Blue jeans are the world's favourite fashion statement -- so popular they've become an American icon. Here's a garment that's remained hip for more than half a century, that's thrived from World Wars to the present. Jeans have helped define every youth movement and every effort of older generations to deny the passing of youth. We trace blue jean culture, from mining days to the ranch, from the beat and hippie generations to the world's designer labels and celebrity cachet. Is there anyone who doesn't have a pair?

Originally broadcast on CBC on February 28, 2008.