The Real Reason Your Jeans Have Those
1. What Rivets Do
Many people overlook the tiny metal pieces on their jeans,
but these “small metal buttons” help prevent fabric from tearing.
Placed at stress points like pockets, they keep jeans strong during heavy use.
2. How Rivets Began
Rivets were introduced in the 1870s. Jacob Davis added them after customers complained their pants were “tearing at the seams.”
His partnership with Levi Strauss led to a 1873 patent that turned work pants into durable, reliable clothing.
3. Why They Work
Rivets “distribute tension across the denim,” stopping strain from gathering in one spot.
Made from copper or brass, they resist rust and keep pockets from wearing out quickly—something jeans without rivets often fail to do.
4. Rivets Today
Some brands still use rivets for strength and tradition, while others rely on reinforced stitching.
Either way, these tiny pieces reflect denim’s long history and craftsmanship.