denim

I worked at Express in the Stoneridge mall one summer, and had all kinds of chipper “SELL SELL SELL!” encouragements barked in my ear (Seriously—they make their associates wear headsets) by managers. But none more than “SELL THE JEANS!” Management poured more effort into slinging denim than all other merchandise combined, holding mandatory orientation meetings for employees whenever a new line came in, telling us the average woman owns 9 pairs of jeans.

Not an outrageous claim. Jeans are a wardrobe staple that has endured and evolved since 1949, becoming more and more relevant as new designers and brands reinterpret the quintessential casual pant. They’ve taken on different characters and personalities. As it is back-to-school season, and no return to class is complete without a new pair, I decided to (in no particular order) take a closer look at what your jeans say about you…