Today, we universally call them “jeans.” But historically, denim trousers were known by many different names before the word “jeans” became dominant.

These older terms reflected the origins of the fabric, its cultural journey through Europe, and its adoption as durable workwear in America.

Old names for jeans include “waist overalls,” “dungarees,” “serge de Nîmes,” “tela di Genova,” and “jean cloth.” Each term highlights a stage in denim’s evolution before the modern word “jeans” became popular worldwide.

At Jeanzio, we believe that understanding these historical names is important for clients, because they reveal how denim culture spread and why jeans carry such strong heritage value today.

What was the original European name for denim trousers?

Before the word “jeans” existed, fabric and trousers had European names tied to geography.

The earliest European names for jeans were “serge de Nîmes” from France and “tela di Genova” from Italy, describing the fabric that later inspired jeans.

Key Origins

• Serge de Nîmes: A twill cloth from Nîmes, France, shortened to “denim.”
• Tela di Genova: Blue cloth from Genoa, Italy, associated with sailors and workers.

Historical Significance

• These fabrics were exported across Europe in the 17th–18th centuries.
• Genoa’s “tela” influenced the English word “jeans.”
• France’s “serge de Nîmes” gave us the word “denim.”

These roots explain why jeans carry both Italian and French linguistic heritage.

Why were early American jeans called waist overalls?

In the U.S., denim trousers had a different name before “jeans” became common.

Early American jeans were called “waist overalls,” emphasizing their function as workwear trousers rather than fashion garments.

Features of Waist Overalls

• Worn by miners, farmers, and railroad workers.
• Reinforced with rivets for durability.
• Designed with a high waist and wide leg.

Why the Name Changed

• “Waist overalls” sounded too utilitarian.
• As denim gained popularity among youth in the 20th century, “jeans” became the preferred term.

The shift from “waist overalls” to “jeans” reflects denim’s transformation from workwear to fashion.

Were jeans once called dungarees?

Yes, dungarees were another early name for denim trousers.

“Dungarees” was an old name for jeans, derived from the Hindi word “dungri,” referring to coarse cotton cloth exported from India to Europe.

Dungarees in History

• Originated in India, shipped through British colonial trade routes.
• Adopted in Britain and the U.S. for workwear trousers.
• Synonymous with denim pants in early 20th century America.

Modern Usage

• In the UK, “dungarees” now usually means bib-overalls with straps.
• In the U.S., the word largely disappeared, replaced by “jeans.”

The word “dungarees” shows how global trade influenced denim’s early naming.

What was jean cloth?

Before jeans became trousers, “jean” referred to a type of fabric.

“Jean cloth” was a sturdy cotton fabric, lighter than denim, used in early American workwear before the word “jeans” described trousers.

Characteristics

• Cotton-based, twill-woven fabric.
• Popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Provided an affordable alternative to wool serge.

Connection to Modern Jeans

• “Jean cloth” gave its name to the trousers we now call jeans.
• The transition happened as denim replaced jean cloth for durability.

This fabric-to-garment shift explains why “jean” became the modern word.

What were sailor’s trousers called in Europe?

Sailors played a role in spreading denim-like fabrics.

In Europe, early denim-style trousers worn by sailors were often called “blue serge” or “Genoese trousers,” reflecting their port-city origins.

Why Sailors Wore Them

• Tough fabric suited for ship work.
• Indigo dye resisted stains and saltwater exposure.
• Affordable and widely available near Mediterranean ports.

Cultural Impact

• Helped spread denim fabric from Italy and France to England.
• Associated jeans with practicality and toughness.

These sailor’s trousers represent one of the earliest working-class uses of denim-like fabrics.

How did jeans get their modern name?

The modern term “jeans” is rooted in linguistic history.

The word “jeans” comes from the French phrase “bleu de Gênes,” meaning “blue of Genoa,” referring to the Italian port where cloth was dyed and shipped.

Evolution of the Name

• “Tela di Genova” (Italian) → “Bleu de Gênes” (French) → “Jeans” (English).
• Adopted in the U.S. in the late 19th century.
• Popularized globally in the 20th century through Hollywood and youth culture.

This international journey cemented “jeans” as the universal word.

Why did old names for jeans fade away?

Language evolves with fashion and culture. As jeans became global, old names faded.

Old names like “waist overalls,” “dungarees,” and “serge de Nîmes” faded because “jeans” became the most marketable, fashionable, and globally recognized word.

Factors Behind the Shift

• Marketing: Levi Strauss & Co. used “jeans” to appeal to younger consumers.
• Cultural adoption: Jeans became symbols of rebellion in the 1950s.
• Global standardization: English-language media spread “jeans” worldwide.

By the late 20th century, “jeans” had replaced nearly all earlier terms.

Do any old names still exist today?

Some older names for jeans survive, though with new meanings.

Old names like “dungarees” and “overalls” still exist, but they usually refer to different garments today.

Examples

• Dungarees: Means bib-style overalls in the UK.
• Overalls: Refers to coveralls with suspenders, not denim trousers.
• Jean cloth: Rare, but still used in textile history discussions.

The evolution shows how words adapt while the garment remains iconic.

Why should clients know the old names for jeans?

For clients in the fashion industry, heritage storytelling adds value.

Knowing old names for jeans helps clients connect products to history, enriching brand storytelling and creating stronger consumer appeal.

Business Advantages

• Heritage marketing increases product value.
• Historical storytelling strengthens brand authenticity.
• Educated clients avoid confusion in fabric and garment terminology.

At Jeanzio, we help clients understand denim’s past to better position their collections today.

Conclusion

Old names for jeans included “waist overalls,” “dungarees,” “serge de Nîmes,” “tela di Genova,” and “jean cloth.”

Each reflects denim’s journey from European fabrics to American workwear and, eventually, to global fashion.

At Jeanzio, we value denim’s rich heritage.

By understanding the old names for jeans, clients gain insight into how language, culture, and fashion shaped the world’s most iconic garment.