Today, blue jeans are a must-have item in any wardrobe. Classic, versatile, and timeless, it seems they've always been. But did you know that the first jeans weren't blue? The story of fashion's most iconic color begins more than five centuries ago, in the port of Genoa, Italy .
The origins: from the sea to fashion
In the mid-15th century, the Genoese created a sturdy , 100% cotton fabric, originally intended for ship sails and sailors' clothing. It was strong, durable, and perfect for withstanding hard work. This fabric was known as "jeane" or "génois," depending on the language, hence the word "jean."
However, there was one small problem: the fabric was originally white , which made it very practical for sails... but not very useful for work clothes. Sailors and workers easily soiled their clothes, and cleaning white cotton was no easy task.
The discovery of the indigo color
Searching for a solution, the Genoese found the answer in a natural dye from India: indigo , extracted from the indigo plant. This pigment, an intense blue hue, adhered well to cotton and also had a very particular advantage: it did not completely penetrate the fibers , so over time it wore away unevenly, creating that "washed" effect we love so much today.
From that moment on, jeans stopped being white and became the iconic indigo blue we all recognize. Thus was born the term "blue jeans," a term that eventually became simply " blue jeans ."
From workwear to global icon
What began as a practical solution for seafarers eventually took over the world. First, in the 19th century, with American miners and pioneers seeking durable clothing. And later, in the 20th century, when jeans became a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and style .
Today, denim blue is not just a color: it's an attitude, a story, and a tradition that continues to evolve with fashion, but without losing its essence.
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