In 1873, Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss created the American Blue Jean. The pants were originally designed for workers during World War II because they were sturdy and durable. Originally blue jeans were only dyed with indigo, a dye extracted from plants to create a deep blue color (denim). Today, nearly all indigo is synthetic.

During World War II, blue jeans became very popular in Europe and soon blue jeans became internationally recognized as durable, rugged, and comfortable pants. In the 1980s designers began creating and selling their own jeans, which come in many different styles and colors.