Jeans are a type of pants or trousers made from denim or dungaree cloth. The term "jeans" often refers to a particular style of trousers, called "blue jeans," with copper-riveted pockets. They were invented by Jacob W. Davis in 1871 and patented. The name "jeans" is believed to have derived from the anglicized word for Genoa, the demonym for people from Genoa in Italy, where a sturdy, deep blue cotton cloth was made, ideally suited for making tough work clothes. The cloth was named "bleu de Gênes" (the blue of Genoa), which later evolved into the English derivative "jeans".
Jeans commonly feature five pockets, a front fly, five belt loops, and a back yoke. They were popularized as casual wear by Marlon Brando and James Dean in their 1950s films, leading to the fabric becoming a symbol of rebellion among teenagers, especially members of the greaser subculture. Jeans have transcended gender, age, and class, and remain one of the most versatile, durable, and highly sought-after fabrics on the market.
Denim, on the other hand, is a strong cotton fabric made using a twill weave, which creates a subtle diagonal ribbing pattern. It was first produced as serge de Nîmes in France. Denim and jeans are often confused with each other, but denim refers to the fabric, while jeans refer to the specific style of trousers made from denim.