The story of Denim Day began in Italy in 1992 when an 18-year-old girl was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor during her first driving lesson. He took her to a secluded road, forced her out of the car, removed her jeans, and assaulted her.​

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After the attack, she reported the crime, and the perpetrator was arrested, prosecuted, and convicted of rape. However, years later, he appealed the conviction, claiming the encounter was consensual. The Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction and released him, arguing that because the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped him remove them, implying consent. This reasoning became infamously known as the "jeans alibi."​

 

Outraged by the verdict, women in the Italian Parliament protested by wearing jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court. Their demonstration gained international attention and inspired similar protests, including by members of the California Senate and Assembly at the Capitol in Sacramento.

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In April 1999, the first Denim Day was held in Los Angeles. It has since become a nationwide event, standing in solidarity with survivors and advocating to end victim-blaming and sexual violence.