by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims, jeans |
California is currently in the midst of one of the longest and most costly droughts on record. For more than four years, the Sunshine State has experienced abysmal rain levels, resulting in a widespread shortage of water. While most of California’s water is used for agricultural purposes, however, it’s also used by clothing companies, including denim producers. This has prompted many denim companies to cut back production, as there simply isn’t enough water to sustain the demand by consumers. As noted by MarketWatch.com, Southern California is the world’s largest supplier of premium jeans, most of which have an average price tag ranging between $100-$200 a pair. In order to make these jeans, water must be used, lots of water. The Los Angles region generates over $18 billion annually from local fashion and garment companies, roughly 8-10% of which comes from premium denim. The Southern California region employs an estimated 200,00 workers, making it the world’s central ‘hub’ for fashion. But going back to the problem at hand, it takes a significant amount of water to produce a pair of jeans. It’s estimated that single pair of denim jeans requires some 1,800 gallons of H2O to produce. That’s far more than most families use in a day. The good news is that many denim companies are changing their business strategy, adapting new techniques and methods that use less water. You might be wondering just how in the world a single pair jeans can consume so much water during the production process. Well, it all boils down to achieving the “premium” and “distressed” looks, which often regular several washes. Once the...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims, jeans |
Buying a good pair of denim jeans is a smart investment that will pay off in the long run. Whether you’re going out for dinner, to a business meeting, a party, or nearly any other occasion, you can toss on a pair of jeans and hit the road. However, you’ll want to follow the steps outlined below to keep your jeans in pristine condition. Wash Sparingly If you want your jeans to last for months or even years, it’s recommended that you limit the number of times you wash them. Each time your jeans go through the washing machine, it damages the fabric just slightly. Granted, this isn’t enough to notice a significant change after just a single wash. But constantly washing your jeans week after week will eventually cause them to fade and the fabric to become weak. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should never wash your jeans, but keep it to a minimum to preserver the look and integrity of your denim. Wash Them Inside Out When you DO wash your jeans, try turning them inside out beforehand. This will reduce the fading effect of machine washing, maintaining your jeans’ natural color. It only takes a second to turn your jeans inside out before tossing them in the washing machine, but this will have significant impact on their overall quality and appearance. Clean Stains There’s nothing more frustrating that spilling a cup of coffee on your favorite pair of jeans. The good news is that denim is highly resilient to stains and easy to clean. However, you must clean the stain in a timely manner to...
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 | 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...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims, jeans |
Rocker chic basically refers to the style of clothing worn by members of modern day rock bands. Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne and Madonna are just a couple of women who are prime example of the rocker chic look. As opposed to traditional outfits and attire, rocker chic tends to go away from designer and name brand clothing and places more emphasis on unique pieces. Remember, most fashionable rockers don’t wear polo shirts with a pair of khakis. While there’s nothing wrong with wearing this, it’s pretty far from the ideal rocker chic look. Worn Jeans Worn and slightly faded jeans are an excellent choice for the rocker chic look. Not only are they stylish, but a pair of worn-in jeans are comfortable as well. You don’t have to go ripping them to shreds, but instead wash them about half a dozen times until they begin to fade and look worn. If you don’t have the time or energy necessary to wash your jeans this many times, you can purchase worn jeans from certain stores. T-Shirt Find a unique t-shirt that expresses your personality or likes in one way or another. If you’re having trouble coming up with something, think about what rock members wear and try to find something similar. There’s really no right or wrong way to choose a rocker chic t-shirt. Just stay away from plain designs and choose more unique looks. When in doubt, you can always wear a t-shirt with the name or logo of your favorite band on it. Accessorize Accessorizing is an important step in achieving the perfect rocker chic look. Avoid wearing...