Why Are My Jeans So Stiff?

Why Are My Jeans So Stiff?

Let’s face it, stiff jeans are downright uncomfortable to wear! It can make doing otherwise simple tasks like walking difficult and uncomfortable, as it restricts your body’s normal range of motion. But denim is supposed to be stiff, right? Wrong. While denim has a certain level of strength and durability that’s not found in other materials, it should also be soft and comfortable to wear. So, what causes stiff jeans and how can you prevent/fix it? Poor Quality Denim All denim is not made equally. Some denim is made with higher quality cotton-twill and better craftsmanship than others, which usually means a more comfortable fit. This is why it’s a good idea to spend the extra money by investing in a pair of premium denim jeans instead of just another cheap pair that will degrade after a couple of wears. You may have to pay a little more for premium jeans, but it’s a smart investment that will pay off in the long run. Hot Drying Did you use the high-heat seating on your clothes dryer when drying your jeans? If so, this could be the reason why they are stiff. Denim — like most fabrics — is sensitive to heat. When exposed to high heat, the fibers will shrink, remaining in a semi-constricted state that creates the perception of stiff jeans. I recommend drying your jeans on either the tumble dry or low-heat setting to prevent this from occurring. Wrong Detergent Use caution when choosing a detergent, especially if you are going to use it to wash jeans. Some of the cheaper brands of detergent contain harsh chemicals...
The Scoop on Chinos and How To Wear Them

The Scoop on Chinos and How To Wear Them

Chinos offer the best of both worlds in terms of style and comfort. Whether you’re looking for formal wear, casual wear, or something in the middle, you can’t go wrong with a premium pair of men’s chinos. These pants are designed using the highest level of craftsmanship, which is apparent from the first time you try them on. But this is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of chinos and why you should wear them. In case this is your first time hearing about chinos, let me give you a quick breakdown on this popular garment. Chinos are produced with a twill fabric made of 100% cotton. The cotton twill exhibits lightweight, soft and exceptionally comfortable characteristics, which is one of the reasons why so many men prefer them, especially during the hot summer months. It’s believed that chinos were first developed fr the British and French military back in the mid 1800s. Due to their popularity among the soldiers, however, they soon spread into the civilian world. It wasn’t long before men and women of all ages were looking to wear chino garments, pants included. If you’re going to wear a pair of men’s chino pants, there are a few things you should know. First and foremost, make sure you choose a pair that’s tailored to fit your body. I know this probably sounds like common sense, but the “fit” can make a world of difference in your overall appearance. When trying on a pair of chinos, walk around and bend down to make sure they aren’t too tight or too...
Wal-Mart Allowing Workers To Wear Denim

Wal-Mart Allowing Workers To Wear Denim

Wal-Mart, the nation’s leading brick-and-mortar retailer, has loosened its policy regarding employee dress code. The 1.4 million workers it employes in the United States will soon be able wear denim jeans to work. Effective July 1, 2015, employees working in U.S.-based Wal-Mart stores will be able to wear either black or khaki denim jeans, which were previously prohibited under the company’s strict dress code. Workers in the garden center and other physical jobs will have an even greater level of freedom regarding their outfit, with a Wal-Mart spokesperson saying that can wear traditional blue jeans and t-shirts. Workers will still be required to wear the standard Wal-Mart vest and name tag. News of this dress code policy change begs the question: why is Wal-Mart changing its policy after all of these years? The move began as a result of workers complaining about the company’s dress code. Many workers felt it was unnecessary to follow Wal-Mart’s strict dress code, especially in jobs such as the garden center. This prompted the retailer to rethink, and ultimately, revise its dress code to allow workers to wear denim jeans. As noted by Bloomberg, this is just one of the many changes taking place in Wal-Mart. The company has also announced plans to increase the minimum wage for its employees. Bloomberg reports that roughly half a million Wal-Mart employees have received raises upwards of $9 an hour. This number is expected to grow to $10 an hour by next year. Workers have rallied to push the retailer to increase wages, and it appears these efforts have worked. “The changes come in response to employee...
Can Skinny Jeans Make You Happier?

Can Skinny Jeans Make You Happier?

Wouldn’t it be great if you could feel happier just by wearing a pair of jeans? It may sound a little unusual, but that’s exactly researchers are saying. According to a recent study conducted by Qualtrics, a survey platform, men and women who wear skinny jeans are happier than people who do not wear them. If you keep up with our blog here MakeYourOwnJeans.com, you probably know the general concept of skinny jeans: they are slim through the leg without flaring at the bottom. This allows them to hug the wearer’s body, creating the impression of a slimmer figure. Just how much of a difference in terms of happiness can a pair of skinny jeans really make? The study found that people who wear skinny jeans are 9% more likely to report “high levels of happiness” than people who wear a different style.  What’s even more surprising, however, is that researchers found that people who wore skinny jeans were 12% more likely to identify themselves as confident when compared to their counterpart. Happiness and confidence? Sounds like a winning combination to me! Additionally, researchers found that people who live in a major city, such as Los Angeles or New York, were more likely to choose a leaner style of denim, and they were also twice as likely to wear skinny jeans when compared to residents living in smaller, less populated cities. Video: The Truth Behind Skinny Jeans Check out the video above to see Qualtrics explanation of skinny jean and happiness. It’s a common assumption that skinny jeans are a poor choice of denim for people who ride motorcycles....
What is Stretch Denim?

What is Stretch Denim?

Have you heard of stretch denim? If not, you will soon. It’s rapidly growing into one of the most popular styles of denim jeans, offering several unique characteristics that aren’t available in traditional denim. So, what exactly is stretch denim and is it right for you? To learn the answers to these questions and more, keep reading. Stretch denim is designed to hug the body closer than traditional denim, contouring to fit the shape of the wearer. While traditional denim jeans are more loose, stretch denim fits snug against your legs, thighs and hips. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s uncomfortable to wear. On the contrary, stretch denim offers a superior level of comfort thanks to its special construction. You might be surprised to learn that stretch denim has been around for decades, with some of the first reported uses dating back to Europe during the 1970s. Soon after this fabric was produced, clothing companies began using it to make jeans. In the 1980s, Levi launched a line of jeans in the U.K. produced with stretch denim. It was a home run with the female market, many of whom were eager to get their hands on this stylish and comfortable new type of jeans. In the years to follow, stretch denim jeans were introduced to the U.S., in which it experienced similar success. Like many fashion trends of that era, however, stretch denim began to fade in popularity, and it wasn’t until recently when they started to make a comeback. You might be wondering how exactly denim is able to have such soft and “stretchy” properties....