What are ‘Stonewashed’ Jeans?

What are ‘Stonewashed’ Jeans?

Denim jeans have come a long ways over the years.  When they were originally invented more than a century ago, they consisted of little more than rugged denim with a zipper. Today, however, jeans are available in dozens of different styles, one of which being “stonewashed.” So, what exactly is stonewashed denim?

Stonewashing Defined

Stonewashed refers to a style of faded jeans that’s created via washing or rotating with pumice stones. Even if you are unfamiliar with this style of denim jeans, chances are you’ve seen them before. They are characterized by inconsistent fading in which certain areas of the denim are lighter than others, as well as worn fabric or even holes in and around the knees. The purpose of stonewashing is to create a “lived in” and worn look. Rather than waiting years for your denim jeans to feature this look, you can simply buy stonewashed jeans which are manufactured specifically for this look.

The Rise of Stonewashed Jeans

Stonewashing isn’t a new trend in the denim industry. On the contrary, stonewashed jeans have been around for decades, experiencing a surge in popularity during the 1970s. Once acid-washed jeans hit the market in the 1980s, however, their popularity began to decline. It wasn’t until the turn of the 21st century when they made a revival — and a strong one. Thanks to new stonewashing techniques involving pre-made holes, frayed denim edges and sandblasting, stonewashed jeans are back with a vengeance.

Things to Consider When Choosing Stonewashed Jeans

If you are thinking about buying a pair of stonewashed jeans, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost is whether or not you want jeans with pre-made holes. Usually found in the knees, pre-made holes create a unique vintage appearance that’s not found in other styles of denim. This makes them an excellent choice for casual occasions. For formal and semi-formal occasions, however, it’s best to avoid stonewashed jeans with pre-made holes.

The color/tone is another feature to consider when shopping for stonewashed jeans. Stonewashed jeans are available in a wide range of colors, from dark indigo to near-white. Consider when and where you’ll be wearing the stonewashed jeans and choose the most appropriate color.

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