🛠️ From Practical Fix to Cultural Staple
It didn’t take long for word to spread. Workers appreciated how tough the new jeans were, and demand skyrocketed. What began as a workaround for tearing pockets soon became an emblem of strength. As denim evolved from workwear into everyday clothing, rivets stayed part of the package.
Rivets themselves are simple — usually copper or brass, metals chosen for their resistance to rust and their ability to handle pressure. They’re typically placed at the front-pocket corners, where stress builds up from movement and weight. Early jeans also included rivets near the fly and on the back pockets, though complaints from horseback riders — scratched saddles, damaged leather — eventually led companies to remove or relocate them.
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