The distressed denim look is more than just a trend – it’s a statement. Moving away from traditional, pristine denim, embracing the worn-in look is a bold way to show off your individual style. Read on to learn more about distressed denim and how it can be incorporated into your wardrobe.
1. The Evolving Trend of Distressed Denim
Distressed denim has been making its way all the way into fashion and has even gotten a luxurious touch. The trend has been around for decades. It started when brands like Levi’s and Wrangler began to experiment with adding creative elements to denim.
Shredding: Shredding is the process of deliberately breaking down the fabric of jeans to create a unique style. It involves shredding the fabric either from the top or the bottom of the jeans. This technique is used on both light and dark wash denim, resulting in an eye-catching aesthetic.
- Scraping: This technique involves removing some loose fibers by scraping them away from the fabric of the jeans.
- Holes: To complete the distressed look, small holes are added to the jeans in strategic spots.
- Fading: For a vintage look, fading is added to the denim with treatments and washes.
The main purpose of distressed denim is to create that lived-in, broken-in look reminiscent of yesteryear. It’s a great way to make a simple outfit more interesting and give a personal style touch to a casual look. With the right pair of distressed jeans, anyone can look effortlessly cool.
2. From Ripped and Repaired to Pre-Washed and Resized
In the fabric design industry, ripped and repaired is a trendy way of updating clothing with distressed materials to create an eye-catching appeal. But what about denim, corduroy, and other garments that have been pre-washed and resized for a more comfortable feel?
Pre-washing is a process of shrinking the fabric, making sure that the wearable piece fits correctly. Pre-washing also helps to improve shrinkage resistance, reduce wrinkles, and reduce lint on the fabric. Resizing is the process of altering the measurements of a fabric to create a desired fit. By resizing fabrics, you can achieve a creative fit perfectly tailored to the wearer’s silhouette.
- Pre-washing helps to reduce wrinkles and establish a desired shrinkage resistance.
- Trims, such as buttons and zippers, are also processed to ensure a perfect fit.
- Resizing fabric allows for a tailored fit for the wearer.
- Adding distressed elements to the garments helps create a unique look.
Fabrics that have been pre-washed and resized are ideal for those seeking a trendy look without compromising on comfort. They are also perfect for busy lifestyles, as they require little maintenance and are easy to care for. Plus, pre-washed and resized garments are more likely to maintain their initial appearance through use, further enhancing the look of the clothing.
3. Melding Style + Comfort with Worn-In Denim
The beauty of denim is that it can effortlessly flow between casually comfortable and effortlessly stylish outfits. The trick is to find the perfect denim fit that you can style up and feel your best in. Worn-in denim is perfect for achieving a classic look that’s always on trend.
A great way to add interest to your wardrobe is to choose a unique pair of denim jeans. Choosing something with fades or a bit of distressing when picking out your denim can bring a modern twist to the classic look. Look to mix and match with on-trend oversized shirts or colorful sweaters, while finishing your look off with accessorizing and footwear.
Denim can be worked around any season. During the transitional months, autumn and spring, lighter denim can be matched with cute, light jackets and you can even layer a hoodie and sneakers. To start the summer off on the right foot, you can wear simple skinny jeans with cami tops, blouses and sandals to create an effortless chic look.
When reaching for the winter months, finish the look off with a lightweight coat and boots- ensuring to double denim your look for a stylish, cozy and warm outfit to combat any weather.
Denim Essentials:
- Faded denim jeans with unique distressing
- Lightweight jackets, hoodies or sweaters
- Cami tops, blouses and sandals
- Lightweight coats and statement boots
Creating the perfect balance between style and comfort is within reach with worn-in denim. As you can see, it’s a stylish and functional way to spice up your wardrobe no matter the season.
If you’re feeling daring and looking to mix up your wardrobe, embracing the distressed denim look just might be the way to go. Throw on your distressed jeans, flaunt your unique style, and show off that edgy and worn-in look.

