The Denim Dossier

1890s
The first styles
> Patchwork
> Straight work pants cut
> Distressed finish

1920s
High-waist straight cut
> Triple stitched flat-felled seams
> Longer, below the ankles
> Some also had options for suspenders

1950s
Rolled up
> Rolled up till the ankles or even higher
> High-waist
> Loose fitting

1970s
Bootcut
> Fitted at the top and flared below the knees
> Unisex
> Usually, stone-washed

1990s
Tapering
> Fitted with gathering at the bottom
> High waist
> Usually, classic denim shades used

2000s
Ankle-length and fitted
> Low waist
> Skinny fit
> Length is maximum till the ankles

Jeans have dominated the fashion scene since a long time, but they became more visible in India when Bollywood stars started donning jeans on screen. The cowboy look caught on and the craze for jeans has not ended since. Not only are jeans comfortable but extremely chic as well and although the styles have changed over the years, their popularity has grown widely amongst both genders. Traditional Indian clothing such as kurtis have often been combined with jeans as casual attire. When worn appropriately, they can also serve as part of your formal or party wear ensemble. Over time, these have become an essential part of contemporary Indian fashion.