Want to change the look of your denim jeans? While you can always buy a new pair, there are other, cheaper options to consider. So, keep reading to learn how you can change the look of your jeans without spending a fortune.
#1) Embrace the Fade
Denim, like most fabrics and materials, has a tendency to fade over time. This isn’t something that happens in just a few days. Rather, leaving your denim jeans exposed to sunlight for weeks or months will eventually cause them to fade to a lighter color. If your jeans were once indigo, for instance, exposure to sunlight may turn them into a lighter blue color. You can use this to your advantage by allowing your jeans to fade naturally. The new color will transform the appearance of your jeans, giving them a new look. And if you aren’t willing to wait this long, consider buying a pair of pre-faded jeans, which are designed to mimic the appearance of naturally faded denim.
#2) Distress Them
If you’re really feeling creative, perhaps you can “distress” your jeans. Distressed jeans have become a popular trend in recent years. Worn by both men and women alike, they live up to their namesake by featuring a distressed appearance that’s characterized by patches of frayed fabric. Creating your own distressed jeans is actually easier than it sounds, however. Basically, this involves making small cuts and then sanding down the areas of denim that you want to distressed. Remember, you can always create additional distress, but you can’t “undo” if it you go overboard. Therefore, it’s best to start with just a small amount of distress and gradually add more as you see fit.
#3) Cuff the Bottom
A third way to change the look of your jeans is to cuff the bottom. Assuming your jeans already fit, there’s really no reason why you should cuff them. On the contrary, doing so may cause them to no longer fit, as the bottom will sit too high around your ankles. But your jeans are too long, cuffing the bottom is a great way to improve their comfort and aesthetics. To cuff your jeans, simply fold the bottom until you achieve the desired length, after which you sew them in place. There are other ways to cuff jeans, including the use of pins and clips. However, sewing is the only permanent solution, which is why it’s recommended over alternative methods.
#4) Dye Them
Of course, you can always change the appearance of your jeans by dyeing them. This is a quick and easy process that’s guaranteed to give your jeans a new look. Simply pick up a couple bottles of fabric dye from the store, follow the instructions, and you’ll be well on your way to a new look! To dye your jeans, you’ll typically need to submerge them in water with the fabric dye for at least 20 to 30 minutes. You can do this either in your washing machine or bathtub. When you are finished dyeing them, you’ll need to wash them at least twice to remove any excess, lingering dye, after which your jeans should be ready to wear. Feel free to create your own dye colors as well. You can make indigo, for instance, by mixing two blue dyes with one black dye.
#5) Paint Them
Granted, you can’t use just any paint on your jeans. There’s a special type of paint that’s designed specifically for fabric — and this is the type you’ll need to use. Known as fabric paint, you can apply it to your jeans to instantly change their color. While dyeing changes the entire color of your jeans, fabric paint allows you to color specific areas. Some creative individuals use fabric paint on the bottom of their jeans, while others use it in the middle. Regardless of where you prefer to use it, fabric paint is a fun way to change the look of your jeans.
#6) Turn Them Into Shorts
With summer officially here, millions of men and women are trading in their pants for shorts. If you like the comfort and appearance of denim but don’t own any denim shorts, you can always make some out of a standard pair of jeans. Simply measure your desired length, make a mark across with a pen, and cut the area using a pair of fabric scissors. Congratulations, you’ve just made your own denim shorts! Feel free to experiment with other techniques to further enhance the appearance of your newly created denim shorts, such as fraying or dyeing them.
#7) Add Your Own Buttons
Tired of looking at the same, boring buttons on your jeans? Well, you can always change them with a little bit of work. First, remove the old button or buttons by carefully clipping the thread. Once removed, you can sew new buttons into place. The great thing about adding your own buttons is the freedom it offers to create your own design. You can add traditional buttons, or you can go for a more bold appearance with fun sparkly buttons.
#8) Add Rhinestones
Rhinestone-embellished jeans are a fun fashion statement that’s perfect for women of all ages. Contrary to what some people believe, you don’t need any special tool to embellish your jeans with rhinestones. To do this, simply visit a local fabric store in your area and purchase a bottle of embellishing glue. Next, place a small amount of glue on the desired areas where you want the stones, and then immediately press the stones in place. After allowing them to sit for a few hours, they should be hardened in place.
#9) Iron-On Patches
Last but not least, you can change the look of your jeans by using iron-on patches. There are iron-on patches for just about everything; you can even purchase customized patches. These patches are secured in place with the use of a hot iron. The heat from the iron activates the glue, at which point the patch is secured to your jeans.
