Belts on the other hand…definitely for geeks.
Hey 80s kids, there is nothing wrong with geeks.
Ok, maybe in the 80s there was “something wrong” with geeks, but today, we rule the world!
This week didn’t go with a certain theme, but instead, focused on the awesomeness of being an 80s kid. Yesterday, we played with our Popples (and were introduced to “Sexy Secretary,” for some strange reason), and today, we just like hanging out and wearing our jeans.
Specifically, our Levi’s.
In today’s double feature, from 1987 and 1988, we have kids talk about the way they wear their Levi’s, in all their 80s kid glory.
Find out why they’re so neat, cool, and rad in these commercials!
Levi Strauss and Co. has been keeping us in our jeans since May 1853 (167 years ago!), and in the 1980s, was in the “blue jean” era of its life. The company faced competition from other companies, and the 1980s saw the closing of sixty of its manufacturing plants. The introduction of Dockers in 1986 helped the company grow in the coming years, as the denim market started to fade.
You’d never know it, however, by watching this commercial, as it seemed like jeans were here to stay. The styles worn by the kids in these commercials were definitely all the ways kids wore their jeans at the time. Shredded, ripped, acid wash, faded, tight, loose, rolled up at the cuffs – these kids were the epitome of fashion.
I mean, look at this kid – Levi’s helps him get chicks.
Seriously, how old is she compared to him?
I have always loved jeans. I don’t know if I’ve ever worn Levi’s. I know I haven’t in my adult life. When I was a teenager and into my early 20s, I loved l.e.i. and Arizona Jeans (especially flares!) and that was my go-to brand. I wore Aeropostale and Old Navy jeans around that time too. For sometime during my twenties and early 30s, I wore Gloria Vanderbilt pretty religiously. My jeans these are from Stitch Fix, and whatever brand they send, if they fit right, I keep them. I mostly get Cosmic Blue Love brand. My husband likes Lucky Brand (that’s what they usually send to him).
At my current age, brand doesn’t matter moreso than comfort and fit, but there was a time – and I went through that phase – where brand name meant everything. I actually wonder how many kids liked Levi’s – it seemed like in my school (and this was the 90s), it was all about “bigger” brands.
But the one thing I found funny, and I’ve mentioned this a few times, was the one kid’s response to belts, and that they’re for geeks. The 1980s and 1990s weren’t particularly kind to geeks. I guess I was a geek, since I wore belts. I had some cute, sparkly ones, and the leather braided ones. I’m not ashamed to admit that I wore them, but I was skinny and until I got some hips, they were necessary!
I actually had this really cool grommet belt until a few years ago – it came with a dance costume, and I absolutely loved wearing that belt. It actually became necessary five years ago, when I lost twenty-six pounds, but it was also a cool accessory and I LOVED wearing it. That belt was not for everyday use, but I didn’t care. It served as a cool accessory. These days, I’m proud to admit I’m a geek. It is more acceptable and mainstream these days, and I only wish it were that way 20 years ago. I don’t wear a belt anymore (not because they’re geeky), but I still love jeans.
I’m wondering how these now grown-up kids feel about their jeans.
Have a fantastic Flashback Friday, and a great weekend!