Prior to the 1950s, denim was largely worn by the working classes. The earliest proponents were likely the miners of the American West, who in the 1800s toiled away underground, occasionally leaving some remnants behind for posterity. For some, this history holds a deep fascination bordering on fanaticism as these archaeologists of denim risk life and limb to explore abandoned mines in search of this elusive treasure. Piecing together their finds from all eras and brands to stitch together a picture not only of the history of denim, but also often the histories of their wearers.