Distressed Denim origins?

[lchazl]

Hey,

With the whole distressed denim craze going on (I think it's dying down now) I was wondering when it ever began? I'm guessing that this was a 70's thing that they brought back, but not too sure of the origins.

Thanks,

Charles

 

[disco54]

no distressed is an 80s thing , 70s jeans were more patchwork and darting and seam work.

 

[Diorling]

I was wondering this too...It just appeared without any obvious referencing.

Of course there are jeans that are distressed from actual wear, that could be the influence.

 

[lchazl]

I was wondering this too...It just appeared without any obvious referencing.

Of course there are jeans that are distressed from actual wear, that could be the influence.

True, but I remember in the 90s it was only grunge rockers wearing jeans where you could see the knees, I was repulsed and never thought I would be caught dead with that on. Now everyone is doing it and it can actually be dressed up with a blazer, sport jacket, etc.

 

[tangerine]

I think the look goes back to the mid-19th century when jeans were first invented, and quickly worn out by miners, but just for fun, here's a pic of the Ramones, circa 1977, from their third album. Photo by Danny Fields.

As far as commercially pre-distressed jeans goes, though, I am inclined to agree that it began with "stonewashing" in the early 80s.