Denim Day is an annual event held on a Wednesday in April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to raise awareness about sexual violence and combat victim blaming. It originated in response to a 1998 Italian Supreme Court ruling that overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans, leading the court to argue that she must have helped remove her jeans, implying consent. This ruling sparked outrage and protests, notably by women in the Italian Parliament who wore jeans in solidarity with the victim

. Since 1999, Denim Day has become a global campaign initiated by Peace Over Violence in Los Angeles, where people wear denim as a visible symbol of protest against harmful myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual assault. It encourages community members, elected officials, businesses, and students to wear jeans to show support for survivors and to educate others that clothing is never an invitation or excuse for sexual violence

. Denim Day serves to honor survivors, promote dialogue, and advance prevention efforts related to sexual violence. The campaign has grown internationally and is recognized by various organizations, including government bodies, as a powerful statement against victim blaming

. In summary, Denim Day is a symbolic day of protest and education that uses wearing denim jeans to challenge and change destructive attitudes about sexual assault and to support survivors worldwide. The next Denim Day in 2026 will be on April 29th