https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:40:03 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain/page/2#post-1472053 Fri, 10 Apr 2015 05:08:26 +0000 puppycat 1472053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was very late to the distressed jean trend because most of the jeans I saw looked too "factory distressed" to appeal to me.&nbsp; I finally located a perfect pair at a thrift store--a pair of super-soft, broken-in Calvin Klein men's loose-fit jeans with a couple of rips (whether naturally ripped or factory made, I'm not sure, but the overall worn quality of the jeans makes the rips feel "right").&nbsp; I altered them a bit to give some taper to the legs and wear them rolled with a belt and a bohemian-style blouse.&nbsp; This look makes me feel happy.&nbsp; If I I think about it carefully, I realize this is because this look reminds me of a time 25 years ago when I was young and carefree and wore my boyfriend's ripped jeans around the house on weekends. Maybe a similar feeling explains the appeal to the public at large, as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain/page/2#post-1472012 Fri, 10 Apr 2015 03:29:29 +0000 MsMaven 1472012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Because people buy them? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain/page/2#post-1472000 Fri, 10 Apr 2015 03:20:27 +0000 rabbit 1472000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was just looking at 80's looks involving a lot of distressed denim. &nbsp;I remember both cutting holes in a pair of thrifted jeans and splashing bleach on them to get the effect at the time.</p> <p>In general I like it, just because I like the textural richness. &nbsp;Whether it comes from hard wearing, or some kind of ripping machine. :)&nbsp;I currently have one pair of slightly distressed jeans. &nbsp;I'm avoiding heavily distressed skinnies because on me they remind me a bit too much of hair metal bands --- but I have seen all shapes of distressed denim work beautifully in certain outfits. &nbsp;I think the distressing has to basically be read as 3d&nbsp;pattern, and the rest of the outfit needs to work with that element. </p> <p>ETA: like <b>Thistle</b> I grew up with 90% second-hand jeans, but that's partly why I liked distressing, and the vogue for retro clothing items in high school and college particularly&nbsp;--- because I could wear older, more worn clothes or clothes from previous eras&nbsp;and not be dismissed out of hand because my clothes didn't look like they were&nbsp;just bought at the mall.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain/page/2#post-1471985 Fri, 10 Apr 2015 03:11:03 +0000 Sal 1471985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer my jeans to have distress marks I have created through wear (and love ha ha). &nbsp;</p> <p>I have seen some forum members wearing awesome looks though with heavily distressed jeans.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471945 Fri, 10 Apr 2015 02:06:39 +0000 Suz 1471945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in my 50s and I own one pair of (slightly) distressed jeans. There are no holes, just wear spots. And I love them, both for their fit and fabrication, and for the way they allow me to juxtapose with dressy pieces. I especially love them with a silky blouse or a sparkly sweatshirt or brocade, and pointy toe pumps.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do prefer most of my jeans to be undistressed, though. Just like I prefer to remain undistressed myself, LOL.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471942 Fri, 10 Apr 2015 02:03:50 +0000 catgirl 1471942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vicki, you've raised an issue for me, and that is the weird imbalance when jeans are shredded in front and not at all in back. I find that strange as a look - I prefer a few rips in places that make sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471939 Fri, 10 Apr 2015 02:00:36 +0000 Vicki 1471939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with you here, old chic, and was just checking out at Banana Republic the other day, with a pair of non-distressed white jeans, and I saw the woman ahead of me with her frayed edges, from the thighs to the calves,&nbsp;billowing out from behind, and the distressing was coming from the FRONT! &nbsp;I could see it from the back!!</p> <p>I buy without holes.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471935 Fri, 10 Apr 2015 01:42:59 +0000 Staysfit 1471935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's definitely not my look but I keep my favorite jeans until they fray and beyond. They're great for hiking in the summer. Sadly, mine never fray in the decorative and convenient places I want, it's always some embarassing location. I might get a gaping hole in the thigh, crotch or one knee only. These holes inevitably rip larger and open up exposing parts that I don't want exposed. In one instance a hole in my knee continued ripping all around my leg until that side of my jeans was in effect shortened. Time for some cut off shorts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471918 Fri, 10 Apr 2015 00:57:11 +0000 Susie 1471918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have one pair of jeans that has just one small hole on the leg. I bought them because I wanted a pair that was really light/faded. I don't think I paid extra for the rip </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471903 Fri, 10 Apr 2015 00:28:37 +0000 Anonymous 1471903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never could bring myself to pay for and wear garments that already look old. The point of buying something new, I think, is to have something that looks new. But that's just me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471879 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 23:39:20 +0000 Angie 1471879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>CLEARLY, I think they can work too, Anna. I <b>LOVE </b>that outfit. Poetic and Creative Juxtaposition. My point exactly.