Denim Nostalgia: A Dickies History
Denim Nostalgia: A Dickies History
Denim plays a big part in the history of workwear, and workwear is at the core of Dickies history. We've been part of the evolution of denim since 1922. Our denim journey started with bib overalls, jackets and coveralls and evolved with jeans and jackets for work and casual wear.
For generations, denim fashion has been a wardrobe staple for women and men around the world. Beyond its versatile appearance, people love denim for its durability, quality and timelessness. But where did it all begin? Read on to learn about our history of denim fashion and why it remains relevant in our Dickies collections today.
01-Our Denim History in Workwear
02-Beyond Workwear
03-Timeless Design
04-Built To Last
05-What Is the Most Durable Fabric for Clothing?
06-Browse our Latest Denim Collections
Our Denim History in Workwear
The history of denim dates back to the 1600s when cotton, wool, linen, and silk blend garments were being made in France and Italy. In the 1700s, textile mills started to emerge in the US. Around this time, the first "waist overalls", which are now known as jeans, came about. These denim designs soon became a workwear staple for labourers and tradespeople. However, denim was only worn by men at this point.
At Dickies, our first encounter with denim takes us back to our workwear origins in the 1920s and 1930s. During our formative years, Dickies focused on manufacturing workwear for labourers. These included denim bib overalls, which became one of our signature products. In the post-World War I era, women started to wear denim fashion.
After World War II, we expanded our production capabilities to introduce a broader range of products, like denim jeans. They became a staple in our workwear collections for their functional, durable and affordable style.
By the 1960s, Dickies had become a household name for workwear. Our denim fashion designs soon became a favourite among blue-collar workers in America.
At Dickies, our first encounter with denim takes us back to our workwear origins in the 1920s and 1930s. During our formative years, Dickies focused on manufacturing workwear for labourers. These included denim bib overalls, which became one of our signature products. In the post-World War I era, women started to wear denim fashion.
After World War II, we expanded our production capabilities to introduce a broader range of products, like denim jeans. They became a staple in our workwear collections for their functional, durable and affordable style.
By the 1960s, Dickies had become a household name for workwear. Our denim fashion designs soon became a favourite among blue-collar workers in America.
Beyond Workwear
Moving beyond workwear, denim emerged on the fashion scene with the '70s and '80s denim fashion trend. The '70s embraced flared, bell-bottom jeans and denim jackets.
The double denim look (wearing a full denim outfit with a denim top and bottoms) was born in the '70s. We'll come back to this in a moment when we explore '90s denim fashion trends!
When the '90s came around, denim exploded in popularity and became a major part of any wardrobe. '90s denim jeans and other designs played a significant role in pop culture, hip-hop culture and skate culture. This era was a turning point for Dickies as we transitioned from being a workwear brand to a fashion icon.
We can think of some memorable denim moments that take us back to the golden days of denim. Remember when Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake wore the 'Canadian Tuxedo' (a fun term for '90s double denim) to the 2001 American Music Awards?
The double denim look (wearing a full denim outfit with a denim top and bottoms) was born in the '70s. We'll come back to this in a moment when we explore '90s denim fashion trends!
When the '90s came around, denim exploded in popularity and became a major part of any wardrobe. '90s denim jeans and other designs played a significant role in pop culture, hip-hop culture and skate culture. This era was a turning point for Dickies as we transitioned from being a workwear brand to a fashion icon.
We can think of some memorable denim moments that take us back to the golden days of denim. Remember when Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake wore the 'Canadian Tuxedo' (a fun term for '90s double denim) to the 2001 American Music Awards?
Timeless Design
Denim fashion is timeless, and its appeal is universal and multifaceted. It's been a part of countless historical eras, social movements and subcultures. Not only does it stand the test of time, but it also represents individualism, rebellion and, freedom.
Today, denim is still as popular as ever. Trendy pieces come and go, but you can rely on a good pair of jeans in the future. They complement summer-to-winter looks and work with a diverse range of outfits. Even if your fashion taste evolves and your lifestyle changes, you can still depend on your trusty Dickies jeans to pair with your new look.
Today, denim is still as popular as ever. Trendy pieces come and go, but you can rely on a good pair of jeans in the future. They complement summer-to-winter looks and work with a diverse range of outfits. Even if your fashion taste evolves and your lifestyle changes, you can still depend on your trusty Dickies jeans to pair with your new look.
Built To Last
Besides their versatile style and timeless aesthetic, jeans remain popular due to their unmatched quality and durability. The process of making denim starts with cotton fibres. The tight twill weave and strong threads allow the fabric to endure a lot of friction.
High-quality denim products are worth investing in. They remain intact and look fresh, even with age and wear. If your denim gets ripped or worn, you can still enjoy it as a distressed style.
High-quality denim products are worth investing in. They remain intact and look fresh, even with age and wear. If your denim gets ripped or worn, you can still enjoy it as a distressed style.
What Is the Most Durable Fabric for Clothing?
Nowadays, there are many fabrics to choose from when selecting new clothing. When shopping for the most durable fabric, look for denim designs.
Denim is one of the most durable fabrics for clothing due to the unique way it's woven and the fibres used to make it. The twill weave uses a diagonal pattern, which prevents the denim from tearing. Denim uses cotton fibres that are stronger and longer than cotton fibres used for other types of fabric and garments.
Denim is a strong, dense and resilient option, which is why it's still used in hard-wearing workwear designs today.
Denim is one of the most durable fabrics for clothing due to the unique way it's woven and the fibres used to make it. The twill weave uses a diagonal pattern, which prevents the denim from tearing. Denim uses cotton fibres that are stronger and longer than cotton fibres used for other types of fabric and garments.
Denim is a strong, dense and resilient option, which is why it's still used in hard-wearing workwear designs today.
Browse our Latest Denim Collections
As our designs and collections evolve, we continue to embrace denim as a high-quality fabric that never goes out of style. Some of our latest collections take inspiration from the essence of '90s denim fashion. From oversized fits to new takes on old classics, our Dickies collections nod to icons of the past while celebrating newness.
Keep an eye on our new arrivals and our denim collection to get inspired by our latest designs for women and men.
Keep an eye on our new arrivals and our denim collection to get inspired by our latest designs for women and men.
