India, Oct. 13 -- Have you ever looked closely at your jeans and wondered why there are tiny metal dots near the pockets? These little pieces of metal might seem like a minor design detail, but they have an important purpose. Today, jeans are a wardrobe staple worn by people around the world. But their tiny metal rivets have a practical history that dates back to the 19th century. So, why do jeans have these buttons, and what would happen if they were not there? Let's find out. (Also read: Everyday explained: Why do train tracks have small stones around them? Know their purpose and importance )

The small metal pieces near the corners of jeans' pockets are called rivets. These fasteners reinforce areas where fabric is more likely to tear....