Premium denim represents a rapidly growing segment of fashion. While jeans were historically reserved for workers, they are now embraced by people of all backgrounds. At a higher cost, premium denim promises a more flattering fit, attention to detail, higher quality, and softer hand. Fortunately, with eBay, buyers can purchase premium denim at the cost of normal jeans found in stores! Certain rare jeans that are highly desired by collectors can also only be found on eBay making it the perfect place for denim. Amazing isn't it?

The story of denim is one that embodies the American Dream. Today, the interest in jeans has transcended its basic utilitarian function. Knowing your denim can be just as fun as wearing it!

History of Denim

1873 Levi Strauss & Co invents the [waist overall] or what is known today as [jeans] (U.S. Patent: 139,121).
1889 German chemist Johann Baeyer invents [synthetic indigo], eventually replacing [natural indigo] due to its lower cost and higher availability.
1891 Cone Mills established, becoming the largest supplier of denim in America and the main supplier for Levi.
1911 Lee Mercantile Company established, becoming one of three largest denim companies along side with Levi.
1919 Wrangler Company established, becoming one of three largest denim companies along side with Levi.
1950 Wrangler introduces the first [black dyed denim]. Previously, all jeans were blue indigo.
1954 Levi Strauss introduces a zipper fly option to their jeans, accommodating the growing demand for convenience and easy access.
1955 James Dean is seen wearing a pair of jeans in the movie [Rebel Without a Cause], representing the role of Hollywood in perpetuating the popularity of denim.
1960 Levi officially adopts the term [jeans] to replace what was previously referred to as [waist overalls].
1961 Levi offers [pre shrunk denim], later becoming the standard for most jeans today as it virtually eliminates the guesswork out of sizing.
1962 Cone Mills invents [stretch denim], later becoming a popular option particularly among female consumers today as it contours well to the body.
1969 Cone Mills invents [bleached denim], which continues to be a popular process for making jeans today as it provides increase color variety.
1971 Jeans make its first appearance on the cover of Vogue Magazine with Andy Warhol posing.
1979 Calvin Klein launches his famous advertising campaign, featuring a seductive Brooke Shields in jeans. This event marks the beginning of the premium denim market in America.
1985 Shuttle looms replace projectile looms. [Selvedge] refers to the edge being finished by the loom as opposed to sewn together, an important characteristic for serious denim collectors.
1987 Lee introduces [acid washed denim], which continues to be a popular process for making jeans today as it greatly increases softness.
Present Denim represents a multi-billion dollar market and the single most popular clothing article in history. Who doesn't wear jeans today? :)

Cuts, Washes, Styles

Today, denim comes in an immense variety of cuts, washes, and styles. From bootcuts to tapered, basic to flamboyant - the sky's the limit. For the average buyer, a pair of simple jeans may do. But for the trendy individual, certain brands or styles may dictate their choices. In any case, a good strategy is to physically try on the jeans at a store, record your size, and buy it on eBay for half the price!

Popular Brands 

Here are some examples of popular denim brands and a short description about them. All these brands can be found on eBay at reasonable prices, thankfully! 

• Levi, Wrangler, Lee - the oldest makers of jeans are still offering some of the most varied and affordable options.
• Diesel - known for their provocative advertisements and cutting edge jeans; mainly popular among men.
• True Religion - known for their trademark horseshoe backpockets; Jessica Simpson is famously known to wear this brand on a regular basis.
• Seven for All Mankind - or SFAM makes the most flattering cuts, especially for women; highest sales premium denim company in the U.S.
• Lucky Brand - the brand offers premium denim at affordable prices, appealing to a market for those new to premium denim.
• Nudie - known for their selection of [raw jeans] which naturally create unique fadings after constant wearing for 4-6 months.
• Evisu - worn by celebrities like Jay Z and Pharrel; this brand is particularly popular among hiphop/streetwear culture and denim collectors.
• Dior Homme - known for their tapered, rock-and-roll jeans; the brand appeals to those interested in avant garde fashion.

Why Buy Denim on eBay?

eBay is the perfect place to find denim at bargain prices!  Jeans that retail for well over $200 can be purchased on eBay for less than a fraction of the cost. The prospects of finding fabulous deals is undoubtedly exciting and real! That said, knowledge is power and here are some guidelines to ensure your buying experience on eBay is a smooth one.

Helpful Guidelines for Buying Denim

• Do Your Research - Learn as much as you can about the item you want. How much does the jean retail for? How much does it typically sell on ebay? What are the key factors that distinguish authentic products from their counterfeit versions? For example, [Diesel jeans] contain [microstitching] on their tags which seperates them from their counterfeits.
  
• Understand eBay Jargon - Check out the list of eBay acronyms to make sure you know what you are buying!
• Play with Keywords - The Advanced Search option can help narrow down your searches to the ones that most ideally fit your interests. It can also help give you an idea about how much a particular item typically auctions for. This tool will come in handy as eBay contains an enormous amount of listings. For example, if you are looking for a pair of Diesel jeans, it may be helpful to include the [waist number] as well as the [name of the cut] to help narrow down your search results. Instead of keying simply [Diesel jeans], you may want to add [Diesel jeans 30 Zathan] with the number 30 referring to the waist size and [Zathan] referring to the name of the cut.
• Item Location - Save money on shipping and get your items faster! A seller who resides in the same country as you translates to extra dollar savings. Always do your math and make sure what the total cost comes out to be in order to avoid sudden shock!
• Favorite Sellers - When you found a seller you like and trust, why stop the relationship there? Add the seller to your My Favorites.
• Ask the Seller - When in doubt, ask the seller! Is the item new-with-tags or NWT? Where was it purchased from? A polite question simply can't hurt!
• Measurements Please! Ask for actual measurements if they already aren't given. Jeans vary in size even with identical products due to the production process. Waist and inseam length are among the basic measurements that will make sure the jeans fit the way you hope!
  
• Bid Safely and Smartly! Evaluate a seller's reputation. Are buyers consistently happy with their purchase? How long has the seller been registered with eBay? Does the auction have PayPal protection?
• Have Fun! Finding the perfect deal on eBay can be very fun and addicting! Relish the experience! Buy more, spend less, feel good!

Oh no! I Bought Fakes!

• Don't Panic - Take a deep breath! eBay and Paypal offers many mechanisms to protect its community. First, contact the seller and try to reconcile the problem in a civil manner. Being polite and calm only helps! If this fails, contact PayPal to see if you qualify for Paypal Buyer Protection. If your auction doesn't qualify, eBay offers Buyer Protection to all of its auctions.
• Report the Seller - A community is only as good as its people. Help preserve our amazing eBay community! If you stumble across a suspected counterfeit auction, report it to the VERO department to have the listing(s) investigated.

Resources: A List of Recommended Readings

• Vintage Denim by David Little - offers in depth knowledge on the complete history of denim.
• Denim Design Lab by Brian Robbins - provides techniques on how to customize your jeans in a professional manner.
• The Blue Jean Book by Tanya Kyi - explores the social impact of denim on society
• Fifty by Diesel- a biographical book recently published by the company itself that follows its journey into the denim market!