In the world of fashion, there’s a backdrop to every accessory. From the most basic earrings to the most eye-catching necklaces and chains, the jewellery we wear is often a stark reflection of our interests, character, personality, and beliefs.
Pant Chains and how they came about
The Jean Chain, also called pant chains and wallet chains, were first seen in the 1970s and 1980s punk and rock subcultures.
Originally, they served a very useful and practical purpose: to prevent your monies from being lost or stolen! They were also used to secure keys and other important items, preventing theft or loss during chaotic mosh pits and high-energy concerts.
But as punk fashion evolved, so did the use of Jean chains, transforming them into a symbol of individuality and often rebellion. Let’s take a deeper look at how wallet chains or the Jean chain became a fashion icon over the years.
History and evolution
Wallet chains and pant chains have a very illustrious history dating back to a couple of decades at least. They were originally revered by bikers who wanted to prevent their wallets from being lost or stolen, as they rode their bikes into the sunset. But as the years passed on, so did the use of pant chains. They became a fashion icon, often being associated with a rugged lifestyle and unapologetic rebellion.
1970s punk rock subculture
During the 1970s, the Jean chain traversed well beyond the typical biker aura, finding its way deep into popular culture.
The accessory offered a rather unique blend of style and practicality, piquing the interest of several subcultures but particularly certain music genres.
One of the first genres to pick up the pants chain trend was the punk movement. The pioneers of punk took the wallet chain and transformed it into something uniquely and refreshingly different – from a utilitarian item to an edgy accessory which faithfully showcased the nonconformist values of punk rock.
It was at this point in time that wallet chains, aka. Jean chains, became a head-turning form of self-expression, especially when worn with distinctive attire. Bikers, music lovers, and ordinary folks alike would adorn their wallet chains with everything from safety pins and spikes to studs, and more.
The Jean chain had become a powerful and uplifting symbol paying homage to the punk ethos, signifying defiance and individuality as well as an anti-establishment perspective.
1980s metal subcultures and mainstream rock
Multiple subcultures emerged in the 1980s, each one laying the groundwork for a distinctive and memorable style. Around the same time, metal chains were really coming into their own with goths, rivet heads, and other alternative scenes, adding an element of supposed intrigue and mystery to their getup.
In fact, goths were known to integrate biker wallets and wallet chains in their dark and dramatic getups, while rivet heads would love lending Jean chains to their pro-industrial getups.
The 1980s was generally an era which saw a lot of diversity – there was a lot more to it than just subculture this and that or alternative music acts. Mainstream rock bands at the time, including Guns N’ Roses and Motley Crue, very avidly integrated Jean chains into their flashy and flamboyant outfits. They would often pair them with body-hugging leather pants, bandanas, and metal-inspired accessories, making wallet chains the definitive rockstar jewellery piece of choice, and marking the era as a wonderful one where excess, a carefree spirit, and rebellion was the order of the day.
1990s grunge culture
Who can forget the awe-inspiring 1990s, when the grunge movement took the music world by storm?
Grunge artists and musicians have always been associated with an anti-fashion stance and a laid back attitude, adapting a relaxed approach towards fashion. The 1990s was a time when we saw Jean chains being blended with ripped jeans, beanies, cardigans, oversized sweaters, Converse sneakers, flannel shirts, and thrift-store finds – all of which added an interesting element to the grunge lifestyle. Wallet chains only added further to the genre’s rebellious roots but in a very subtle way, all the while showcasing the era’s apathetic spirit.
Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder was very well-known for his rugged and laid-back style, complementing his ensembles with unique wallet chains.
1990s hip hop
Hip hop’s dominance in the 1990s gave way to new and unique fashion norms, one where the Jean chain was welcomed with open arms.
Hip hop artists from the 90s saw pants chains as a status symbol – the bigger and flashier the chain, the better everything resonated with each artist’s large and lavvy lifestyle. Many artists had their chains crafted from silver and gold, and soon the Jean chain became a means to flaunt success and dominance in the record industry.
1990s rave and 2000s Nu Metal
The 1990s rave scene was a centre stage for wallet chains which became a means of self-expression and camaraderie. Ravers welcomed the accessory as an extension of their vibrant electric outfits, going as far as to pair them with neon-coloured attire and elaborate jewellery.
The rave scene has traditionally been associated with vibrancy and energy, and so, wallet chains really took this vibe to the next level. Considered pioneers of the electronic punk and industrial scene, The Prodigy’s band members have always made daring and outspoken fashion choices, which many a times, included wallet chains.
Nu Metal blended the best of metal, hip hop, and industrial where wallet chains became synonymous with the genre’s defiant spirit. Artists would often include them in their getup as a fearless extension of their ‘in your face’ style.
Fred Durst from Limp Bizkit has often adorned himself with wallet chains in his music videos, reinforcing the artist’s urban and street-inspired aesthetic.
Closing thoughts on Jean Chain in different subcultures
Wearing a Jean chain is not just an accessory to keep your wallet or keys safe, it’s a unique and highly individualistic way to project your personality and character.
Their edgy aesthetic and incredible form as well as functionality make wallet chains just as sought after in the present day as they were in music subcultures of the past.