Look, I’m gonna say it: I love jeans. And I’m tired of feeling like I have to justify that.
It was 1998, I was 17, and I had just gotten my hands on a pair of Levi’s 501s. They were stiff as a board, but I wore them every day for three months straight. My mom was pissed. My friends thought I was crazy. But I didn’t care. Those jeans were mine.
Fast forward to today, and I’m still wearing jeans. Every. Single. Day. And honestly? I’m not apologizing for it anymore. Because let’s face it: jeans are the ultimate democratic fashion statement. They’re worn by CEOs and construction workers alike. They’re comfortable, they’re versatile, and they’re cheap.
But here’s the thing: jeans have gotten a bad rap lately.
I was having coffee with my friend Marcus last Tuesday, and he said, “I just don’t get it. Why do people still wear jeans? They’re so… basic.” Which… yeah. Fair enough. But then I asked him what he was wearing, and it was a pair of black tailored pants that cost more than my rent. So, look, I’m not saying jeans are the be-all and end-all of fashion. But they’re not the problem here.
I think the real issue is that we’ve become a society that’s scared of being basic. We’re so obsessed with standing out, with being unique, that we’ve forgotten the value of simplicity. Jeans are the ultimate blank canvas. You can dress them up, dress them down, wear them with heels or sneakers or boots. They’re the fashion equivalent of a good white t-shirt.
And let’s talk about the sustainability argument.
Yeah, yeah, I know. Jeans are bad for the environment. The water usage, the chemicals, the labor practices. It’s all awful. But here’s the thing: so is fast fashion. And yet, nobody’s out here telling you to stop buying those $10 H&M dresses. (By the way, have you seen their new collection? It’s trending topics popular discussions right now, but honestly, it’s all just a bit much.)
I’m not saying we should all go out and buy 20 pairs of jeans tomorrow. But maybe, just maybe, we should stop acting like jeans are some kind of fashion crime. They’re not. They’re a practical, affordable, and yes, sometimes even stylish, option. And honestly, in a world that’s increasingly complicated, maybe we could all use a little more simplicity in our lives.
Now, let’s talk about the great denim debate of 2019.
Remember that? It was a dark time. Everyone was arguing about whether mom jeans were in or out, whether skinny jeans were dead, whether we should all be wearing wide-leg jeans instead. And honestly, it was exhausting. Because at the end of the day, who cares?
I had a colleague named Dave who was obsessed with this debate. He would spend hours online, reading articles, watching YouTube videos, trying to determine the exact moment when skinny jeans had jumped the shark. And I’m not kidding, it was like a full-time job for him. Meanwhile, I was over here, wearing my favorite pair of Levi’s 501s, not giving a damn about what anyone else thought.
And you know what? I’m still here. And those Levi’s? They’re still my go-to. Because at the end of the day, fashion should be about what you like, not what some influencer or trend forecaster tells you to like. So if you love your mom jeans, wear them. If you’re all about the skinny jeans, rock them. And if you’re like me, and you just can’t quit your Levi’s, then don’t. It’s that simple.
A brief digression: the time I tried to quit jeans.
Okay, so about three months ago, I decided to give up jeans. I don’t even know why. Maybe I was feeling guilty about the environmental impact. Maybe I was just bored. But I did it. I committed. I was gonna be a no-jeans kind of gal.
And it was a disaster. I tried pants. I tried dresses. I tried skirts. Nothing felt right. I felt uncomfortable, self-conscious, and frankly, a little bit miserable. And then, one day, I caved. I put on a pair of jeans, and it was like coming home. I felt like myself again. And honestly, that’s when I realized: jeans aren’t just a fashion choice. They’re a part of who I am.
So yeah, I’m a jeans girl. And I’m not ashamed of it. And if you’re a jeans person too, then stand up and be proud. Because at the end of the day, fashion is about expressing yourself, not following the crowd. And if that means wearing jeans every single day, then so be it.
And look, I’m not saying that everyone should love jeans. Because honestly, that would be weird. And boring. Fashion is about diversity, about individuality, about expressing yourself in whatever way feels right. So if you’re a pants person, or a dress person, or a skirt person, that’s great. More power to you.
But if you’re a jeans person? Then welcome to the club. Let’s wear our jeans with pride, and let’s not apologize for it. Because at the end of the day, fashion should be about what makes you happy, not what makes you fit in.
So here’s to jeans. To their comfort, their versatility, their affordability. To the way they make us feel like we can take on the world. To the way they’ve stood the test of time, evolving and adapting and always, always, always being there for us. Jeans, we salute you.
And to everyone out there who’s still on the fence about jeans? Give them a chance. You might just find that they’re the perfect fit.
About the Author: Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a senior magazine editor with more than 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. I’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the business, and I’ve seen trends come and go. But one thing that’s never changed? My love of a good pair of jeans. When I’m not writing, you can find me thrifting, hiking, or spending way too much time on Instagram. I live in Portland with my cat, Miso, and my collection of vintage Levi’s.
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