History of America's Favorite Pants

Learn about the history of the most widely worn trousers of the 20th century.

Blue jeans were conceived during the Gold Rush by a Bavarian immigrant, Loeb Strauss and his partner, Jacob W. Davis. Loeb, whose nickname was "Levi" made their first pair of jeans out of gold miners' tents.

Levi Strauss was one of the best-known beneficiaries of California's gold rush economic boom.

Strauss was originally trained as a tailor. One of thousands, he traveled to San Francisco in 1850, hoping to make his fortune. His original plan was to manufacture tents and wagon covers, but instead found a market using the stout canvas he had brought with him to make very durable pants for the Forty-niners.

Strauss sold his pants as fast as he could make them. In order to keep up with demand, he opened a factory. In 1936, he improved the design by adding copper rivets at the stress points in, what were until that time called "waist-high overalls." The name "jeans" comes from the cotton trousers worn by French sailors from Genoa.

The Museum's walking tour, which lasts about an hour, includes a video and a visit to the factory's sewing and cutting rooms. There is also a special store which is the only place in the world where you can purchase authentic reproductions of vintage Levis.

Tour reservations are recommended.

Museums



Bavarian
Hidden Treasure
San Franciscan
With History