The Origin Of Ripped Patched Jeans

In case you ever wondered about the origins of ripped/patched jeans, here's a little history lesson you may enjoy :):

Denim first came in as "workman's cloth". People working in factories needed a fabric that was rugged and would not "wear and tear" fast - and denim was the answer to that as it lasted longer than normal cotton clothes. But of course, denim too would start fading in color after a while and eventually start tearing at places that suffered the maximum stress (usually the knees).

Since denim was affordable and lasted longer, it was also often the choice of fabric for the relatively poorer sections of society. These good folks simply didn't have enough money to keep buying new clothes often, so they would either let the wear and tear show or patch up the tears with scraps of cloth themselves.

Alongside grew rock n' roll! And many "superstar bands" started wearing deliberately ripped and patched jeans "to show solidarity" with the working class and the relatively poor. Now this, other than bands and musicians who actually shared their wealth with those not as well off, was a bit silly and pretentious. What these superstar bands ought to have done is share some of their wealth with the needy and, through their music, argue for a bit more of "sharing and caring" in society. Instead, many blew up millions on drugs, alcohol and women, while wearing ripped and patched jeans to show solidarity with those who were finding it difficult to get even the basics: food, clothing, shelter.

Then come in the "big brands" who want your money :)! So they create a whole fashion cult around wearing deliberately faded, ripped and patched clothes, and showcase them as expensive products in their showrooms. And we fall for this lock, stock and barrel :)!

So today everyone has forgotten why faded, ripped and patched denim appeared in society in the first place (folks who could not afford new clothes often) and spends hard earned money on buying damaged clothes from expensive showrooms :).

If you think about it calmly, it really doesn't make much sense :)!