From Cowboys to Kardashians: The Power of Jeans

One thing that middle-class families, pop stars and carpenters have in common is their love for jeans. Yes, you read it right- jeans! Whether you are a suburban dad running errands or an artist performing on stage, jeans are worn. It is one of the most versatile items and materials of clothing due to its…

Andrea Ragnarson Avatar

One thing that middle-class families, pop stars and carpenters have in common is their love for jeans. Yes, you read it right- jeans! Whether you are a suburban dad running errands or an artist performing on stage, jeans are worn. It is one of the most versatile items and materials of clothing due to its durability and easy-to-style nature.

One example is the beloved Levis 501 which was invented as workwear by two immigrants in the western, and has been a globally iconic fashion phenomenon ever since. Levi’s was also a pioneer in developing stretch denim, a fabric that conforms to your body shape, making it comfortable to wear for long periods. However, for those who carry their phone in their pocket, stretchy fabric can be a double edged sword. While it does provide a flattering and comfortable fit, it also can reveal the bulge of a phone in your pocket. In my opinion, one of the most noteworthy aspects of Levi’s is its symbolic representation of freedom, particularly as it became associated with the fall of the Berlin Wall. It demonstrates that a piece of clothing can be more than a mere garment, but rather a medium to convey messages and make statements.

Today, the material is seen everywhere from the fashion- to the furniture industry and it is a fun fabric to experiment with. Denim is used in all kinds of ways, from jackets to corsets. The 80s trend, denim on denim, also called the Canadian tuxedo, is coming back stronger than ever as people layer skirts over jeans, and use denim shirts paired with jeans but also different kinds of sets. It is highly popular with the 2000s low waist, to not forget about the art teacher, maxi skirt. For men, the baggy 90s jeans, where you can fit both your legs in one hole, have been present to not forget about our iconic 501!

With this said, denim is the perfect fabric as it is versatile, durable, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It is used by everybody and anybody which shows its great power. So, let’s raise a toast to jeans – the great equalizer in fashion!

About Nådiga Lundtan

Founded in 1948, Nådiga Lundtan has since been an important part of student life in at Lund School of Economics and Management at Lund University. The magazine covers a wide range of topics related to economics, society, and politics, as well as careers, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It is a platform for students to share their ideas and opinions on economics and related fields.

View more articles
  • When Misogyny Becomes Mainstream

    Barely anyone has been spared by the phenomenon of alpha masculinity spreading online. Not a new trend, but a steadily growing one. What is often referred to as the “manosphere” encompasses online content and communities dealing with men’s problems, promoting degrading and abusive behaviour towards women. Misogyny turns mainstream.

  • Under Pressure

    Well Ladies and Gentlemen here we are, the time is currently 22:24 on the fourteenth of December, the night after Vinterbalen. I had a marketing exam last Friday , on Tuesday I have one on Financial Accounting, and to top it all off,  this article is due tomorrow. 

  • In With the New, Out With the Old: What’s happening in 2026?

    Last year was like every other year. No matter in which light you view 2025, during this time of year winter feels like it’s going to last forever. However, don’t lose hope too soon! There are actually a bunch of things happening in 2026 that are worth looking forward to and keeping tabs on.