Which denim company patented the copper-riveted work pants that became its blue jeans in 1873?

Levi Strauss & Co. patented the copper-riveted work pants that became its blue jeans in 1873.

The patent was granted to businessman Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob W. Davis. Davis had developed the idea of reinforcing stress points on work trousers with copper rivets, especially at pockets and other areas likely to tear.

The original product was not initially marketed under the modern idea of fashion jeans. It was durable work clothing made from denim and other sturdy fabrics. The rivets helped create a product suited to labor-intensive work in the American West.

The patent date is often confused with the company’s founding date, which was 1853, or with the appearance of the 501 model name in 1890. Those are separate milestones in the company’s history.