Levi Strauss & Co. used the name “waist overalls” for its riveted trousers before calling them jeans.
In the nineteenth century, the company marketed its riveted denim garments as waist overalls. The term reflected contemporary workwear language: “overalls” could mean sturdy trousers worn over ordinary clothing, while “waist” distinguished them from garments extending higher over the body.
The clothing was designed for laborers who needed durable work trousers, not initially for fashion consumers. Copper rivets strengthened pocket corners and other high-stress areas, making the garments useful in mining, construction, and other demanding work.
“Jeans” later became the dominant everyday term. The older label survives in historical descriptions and helps explain why early advertisements and product records may not use the modern word. Bib overalls are a separate garment with a chest panel and shoulder straps.