The year was 2015. Barack Obama was in the White House. “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars was streaming. Avocado toast was a brunch essential, and consumers were addicted to pinning their aspirational life on Pinterest, while showing their curated real life through filters on Instagram.
Athleisure was also all the rage, driven by influencer marketing and the allure of status brands like Lululemon, Nike and Athleta.
The global denim industry was undeniably feeling the impact of leggings’ rise in popularity. After a decade of conditioning consumers to embrace high-stretch, form-fitting pants through the skinny jeans trend, the industry had, in many ways, paved the way for this shift. The denim category was at a turning point, and it seemed like a good time to launch a trade publication dedicated to covering industry news and trends as well as the opportunities and challenges it faces.
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Enter Rivet—launched in 2015 as a denim-focused publication by Sourcing Journal and rebranded as SJ Denim in 2024. Born as a true startup—with the help of interns and student designers—it quickly carved out its niche, covering everything from supply chain updates and sustainability trends to brand insights and fashion news.
In 2017, Rivet got a significant upgrade when Sourcing Journal was acquired by Penske Media. Despite the transformation, its mission has remained steady: delivering industry-driven news that empowers decision-makers to stay ahead and take action.
Look back at a decade of denim highs and lows.
2015
Denim head culture was celebrated at Amsterdam Denim Days.
Skinny jeans were the most talked-about trend of the year, according to Edited.
Jeanologia removes potassium permanganate with the launch of Light PP Spray laser technology.
2016
Athletic and activewear categories influence denim designs.
U.S. denim sales rebound as brands balance bestsellers and new products.
2017
Lenzing unveils Refibra, he first cellulose fiber featuring recycled material to be offered on a commercial scale.
The documentary “RiverBlue “exposes the denim industry’s significant contribution to global water pollution.
White Oak in Greensboro, N.C. shuts down after 112 years in operation.
2018
Rivet 50 debuts, serving as an annual who’s who in the denim industry.
U.S. began to import more denim and China and Mexico begin to lose ground to suppliers in Southeast and Central Asia and Africa.
2019
VF Corp. completes the separation of VF’s Jeanswear organization into the independent, publicly traded company called Kontoor Brands, Inc.
Levi’s and Outerknown introduced denim made with cottonized hemp.
2020
Covid-19 results in a global shutdown, leaving many to toss their jeans aside for sweats and pajamas at home.
Companies undergo layoffs and restructuring as consumers stay home and shop less.
Rivet debuts “In Season,” a look book showcasing new collections from mills and trim suppliers.
2021
What began as a pandemic hobby evolves into a renewed appreciation for handcrafted detail, fueling the rise of DIY culture.
Jeans become wider, looser and baggier.
Rivet x Project Awards launches, recognizing the brands bringing newness and creativity to the jeans market
2022
Kingpins Amsterdam holds its first in-person trade show since 2019.
Saitex opens a state-of-the-art fabric mill in Vietnam.
Straight-leg jeans the top-selling fit among women in the U.S. surpassing the once universally popular skinny jean.
2023
Levi’s 501 celebrates 100 years.
Fleeting fashion cores and “aesthetics” gain momentum on TikTok.
Wrangler inks multi-year deal with country music star Lainey Wilson, reviving the trend for celebrity denim campaigns and collaborations.
2024
Pop culture and denim heritage collide as Western fashion take over.
Sourcing Journal x Rivet debuts a sustainability event in Los Angeles.
The industry sees an uptick in bio-based alternatives to petroleum-based dyes and synthetic fibers.
2025
Rivet is rebranded SJ Denim, reflecting Sourcing Journal’s focus on supply chain coverage.
President Trump’s tariff spree leaves suppliers and brands in a state of uncertainty.
Mount Vernon acquires 45 historic Draper X3 shuttle looms once belonging to the iconic White Oak Plant in Greensboro, North Carolina after Vidalia Mills shuts down.
