When I was in 5^th grade, I had a friend in 6^th grade who I looked up to. She was funny, sporty, popular and a good student.  She also had a “killer” pair of Levi’s. She defined “cool” in those jeans.

I wanted to be just like her.  So, I asked my Mom to buy me some jeans. She agreed.  Sadly, neither of us really knew anything about blue jeans or where to buy good ones.  As a result, I got a pair of very stiff jeans that were too dark and way too long. They were definitely not Levi’s.

I wore my new jeans. I did not look cool. I did not feel cool. I could barely bend in them because they were so stiff.

I hated those jeans.

The next year, my friend left me behind to attend 7^th grade at a different school. She had grown out of elementary school. But she had also grown out of her Levi’s and passed them on to me. I wore and loved those jeans for years.  She had worn them in perfectly for me. And today, my favorite jeans are still hand-me-downs from friends and family.

Confess your blue jeans story.  When did you get your first pair? Or is there some other clothing in your culture that people love like Americans Loves Blue Jeans?