Object: Man's pants
Date: c. 1840
Medium: Cotton and denim
Country: USA
Credit Line: Museum purchase
Object number: P86.64.3
DescriptionMan's blue repurposed trousers in brushed cotton with denim patches; drop front and ivory buttons; hand stitched throughout
Label Text:These man’s pants are entirely hand-stitched. Principally made from a brushed cotton, they are similar to modern-day corduroy, but they have been patched across the knees and thighs with denim. This use demonstrates that, by the mid-19th century, denim was already prized for its durability. These pants are thus an extremely rare precursor to the modern blue jean.
In Collection(s)
Exhibitions:
- Denim: Fashion’s Frontier
- Fashion & Politics