by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims |
Jeans are often viewed as “casual” attire, and as such many people wrongfully assume they can’t be worn to the office. Denim may lack the traditional formality of trousers, but there are several ways to dress up a pair of jeans. So if you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable alternative to traditional trousers, grab a pair of denim. As long as you follow the tips outlined below, you can successfully strut your stuff in the office while wearing a pair of jeans. Color Matters Don’t underestimate the impact color/tone has on the appearance of your jeans. If you’re looking to achieve a formal look (which most office workers are), it’s recommended that you choose a darker shade of blue. One such choice is Indigo Blue, which is characterized by a deep navy-like blue that’s consistent and even throughout. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t wear jeans of lighter shades, but darker colors tend to look more formal. Here’s a tip: it’s not uncommon for jeans to fade over time, losing their natural luster. Rather than tossing them out and replacing them with new ones, you can dye them in the washing machine. Most grocery stores and major department stores sell fabric dye for a couple bucks a piece (or less). Just follow the instructions and your faded jeans will look new! Footwear You’ll want to pay close attention to your footwear when wearing jeans to the office. Lacing up your everyday sneakers will create a more casual appearance — something that you probably want to avoid. On the other hand, dress shoes will have the opposite effect...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | jeans |
Wouldn’t it be great if every pair of denim jeans you owned fit like a glove? Granted, you probably have a couple pair that fall under this category, but chances are others are either too loose or too tight. Before you go tossing your oversized jeans into the trash, though, you should first attempt to shrink them using one of the methods listed below. Soak in a Tub of Hot Water It’s no secret that heat causes fabric to shrink, and denim is no exception. You can use this to your advantage by soaking your oversized jeans in a tub of scalding-hot water. After placing the drain plug in the tub, fill it with the hottest water possible. If another member of your family recently took a shower, you may want to wait a while so the water heater will produce exceptionally hot water. Next, place the jeans inside the tub, submerging them in the water. After allowing them to soak for an hour, remove them and hang out to out dry. If all goes well, they should be slightly smaller than before. Wash and Dry Another technique to shrink your jeans is to simply wash and dry them, several times. Make sure your washing machine and dryer are set to the hottest setting possible and run your jeans through a load. You probably won’t notice much (if any) of a difference after a single wash and dry, but continue doing this for several times and your jeans will be tighter. The only downside to this method is that it can affect the color and quality of your jeans,...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | jeans |
To say there are a lot of a different styles of jeans would be an understatement. If you’ve ever shopped for a denim before, you’re probably well aware of just how many different styles there are available. From skinny and straight leg to boot cut, “loose” and more, the possibilities are endless. So, which style is best suited for you? Straight-Leg Originally introduced by Levi’s Strauss in the late 1800s (yes, they are really that old), straight-leg jeans live up to their namesake by featuring a straight leg. Unlike most other styles, straight-leg denim go straight from the thigh to the leg without flaring. This makes them a popular choice for both men and women with petite frames. Straight legs are best when worn with sneakers, as boots tend to look awkward with them. Skinny Jeans If you’re looking for a more snug fit, you should consider skinny jeans. These jeans are tighter around the waist and legs, usually narrowing around the ankles. It’s a little known fact that skinny jeans first became popular in the 1950s and 60s thanks to movie stars like Audrey Hepburn and rock bands like the Rolling Stones. While their popularity gradually declined over the years, skinny jeans are now back in full force. The only real downside to this unique style of denim is that some people may find them to be a little too restricting, creating discomfort when worn for long periods at a time. Boot-Cut This style of denim is pretty much self-explanatory. Boot-cut jeans taper around the knees before flaring out, allowing the end to go over the top of a...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims |
There’s nothing that compares to the aged, worn-in look of a pair of distressed jeans. They have a certain unique style that’s simply not found in other types of jeans. Perhaps this is why they’ve remained a hot fashion trend for decades now. Whatever the reason, you can rest assured knowing that distressed jeans are an excellent choice of pants. The only problem, however, is trying to create them from a pair of traditional jeans. If you are interested in creating your own, keep reading for a step-by-step walkthrough on how to accomplish this. Before we start, you’ll first need to pick up a few basic supplies. In addition to pair of blue jeans, you’ll also need a razor blade, bleach, a cheese grater (yes, the kind that’s used in the kitchen), and a spray bottle. The good news is that most of these items can be purchased for about $10 bucks total, which is a small price to pay for the ability to create your own distressed jeans. Now that you have all of the necessary items, it’s time to get to work. Personally, I enjoy the faded appearance of distressed jeans, as this is just one more element that gives them more personality. If you want to fade your jeans, fill up a spray bottle with half bleach and half water and start spraying parts of your jeans. This should result in a faded ara that’s lighter than the rest. It’s important to not, however, that you shouldn’t spray down all of your jeans, but instead just blot it around. It should go without saying that...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | jeans |
When was the last time you washed your favorite pair of denim jeans? Some people wash them after each wear, while others never wash their jeans. So, how do the experts feel about this topic? According to Levi CEO Chip Bergh, jeans should seldom see the inside of a washing machine. Burgh made this startling revelation while speaking at last year’s Fortune’s Brainstorm Green conference in Laguna Niguel, California. Rather than tossing your denim jeans in the washing machine, he suggests spot cleaning them a toothbrush and small amount of detergent — assuming they are visibly dirty. “I know that sounds totally disgusting. If you treat them right, they’ll last a long, long time — probably longer than most people’s waistline,” said Burgh. If you want to put Burgh’s words to the test, pour a small amount of liquid detergent on the end of an old toothbrush and use it to scrub away any dirt or stains on your jeans. After rubbing the stain for a while, go back over it with a damp washcloth to remove any excess detergent. Lastly, hang the jeans on your bathroom shower curtain rod to air-dry. As long as the stain is fresh and not set in, this should do the trick. Placing your jeans in the washing machine once or twice probably isn’t going to cause any damage, nor will it degrade the quality of your jeans. However, you have to remember that each time you wash your jeans it causes damage to the denim fabric. It’s not a lot, but over time this will add up and take a toll on...
