We’re talking about denim. In this blog, we’ll discuss its history and just what makes denim the “go-to” material for many around the world.    

The word “denim” is derived from the fabric known as “serge de Nimes” – Nimes being the French city situated between Montpellier and Marseille, just to the west of Provence near the south coast. With a history dating back to the Roman Empire, Nimes is often dubbed “the French Rome” and is cited as the most Roman city outside Italy. “Serge” is a strong cloth, so the word “denim” merely originated from “the material of Nimes”, just as “Nylon” is a fusion of “New York” and “London”. 

Specifically, denim a cotton twill textile. One of the threads – the “warp” – is traditionally dyed indigo, whilst the other “weft” thread remains white. Whilst denim nowadays is used for jackets, dungarees and shirts (and jeans, obviously), the original use was, naturally, for trousers. The word “jeans” comes from “Genes” – the French name for the people from Genoa, where the cotton trousers were manufactured. In the mid-1800s, during the Gold Rush, miners required clothing that was durable and not prone to tearing. Enter businessman Levi Strauss. With the help of Latvian tailor Jacob Davis, Strauss began mass production of jeans for the miners, even incorporating  rivets into the jeans to reinforce the durability and to strength the parts of the jeans likely to tear. It proved a stroke of genius. Spawned from humble beginnings for the mining trade, denim jeans were to be a global icon.

Denim jeans really “kicked off” in the 1930s, largely due to the popularity of Western films. Though production levels dropped during World War II, jeans became the trouser of choice for US soldiers on leave. In the 1950s, jeans became the staple for teenagers, inspired by actors such as Marlon Brando and James Dean. It was around this time that companies such as Lee and Wrangler came in on the action, and denim never looked back.

So, denim began its journey because it was durable; style wasn’t important. Film stars are great publicity tools, and denim has the 1950s movies to thank for its sudden – though understandable – mass appeal. Durability is a beneficial quality in all clothes, but when you mix in style and famous endorsements, it’s a powerful combination. 

For decades, denim has been worn by pretty much everyone, from Joe Bloggs to royalty. On the front page of The Daily Telegraph on 9th April 2020, Prince Charles is posing with the Duchess of Cornwall, who is wearing…yep, you guessed it, jeans. Denim is such a fantastic material that its future is hardly in doubt. Denim will be seen in the fashion industry for decades to come, and even if there is a drop in trend, you can be sure it’ll make a comeback. It’s pretty much guaranteed.  

Take a look in celebrity magazines, social media posts, on TV channels and – well, everywhere. Denim is the ultimate material: it’s fashionable, reliable, consistent and practical. There are literally billions of denim items around the world – even shoes, hats and scarves. Now, that’s versatile.  

Are you 5′ 3″ or under? You might be surprised knowing that modelling agencies like ours – here at Models Direct – look for all types of model regardless of height, weight, age or ethnicity. We are all about body and age positivity, and of course diversity too! 

We’ve got some great examples of models that you could take inspiration from if you’re looking to sign up with us but are having second thoughts because of your height. Kate Moss was discovered back in 1988 and at 5′ 8″, she is a force to be reckoned with. Her younger sister Lottie was also signed on Kate’s agency coming in at 5′ 5″ with Storm Model Management. 

And let’s not skip the guys here! Aaron Frew, a 5′ 7″ male model hailing from Northampton has starred in Calvin Klein’s international campaigns proving height doesn’t have to be a compulsory factor when becoming a superstar model. 

It doesn’t stop there though. There are plenty of pint-sized celebs out there that have made their name and fame regardless of their height. With their combination of beauty and talent, their height hasn’t had an impact on their destiny that’s for sure! 

Some petite stars (5′ 3″ and under) are:

• Lady Gaga
• Kylie Minogue
• Shakira
• Reese Witherspoon
• Zoe Kravitz
• Kristen Bell

So, have we got you thinking? If not, then let’s try another way…

There are lots of other mini modelling jobs that don’t expect the stereotypical height requirements of fashion models. We suggest the following to give you food for thought if you’re still unsure:

Say hello to commercial modelling

You really don’t need to be tall to sell products and services. It’s as simple as that! Promoting cosmetics, cars, hotels, insurance – the list is endless we tell you! – goes above and beyond the norms of fashion modelling. You will need to have a marketable look in order to appeal to your client’s audience so your height will not limit you. The best thing about this field in the industry is that commercial modelling opens its arms to diverse models so everyone is welcome to join. 

Swimsuit modelling; take the plunge!

Ever looked through the swimwear section in catalogues and wondered how they got there? Well, now you know – through a modelling agency like us! This theme of apparel is another way you could break into the industry without being conscious about whether your height will affect your chances. So long as you have the look your client is after; a killer smile, gorgeous hair and flawless skin, you might find your calling. And to be honest, who doesn’t want extra cash for showing off their toned bodies in the latest swimwear fashion? 

Lingerie and underwear modelling; why not eh?

If you’re fit and healthy and feel confident about your body then becoming a lingerie or underwear model could find its place on your bucket list! Entering this area of the market doesn’t rely on your height though it does rely on you strutting your stuff and not being camera shy. We’re part of the body positivity stance and recognise that the plus-size industry continues to be a massive selling point. So, let’s not forget that we’re always looking out for models of all sizes to come on board and promote this market. Have a think, connect with us and ask any burning questions you might have and we’ll be happy to help!