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like classic cardigans four or five years ago - the product has flooded the denim market though. These days it's hard to find faded jeans that aren't torn in some way - which I believe is a hole in the market. (Pun intended).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471873 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 23:24:02 +0000 annagybe 1471873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think they can work in certain circumstances<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://noscrubs.lookfab.com/post/wiw-919-ivory-denim-leopard">http://noscrubs.lookfab.com/po.....im-leopard</a> </p> <p>I got a Killer to the Power of Killer</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471872 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 23:21:48 +0000 Janet 1471872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can see the appeal for certain looks and styles, and i have one pair of AG jeans from 2-3 years ago with some distressing (and rips at the knees that have grown a little). That's it for me -- I have to be in the right mood to wear them, and I style them carefully. I pretty much feel the same as Style Fan about them. The market seems over saturated with them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471871 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 23:16:08 +0000 DonnaF 1471871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicked, scratched, and chipped soapstone:&nbsp; Heck, yes!!!&nbsp; Paying extra for destroyed denim:&nbsp; No, it feels false to me.&nbsp; I would rather come by the destruction honestly.&nbsp;&nbsp; Oh, and the wear to the soapstone was done by us.</p> <p>Umm, I guess I am destined to keep my jeans forever because I rather like the worn in/worn out look.&nbsp; Too bad DH and I don't wear the same size because he is hard on his jeans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471868 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 23:02:43 +0000 catgirl 1471868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just to add, I don't spend a lot on distressed denim - I'm one who will put their foot through a hole - and I find completely shredded denim impractical in my climate as well as in general. My most recent pair is faded grey from American Eagle with a couple of rips. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471865 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 22:58:20 +0000 Style Fan 1471865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I own 2 pairs of destroyed jeans.&nbsp; One pair I bought 5 years ago and one pair I bought last fall.&nbsp; I like to be a bad a** like alaskagirl and I also like juxtaposition when I dress and when I decorate.</p> <p>I do tend to avoid "pretty" looks.&nbsp; I like to challenge a bit.&nbsp; I think the destroyed denim has flooded the market so I will move on.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471862 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 22:54:11 +0000 Greyscale 1471862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like ripped jeans&nbsp;for the contrasting textures, and the style juxtaposition like Angie said, and the bada$$ aspect like Una said. Part of how I make my monochrome wardrobe work is playing a lot with visual texture, like silk shirts with ripped jeans.</p> <p>But, I agree that the market is flooded. It's getting hard to find a pair that aren't ripped! (Exaggeration.) And, since I wear jeans to work every day, I limit myself to one pair of ripped jeans,&nbsp;dressed up with nicer&nbsp;tops and shoes. I come across as younger than I am and I'm always conscious of needing to win people's respect.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471827 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 21:47:53 +0000 Thistle 1471827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am totally the wrong person to ask. I remember throwing away jeans when they started to look like that. Perhaps it comes from having grown up owning only secondhand jeans. The rips and tears are a sign that you need new clothes not rebellion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471824 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 21:44:54 +0000 Laurinda 1471824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is interesting to see a rack of mass-produced&nbsp;distressed jeans or jackets with&nbsp;all the same rips and distressing in the same places. As far as rebellion it reminds me of the 70s oxymoronic&nbsp;Dr. Pepper jingo (by Randy Newman - it must have been tongue-in-cheek): "I'm part of an Original Crowd".</p> <p>I'm not a big&nbsp;fan since it seems wasteful to wreck good clothing and&nbsp;hasten its trip to the landfill, but I admit&nbsp;it is a fun look. I agree there is overkill at the moment when it is difficult to find new jeans without rips.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471808 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 21:23:53 +0000 Sadie 1471808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 62- any distressing makes me feel like a poser so is an automatic no for me. Love them on others (like my very stylish daughter). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471788 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 21:05:57 +0000 CocoLion 1471788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to like worn looking things and distressing. &nbsp;I'll take a bit of it. &nbsp;But the knee holes I don't get. &nbsp;I'm kind of ready for this trend to be over, although I had my love affair with it for a while.