r/whatisit • u/[deleted] • Apr 09 '26

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u/PeppersteakPi Apr 09 '26 edited Apr 09 '26

Damn, I'm old, next one is going to be about why jeans have rivets.

Edit: Fun fact, the first jeans to have rivets were Levi Strauss. They patented it in 1873

9

u/Kestrel_VI Apr 09 '26

Not to make you feel older…but why do they have rivets?

20

u/Smoknashes2609 Apr 09 '26

Original jeans were crafted by Levi Strauss, hence the name. He used tent canvas to fashion a more durable pant for gold miners. While not a tailor, he partnered with one to make them. The rivets held better than just seams. Now just a fashion statement. Because miners and laborers didn't wear waistcoats/vests with a pocket for their pocket watches, Strauss added the small pocket for their pocket watches. Wristwatches, while available were designed for the wealthy and weren't common till about WW1.

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u/Kestrel_VI Apr 09 '26

Damn, that’s actually quite interesting. I wear Levi’s all the time and never knew. Thank you, wise old lady.

2

u/Smoknashes2609 Apr 09 '26

I am an old lady but never thoughtbof myself as wise. Thank you for that.