How to Make Your Denim Jacket Last a Lifetime

You can’t go wrong with a denim jacket. Also known as a jean jacket, it’s a classic form of outerwear that’s perfect for men and women alike. Denim jackets have been around for centuries. The world’s first denim jacket was released in the early 1800s as part of the German Historical Commission of the Rhineland. In the United States, denim jackets were commonly worn by cowboys, ranchers, railroad workers and miners. Little has changed regarding their design since then. Denim jackets are still made of the same denim material, and they are available in the same styles. If you’re thinking about buying a denim jacket, however, you should follow these tips to make a last a lifetime. Choose a High-Quality Denim Jacket The quality of your denim jacket matters. While they are all made of denim, some denim jackets are of higher quality than others. They feature better denim materials and craftsmanship, resulting in a superior level of quality compared to other denim jackets. High-quality denim jackets are better protected against premature wear and tear than low-quality denim jackets. They can withstand greater stress without succumbing to the hands of time. Therefore, if you want to get the most use out of it, you should choose a high-quality denim jacket, such as those sold here at MakeYourOwnJeans. How do you know if a denim jacket is high quality exactly? Here are some telltale signs of a high-quality denim jacket? Pre-washed and pre-shrunkMade of 100% cotton denimMid-weight (12 ounces) constructionSide welt pocketsChest pocketsPremium, non-plastic buttonsButtons on the cuffs Unfasten Buttons When Washing and Drying Assuming you choose a denim jacket...

What Are the Different Types of Denim?

When most people think of denim, they envision jeans. Jeans are characterized by a denim construction. You can find jeans in a variety of colors, sizes and styles, but they are all made of denim. Not all denim is the same, however. There are many different types of denim, each of which features unique properties that distinguish it from the rest. What are the different types of denim exactly? Distressed Denim You’ve probably heard of distressed denim. As shown in the photo below, it’s characterized by an intentionally worn and degraded appearance. Manufacturers make distressed denim using chemical and/or physical treatments. Submerging denim in a bath of acid, for instance, is a chemical treatment used in the production of distressed denim. Exposing denim to pumice stones, on the other hand, is a physical treatment. They involve different processes, but chemical treatments and physical treatments have the same effect: They wear down and degrade denim so that it looks older and more worn in. Distressed denim jeans have an aged, worn-in appearance that distinguishes them from other jeans made of non-distressed denim. Raw Denim The term “raw denim” refers to denim that hasn’t been washed or otherwise exposed to water during production. Also known as dry denim, it’s made using a loom — just like most other types of denim. Raw denim, though, isn’t washed or exposed to water during production. After coming off the loom, it’s used to make jeans, denim jackets, denim skirts and other garments and accessories. You may discover that raw denim has a darker color than other types of denim. It’s still dyed during production,...

What Are Raw Denim Jeans?

When shopping for jeans, you may come across raw denim jeans. They are made of the same cotton-based denim as most other jeans, and you can find them in many of the same colors. Raw denim jeans, however, feature different characteristics that distinguish them from their counterparts. What are raw denim jeans, and how do they differ from other types of jeans? Overview of Raw Denim Jeans Raw denim jeans are denim trousers that have not been washed during production. They are also known as unwashed denim jeans. You can still wash a pair of raw denim jeans after buying them. If they are made of raw denim, it simply means the manufacturer didn’t wash them during production. Manufacturers create raw denim jeans using a loom and denim. Denim, of course, is cotton with a particular weaving pattern. Raw denim jeans are made of the same cotton-based denim as other types of jeans. They are simply known as “raw denim jeans” because they aren’t washed during production. Manufacturers produce them using a loom and denim, after which they sell the raw denim jeans without washing them. Raw Denim vs Washed Denim Jeans Nearly all jeans can be classified as raw denim or washed denim depending on how they are produced. Jeans that aren’t washed during production are classified as raw denim, whereas jeans that are washed during production are classified as washed denim. Manufacturers submerge washed denim jeans in hot water during production. This washing process changes the jeans’ properties. They’ll typically fade to a lighter color, for instance, and they’ll shrink to a slightly smaller size. Raw denim...

