All Purpose Navy Uniform

Jeans were invented for the Italian Navy in Genova, Italy, when that city was an independent republic and a naval power. The first jeans were made for the Genovese Navy because it required an all-purpose pant for its sailors that could be worn wet or dry, and whose legs could easily be rolled-up to wear swabbing the deck and for swimming. These jeans would be laundered by dragging them in nets behind the ship and the sea water would bleach them white.

Serge de Nimes, France

The first denim came from Nimes, France, hence the name denim (French: de Nimes). The French word for these pants was very similar to their word for Genova; this is where we get the term 'jeans' today.

Levi Strauss

Jeans were further developed in San Francisco around 1872 by Bavarian-born American Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis. They used copper rivets to reinforce the points of strain, such as on the pocket corners and at the base of the button fly.

LEVI'S are a brand of riveted jeans first manufactured in San Francisco starting in the 1870s. They were sold by Levi Strauss to gold miners during the California Gold Rush. Levi's are known for their rugged construction, personal "shrink-to-fit", and versatility. Originally worn by miners, farmers, and cowboys, Levi's are worn and seen in all walks of life.

During World War II, families in the US sent jeans to their sons in the Navy and Marines stationed in the Pacific beause their fit was better for swimming than the baggy dungarees issued by the military.

White Levis

Jeans first became widely popular for swimming in the 1960's with the introduction of "White Levis" for surfers on the West Coast. White Levis fit lean and tapered, and made of unblenched, unshrunk denim, which shrank and bleached-out to a perfect white in chlorinated pools and in the ocean.

Wranglers Wet West

Like Levis, Wranglers jeans will form-fit for swimming, enabling cowboys to ford western rivers or rescue a calf from a river without a second thought about getting wet. The method for fording a river or lake while riding a horse entails either remaining in the saddle while your horse swims across the water, or hanging on to the saddle horn and swimming along side, and re-mounting when you reach the opposite shore.

Wrangler Jeans are traditionally worn as western wear, and are popular among professional cowboys and people who prefer true western style jeans that are good with boots and a cowboy hat. Many a cowboy has cooled off in a stock tank or creek, escaping the summer heat, wearing their Wranglers.

Jeans: Swimwear for Individualists

Purpose

In the 1960's jeans became popular as classic swimwear for outdoor activities and watersports, especially swimming, surfing, and scuba diving. In aquatic environments where a neoprene wetsuit isn't necessary, or where just suiting-up can be inconvenient, jeans are worn with a T-shirt or rash guard, with fins for diving, or with rescue gear by water safety patrol professionals.

Function

The preferred approach is to be able to go from dry land to water and back to dry land wearing the same jeans always, when on, in, or underwater. Tight fitting jeans are easy to swim in as long as they don't chafe. Their pockets are a good place to keep your money and keys away from thieves.

Rugged Swimwear

Jeans have been often compared to four-wheel drive vehicles and hiking boots, because they can go anywhere. They are known for their rugged construction, personal "shrink-to-fit", versatility, and high sun protection factor (SPF 100+). Combined with a T-shirt or dive top you have the basics for a safe and fun swimming outfit. Add an anorak on cool or windy days to avoid windchill.

Some swimmers and divers reserve specific pairs of jeans and diveskin jeans for the water, just as they do with their neoprene wetsuits and Lycra skins. The truly aquatic see no distinction between the two. Shrink-to-fit jeans and diveskins offer the freedom to transition without extra time and preparation.

"White Levis" (shrink-to-fit bleached) are designed specifically for aquatics and afford the swimmer and diver with rugged dependability and convenience. They retain their hydrodynamic fit in the water and when worn dry. There is no comparison in fit between street jeans and "water jeans".