Once meant for rugged cowboys and miners to withstand the wear and tear of hard labor, jeans made their way into the mainstream in the middle of the 20th century. And while fads may come and go, true blues will always be on the "In" list. Here's a look at some of the most iconic jeans in recent history.

—Nicole Cammorata, Boston.com

Actor and denim-clad icon James Dean in a scene from the Warner Bros. 1956 epic, "Giant."