牛仔裤是裤子的一种，于19世纪由巴伐利亚裔美国籍李维·史特劳斯发明。

1850年代末期，李维·史特劳斯来到美国旧金山。他原来是位布商，随身带着几匹本来用来制作帐幕用的帆布。他看到淘金工人穿着的棉布裤很容易磨破，便将其带来厚实的帆布裁做了低腰、直腿、臀围紧小的裤子出售，大大受到了淘金工人的欢迎。后来牛仔也喜欢上了这种用帆布做成的裤子，渐渐流行起来。李维进而把裤料改为靛蓝斜纹粗布，他的生意越做越大。1871年，李维·史特劳斯将他的牛仔裤申请了专利，正式成立Levi's公司，后发展成为国际性公司，他的产品遍及世界各地。现时，在大中华地区亦称呼此种帆布为牛仔布。

Jeans are trousers, a type of garment, typically made from denim or dungaree cloth. Often the term "jeans" refers to a particular style of pants, called "blue jeans," which were invented by Jacob W. Davis in partnership with Levi Strauss & Co. in 1871 and patented by Jacob W. Davis and Levi Strauss on May 20, 1873. Prior to the Levi Strauss patented trousers, the term "blue jeans" had been long in use for various garments (including trousers, overalls, and coats), constructed from blue colored denim. Originally designed for cowboys and miners, jeans became popular in the 1950s among teenagers, especially members of the greaser subculture. Jeans were a common fashion item in the 1960s Hippie subculture and they continued to be popular in the 1970s and 1980s youth subcultures of punk rock and heavy metal. Historic brands include Levi's, Lee, and Wrangler. In the 2010s, jeans remain a popular fashion item, and they come in various fits, including skinny, tapered, slim, straight, boot cut, cigarette bottom, narrow bottom, bell bottom, low waist, anti-fit, and flare. "Distressed" (visibly aged and worn, but still intact and functional) jeans trousers have become increasingly fashionable, making pre-sale "factory distressing" a common feature in commercially sold jeans.