Today is DENIM DAY
Read this before you get dressed today. Let me make things super easy: WEAR DENIM.
April 30, 2025 is Denim Day, observed each year on a Wednesday in April in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault and rape. Why April? April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the theme this year is “Together We Act, United We Change.”
Organized by the nonprofit Peace Over Violence, Denim Day is a direct response to the culture of victim blaming across the globe. What an easy way to say no. What an easy way to let your favorite pair of jeans do the work of a protest tee or a petition signature.
Many decorate their denim to show their support for victims.
The movement began in 1999 after an Italian court overturned a rape conviction when the accused perpetrator introduced new evidence. The new evidence—that the 18-year old victim’s jeans were tight—led judges to rule that she must have helped remove them, implying consent. Tight jeans = her fault.
The ruling sparked international outrage. In solidarity with the victim, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans. Soon, women across Italy—and eventually around the world—wore jeans as a way to announce: we demand justice.
In 1999, Denim Day was launched by American activist Patricia Giggans who wanted to turn this symbolic sartorial choice into an international movement. Now, wearing denim on a collective Wednesday in April becomes “a powerful way to confront harmful myths about sexual violence, amplify survivors’ voices, and call for systemic change.”
By wearing jeans on Denim Day, we say: we believe survivors, and we will not stay silent.
The theme of Denim Day this year is USE YOUR VOICE.
“ Your voice is a tool that can create connection, inspire change, and make someone feel valued. Whether you’re speaking up in small, everyday ways or on a larger, more public scale, using your voice to support others fosters community and empathy.”
Pair with a blazer and you are all set for the workday. Photo: Pinterest
A Guess ad for Denim Day in 2016
No matter how tight, no matter how sexy, no item of clothing is a sign of consent. Bella Hadid in bootcut denim.
Here are TEN things you can do:
Wear Denim on Denim Day: Spark conversations and support survivor-centered organizations like Peace Over Violence. Take the pledge to make a social statement with your fashion statement on 4/30/25.
Share Your Story: Your personal experience can empower other survivors and inspire your community.
Amplify Survivor Stories: However you feel comfortable, honoring survivor’s stories is a show of support.
Vote: Elect leaders who prioritize ending sexual violence and supporting survivors.
Volunteer: Get involved with your local sexual assault or domestic violence center. You could support a crisis hotline, lead educational workshops, or help behind the scenes.
Donate: Support organizations working to end sexual violence and support survivors.
Contact Your Representatives: Advocate for survivor-centered policies and increased resources for prevention. Find your representative.
Make Your Own Content: Use music, art, poetry or writing to spark meaningful conversations about sexual violence and prevention. Write to us at Misstropolis if there is something you want to publish on this topic.
Use Social Media to Raise Awareness: Share survivor voices, facts, and calls to action.
Cultivate Safe Spaces: Foster environments where survivors feel supported and validated.
Misstropolis readers are engaged, educated and bold. Use your voice and your wardrobe choices today to make a difference. I’ll be wearing my jeans to MASS Creative’s Creative Sector Day at the State House. How about you?
