The 20th century was a turning point in the history of the world. Two major world wars devastated the economy of nearly every country in the world. Famine, genocide, holocaust, and natural disaster swept through the world like never before seen in history. But at the same time, advancements were made that improved our world to a degree never known before. Modern medicine became better than ever. Technology advanced at mind-boggling rates. Methods of communication have reached dynamic proportions never thought possible. The world of fashion also went through major changes in the 20th century.

There are many fashions that have come and gone throughout the years, some that were the epitome of haute couture and others that were simply icons of the Everyman, clothing that was worn for comfort and function rather than style and fashion. It is the latter style that seems to have made its mark on more of the public. These articles of clothing are here to stay. Jeans are one such item. Though denim material had been around for many years, the article of clothing we know as jeans weren't invented until the mid-19th century thanks to a man named Levi Strauss. Originally from Germany, Strauss moved to San Francisco in 1853. With the help of a tailor named Jacob Davis, Strauss invented jeans that were held together by metal rivets.

The purpose of the rivets was to strengthen the pockets of the pants in order to withstand harsh work conditions. The two men filed for a patent for their design and held it until about 1890 when the patent expired, during which they were the only company allowed to make riveted denim. After that date, any company had authority to create their own jeans. Jeans remained a clothing item primarily for workers until the 1950s when kids began wearing them as a way to define their identity. From that point on jeans became an iconic symbol of American fashion in every decade.

Another iconic symbol of the fashion of the American Everyman is the leather jacket. The jacket first came into popular American fashion in the early 20th century. Thanks to bomber pilots in World War II as well as famous aviators like Amelia Earheart, these bomber style jackets became fashionable for both men and women.

Leather motorcycle jackets came into fashion thanks to the greaser culture of the 50s and 60s as well as famous celebrities like Marlon Brando, who wore the jacket in many films. Motorcycle jackets are still in fashion even today, and like jeans, are a clothing icon of the working-class American.