About Jeans
Jeans were called "waist overalls" or just "overalls" until
1960 when Levi Strauss changed it to its popular name of
"jeans."
Jeans transcend age, economic and style barriers. Washes,
embellishments, leg openings and labels fluctuate with fashion
whims, but jeans themselves have reached iconic status.
Although they are the quintessential American item, denim
probably originated from a fabric from Nimmes, France (serge
de Nimmes means "of Nimmes" -- which became denim). In time
American cowboys, railroad workers and farmers adopted them
for their rugged wearability. After WWII, jeans evolved into
rebel wear for teens and then for the hippies. The '70s saw an
explosion of styles and fabric treatments; the '80s brought
designer denim. Today, jeans are the stuff of high-end
designer wear. ( www.about.com
)Different Fits
Boot cut
Slim through the legs, with a slight flare at the ankle to
accommodate a boot the most versatile and flattering fit,
bootcuts (with a leg opening of about 16-18 inches) are a
great bet for everyone. Dress them up with stilettos, go
casual with trainers or sneakers, or pair them with
ever-so-stylish boots (opt for a funky kitten-heeled style).
Bellbottoms - Start to flare at the knee, resulting in a 22+
inch leg opening this style became popular in the 70's stared
when people began putting they're own triangular panels into
the seams of the lower legs on regular bootcuts so they could
wear over platform shoes.
Flares
Not as wide as Bellbottoms they're slim through the legs,
flaring right above the ankle -- to about an 21+ inch opening
Slim / Peg Legs
For the bad girl in you, skinny jeans are ideal. They're
tough, they're racy, and they're very eye-catching. Pair with
a feminine top or preppy blazer (and don't forget pumps!)
Lowrise
For the girls with flat tummies, the how-low-can-you-go trend
is still going strong. They look even better with an
extra-wide belt and a shirt that shows just a glimpse of
navel.
Urban
Inspired by Army wear usually having cargo pockets, buckles,
and hem drawstrings type features, Urban wear has a sharp
utilitarian vibe to denim for the girl who wants that tough
ready to go anywhere look.
Trouser
Menswear-inspired trouser fit are fabulous in denim, these
masculine-style pants are much more wearable.
Baggie's
Trouser style but with very baggy legs 20"-22" all the way
down urban street fashion ideal for very big ladies looking
for a young look.
Skirts
Whether you opt for a racy mini or polished pencil, denim
skirts are a great alternative to jeans - and for good reason
too, since they're just as versatile. Also keep your eyes open
for Urban cargo details and pleated styles.
Denims Types
Denim is unique because it is woven with two yarn colors: the
indigo yarn and the "filler" yarn, which is un-dyed (turn your
jeans inside out and see the white inside for yourself!)
Right hand twill - Using uniform yarns, this weave is
considered more rugged.
Left hand twill - The weave runs diagonally, resulting in a
softer, loftier feel.
Ring Spun Denim - The original denim fabric, which is known
for its characteristic slubs.
Open-End Denim - The most popular type of denim, which has a
consistent yarn thickness.
Dirty denim - Filler yarns are brown (instead of natural which
is woven with the indigo) which gives the denim a "dirty"
appearance.
Denim Treatments
Stonewashed - Most jeans today are stonewashed, the original
method is in pumice stones, modern techniques now use enzymes,
sand, ceramic balls and other methods to give jeans their worn
look.
Tie-dyed - Originally jeans were tied in knots and dipped into
bleach or colored dyes, modern techniques use wires and cords
and sprays that can create far more detailed patterns and
textures.
Vintage - The denim has a worn appearance giving it and used
look usually on the knees legs bottom areas, other techniques
include cutting and fraying of seams and edges..
Glitter wash - The denim is treated with a glitter powder that
gives the denim a sparkly affect.
Hand Finished - The denim is either hand painted screen
printed embroidered with silks, beads or sequins or has
patchwork using cloth or leather patches.
What's the Meaning of Hippy?
| Noun |
1. |
hippy - someone who rejects
the established culture; advocates extreme liberalism in
politics and lifestyle, flower child, flower people,
hippies, hipsters - a youth subculture (mostly from the
middle class) originating in San Francisco in the 1960s;
advocated universal love and peace and communes and long
hair and soft drugs; favored acid rock and progressive
rock music. |
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