Based on the historic patent for riveted work pants, the brand associated with the invention of jeans is Levi Strauss & Co.
The origin of the blue jean is tied directly to a significant patent granted on May 20, 1873. According to the provided reference:
May 20, 1873 marked an historic day: the birth of the blue jean. It was on that day that Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis obtained a U.S. patent on the process of putting rivets in men's work pants for the very first time.
This patent for reinforcing pants with rivets at points of strain (like pocket corners) was the critical innovation that created the durable workwear known today as jeans.
The Partnership Behind the Invention
While tailor Jacob Davis conceived the idea of using rivets, he needed a business partner to help fund the patent application and scale production. He approached Levi Strauss, a dry goods merchant in San Francisco who was already supplying denim fabric to Davis. Their partnership led to the successful patent and the eventual founding of the Levi Strauss & Co. brand, which produced and sold these riveted pants.
Key Facts About the Birth of Jeans
- Inventors: Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss.
- Key Innovation: Riveting pants for durability.
- Patent Date: May 20, 1873.
- Associated Brand: Levi Strauss & Co.
This patent is widely considered the moment blue jeans were officially born, making Levi Strauss & Co. the brand credited with their invention through this foundational process.