Man's pants
c. 1840
Cotton and denim
Museum purchase
Object numberP86.64.3
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.
DescriptionMan's blue repurposed trousers in brushed cotton with denim patches; drop front and ivory buttons; hand stitched throughoutCollections
Exhibitions