When it comes to thinking of “American” fashion, most of us just think of American designers. That the real innovators of fashion somehow all go to Paris or Milan, maybe even London. The truth is, beyond design, Americans have also innovated the fashion industry by inventing things we cannot live without. No, not the iPhone. I’m talking things like jeans. What wardrobe is complete without a tee shirt and jeans? Can you imagine life without zippers? Remember before we had Spanx?

Tomorrow is the 4th of July. While most of us will be wearing red, white and blue to show our appreciation for the good ol’ US of A with fashion, those who really wanted to take it up a notch can wear items of clothing invented in America.

The Blue Jean

 Seriously, everyone wears jeans, even my baby!
1873 Levi Strauss & Jacob Davis

The T-Shirt

If you don’t own at least one tee shirt… come on. Who are you?
1913, US Navy. (Image Source 21st eme)

Pantyhose

Even though pantyhose isn’t required anymore for office attire, during the winter they will save your life.
1953, Allen Grant, Sr.

The Safety Pin

The savior to all wardrobe malfunctions.
1849, Walter Hunt 

The Modern Bra

Something’s gotta hold my boobs up.
1914, Mary Phelps Jacob

The Zipper

Even Houdini couldn’t get out of this dress without a zipper.
1851, Elias Howe

Spandex

 Oh Spandex, you have so many uses. Thank you for making my jeans more comfortable.
1959, C. L. Sandquist and Joseph Shivers (DuPont) 

Spanx

Not Spanx pictured above but to be clear, I would not wear that dress without Spanx.
2000, Sara Blakely 

The String Bikini

Selling fad diets since 1974.
1974, Glen Tororich and Brandi Perret-DuJon (Photo via Nieman Marcus)

Mass-Produced Sunglasses

So the rest of us can be like Anna Wintour.
1929, Sam Foster

The Pedal Pusher

Probably the most feminine pant.
1944, Dede Johnson