresses, and purses. There is no doubt that denim will continue to trend for a long time, given the versatile styles, colors available (in addition to classic blue), and great comfort.