Denim is the great fashion leveller. We’ve no doubt that some version of it hangs in every wardrobe from Surbiton to San Francisco and is easily the most recognisible fabric on the planet.
All the more surprising that it was invented with such humble beginnings. Designed for hard, intensive labour outdoors, the fabric hails from Nimes in southern France - hence the name denim, derived from the French "serge de Nimes"; a sturdy fabric from Nimes. Early versions from 1860 found favour with cowboys and ranchers but fast-forward to the 21st century and denim has undergone a serious transformation while still being as familiar as ever.
