Levi’s Blue Jeans ESL Lesson
Vocabulary
emigrate– (v) to move permanently from one’s country to another.
dry goods– (n) clothing, fabric, and other items to sell
miner– (n) a person who searches for gold, diamonds, etc.
durable– (adj) last a long time
fabric– (n) material for clothing, curtains, etc.
tailor– (n) a person who sews clothing
rivet– (n) (v) a metal piece that holds 2 thing together. (You can see the metal on Levi’s jeans)
patent– (n) (v) an inventor’s right to be the only one making or selling a product
think it over– (v) think about it, decide
Do you enjoy wearing Levi’s blue jeans? Blue jeans have become popular all over the world, but do you know how they got started? Read on to find out…
Levi Strauss was born in Germany in the mid 1800’s and emigrated to the United States as a young man. He lived in New York City and learned the dry-goods business for several years. In 1853 he took his knowledge and his dreams to San Francisco (California., USA.) His dream to succeed came true over the next 20 years as he became a very successful businessman.
Many of Levi Strauss’ customers were cowboys and miners. They needed clothing that was strong and durable. Strauss found a special fabric from France that was comfortable and lasted a long time. It was called “serge de Nimes,” which was later shortened to the word denim.
Another man named Jacob Davis bought large amounts of the denim fabric from Levi Strauss. He was a tailor who made pants for hard-working men. One of his customers was continually tearing the pockets off his pants. So Jacob Davis decided to put rivets on certain parts of the pants to make them stronger. The customer loved the new pants so much that he told all his friends, and soon Jacob Davis was busy making lots of pants with rivets.
Jacob Davis soon realized that using rivets was a great business idea, and he didn’t want anybody to steal that idea. He decided that he would need to get a patent. But being a poor tailor, he didn’t have enough money to pay for the patent. After thinking it over, he went to the businessman Levi Strauss and told him his idea. He said, “If you agree to pay for the patent, we will share the profits from the riveted pants.” Levi Strauss did agree, and the new riveted pant business was called Levi Strauss and Company. Today Levi’s jeans are more popular than ever, and Levi’s name continues to live on.
Practice Quiz on Levi’s Blue Jeans
Test your knowledge with these eight practice questions about Levi’s Blue Jeans. This quiz will help you understand key aspects of the brand’s history, products, and sustainability efforts. Questions range from the origins of Levi’s jeans to their impact on fashion and global culture. Prepare to dive deep into the story and legacy of one of the most celebrated denim brands in the world!
Check Your Understanding- True or False.
Check your answers below.
1. Levi Strauss was born in 1853.
True or False
2. Levi Strauss wanted to become a great businessman.
True or False
3. Levi Strauss sewed pants in his business.
True or False
4. Jacob Davis sewed pants in his business.
True or False
5. Jacob David used denim to make pants.
True or False
6. Jacob Davis put rivets in pants because they looked good.
True or False
7. Levi Strauss didn’t want to pay for Jacob Davis’ patent.
True or False
8. Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis became business partners.
True or False
Frequently Asked Questions About Levi’s Blue Jeans
Levi’s jeans are distinguished by their original design, including the use of rivets and a particular style of stitching. They often feature a signature red tab, a leather patch on the back, and are made from high-quality denim.
Levi’s jeans come in various fits and sizes. To find the right size, measure your waist and inseam, then consult the Levi’s size chart available on their website or in stores. It’s also helpful to try on a few pairs, as sizes can vary slightly between styles.
Yes, Levi’s offers a wide range of styles, including skinny, slim, straight, bootcut, and relaxed fits. Each style is designed to suit different body types and personal preferences.
To preserve the color and shape of your Levi’s jeans, wash them in cold water and turn them inside out before washing. Avoid using bleach and tumble drying on high heat. Hanging them to dry is often recommended.
Yes, Levi’s is committed to sustainability. Old jeans can be recycled into insulation material, and many stores offer recycling programs. Additionally, Levi’s encourages reusing and repurposing jeans to extend their life cycle.
Answer Key:
- F
- T
- F
- T
- T
- F
- F
- T