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw----obssessed-with-ripped-jeans">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....pped-jeans</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471763 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 20:19:43 +0000 Gaylene 1471763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shredded denim has never appealed to me, although I quite like (and own) other deconstructed pieces. The idea of contrast and juxtaposition totally interests me, but I think part of my poisoned eye for distressed denim comes from people who tell me they wear it because it is "rebellious". That might have been true at one time, but, after several decades and heaps of the stuff in Walmart and Target, I'd say the rips and tears are as mainstream as yoga pants. To be honest, totally shredded legs look a bit dated to me, but that's probably my poisoned eye talking here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471722 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 19:31:42 +0000 Marilyn 1471722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just bought my first pair.....I'm 51.&nbsp; I don't like the ones that are totally shredded but I do like some distressing.&nbsp; For me it has nothing to do with rebellion or feeling bad-*ss.&nbsp; I like the texture and as Angie mentioned the juxtaposition.&nbsp; My look is generally polished.</p> <p>I got these ones from BR.......... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471711 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 19:10:59 +0000 Meredith 1471711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, just saw RA's comment. They require some exta care. I wash them as infrequently as possible and hang to dry. And you have to be sure not to stick your foot through a hole when pulling them on! I know they won't last as long, but after six months they are still very wearable. Also, if you are crafty this is a good diy tutorial: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2013/07/video-distress-denim/" rel="nofollow">http://blog.freepeople.com/201.....ess-denim/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471707 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 19:06:46 +0000 Meredith 1471707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing about the juxtaposition being desirable. Deconstructed denim called to me very strongly last fall. At first I didn't understand why I liked them because my style is pretty polished. Then I realized I liked them precisely for the contrast. They are among the things I own that help keep my style from feeling too classic or polished. They add a bit of fun and unexpected zest. That being said my husband HATES them and is pretty verbal about not understanding the style at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471680 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 18:36:20 +0000 old chic 1471680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, thanks, that really does help. I had not thought about the juxtaposition angle, but I think that's what seemed so jarring in the fashion-y pictures I've seen. And, conversely, that's what makes them edgy fashion. </p> <p>I have always enjoyed the deconstructionism of the Belgian school. But, destroyed jeans, revealing a lot of leg as they often do, are so obviously unsuitable for the old (like me) that they make a sexy, rebellious statement for the young only. Makes sense to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471632 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 17:38:34 +0000 Rambling Ann 1471632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so glad you posted this. I wanted to, but couldn't figure out how to say it as nicely as you did.&nbsp;I get the deconstruction concept, but I have a hard time paying someone else to trash my clothes.</p> <p>Q to those of you who have bought these jeans: do they wear out faster to the point where they are beyond your taste for a distressed look? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471616 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 17:16:47 +0000 rachylou 1471616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>Deconstruction, Rebellion and Destruction are themes</i></p> <p>I should say that just about sums it up, with a good dose of apocalyptic zombie depressive nihilism continuing on from the industrialist Dickensian age...</p> <p>Lol. Can I get a nickel for every syllable? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471610 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 17:09:37 +0000 catgirl 1471610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this is one of those things you either feel or don't feel. For me, distressed jeans make me feel like a bada$$. That's my preferred "feeling" for when I dress for myself and suits my the fantasy inherent in my personality. It feels true to me. I don't aim to look pretty or polished in my spare time. Others may get their preferred feeling of authenticity from a tight pencil skirt or stiletto heels or a strict button-down, none of which appeal to me at all, but I totally understand that is THEIR authentic self. Different strokes....</p> <p>My immigrant parents frowns on thrifting, distressing, and anything not new, the same way they frown on outhouses. I did push their boundaries! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/damaged-jeans-please-explain#post-1471598 Thu, 09 Apr 2015 16:43:47 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1471598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's the contrast of the beat-up nature of the jeans and the dressier bits around them. Also, it's a bit of a rebellious thing: "I don't have to be just so, or dressed up. I can wear torn jeans if I want." That's why it's always been a rock and roll, younger look.</p> <p>I grew up in a rural area and parents (mine and everyone else's) always liked to make fun of us buying pre-distressed jeans, more so than just being older and not getting the vibe - if you're a farmer you're going to have plenty of distressed jeans already, you don't need to pay designer prices for them... </p>