The Complete Guide to Jeggings

Jeggings have become increasingly popular in recent years. They emerged during the early 2000s in response to the rise of skinny jeans. Since then, jeggings have become more and more popular. Before including them in your outfits, though, there are several things you need to know about jeggings. What Are Jeggings? Jeggings are trousers that feature the characteristics of both jeans and leggings. Based on their appearance alone, many people assume they are jeans. Jeggings are made of denim, and most of them feature the same light blue or indigo color as jeans. But jeans are hybrid trousers that feature characteristics of both jeans and leggings. Like leggings, jeggings are form-fitting. They offer a snug fit that hugs your body when worn. This is because jeggings are made of a special type of denim. Known as stretch denim, it contains an elastic material. Stretch denim typically consists of about 98% cotton and 2% lycra, the latter of which is an elastic material. Stretch denim lives up to its namesake by featuring elastic, stretchy characteristics. Common characteristics of jeggings include the following: Made of stretch denimForm-fittingFull length that completely covers the legsStandard denim pocket configurationZipper or button fly Jeggings vs Traditional Jeans: What’s the Difference? Jeggings are still classified as jeans, but they aren’t necessarily the same as traditional jeans. Traditional jeans are available in both plain denim and stretch denim. Plain denim consists entirely of cotton. It’s still soft, but it doesn’t offer the same stretchy characteristics as stretch denim. Jeggings, on the other hand, are only available in stretch denim. Leggings are stretchy. To achieve a similar level...

What Are Summer Weight Jeans?

Have you heard of summer weight jeans? Regardless of the season, you may want to incorporate them into your daily outfits. Summer weight jeans are lightweight, stylish jeans that are exceptionally comfortable to wear. What are summer weight jeans exactly, and how do they differ from other types of jeans? Overview of Summer Weight Jeans Summer weight jeans are denim trousers that are characterized by a lightweight construction. They are known as “summer weight jeans” because they are commonly worn during the summer. Summer is the warmest season of the year. And as the summer temperatures begin to increase, you’ll need to selectively choose garments that are cool and comfortable. Summer weight jeans are the perfect choice for the summer season. With their lightweight construction, they won’t leave you feeling hot. Summer weight jeans are cool and comfortable. And contrary to what their name suggests, you can wear them year-round. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, you can take advantage of the comfortable, stylish properties of summer weight jeans. Summer Weight Jeans vs Other Types Jeans All types of jeans are classified as denim trousers. They are made of denim, which is a cotton textile in which the weft thread goes under two or more warp threads. Summer weight jeans are simply thinner and more lightweight than other types of jeans. Other types of jeans can feel somewhat heavy. They are made of thicker, heavier denim. Summer weight jeans are distinguished from all other types of jeans by their lightweight construction. They are still made of denim, but summer weight jeans weigh less than their traditional counterparts. Common...

Upcycling: An Eco-Friendly Solution for Old Jeans

Do you have one or more old pairs of jeans gathering dust in your closet? Rather than throwing them away, you should consider upcycling them. Most garments don’t last forever — and jeans are no exception. Over time, jeans will begin to show signs of aging. Fortunately, you don’t have to toss your old jeans in the trash. Upcycling offers an eco-friendly solution. It will allow you to squeeze a little more use out of your jeans by turning them into something else. What Is Upcycling? Upcycling is the process of transforming old or damaged garments into something new. The term “upcycling” was coined by German engineer Reiner Pilz in the late 1990s. Pilz saw that recycling items diminished their value, which prompted him to come up with a solution. Upcycling had the opposite effect. When upcycled, the value of items increased. Upcycling isn’t limited to jeans. You can upcycle all types of garments as well as other old items. Nonetheless, upcycling your old jeans offers several advantages. It reduces landfill waste, promotes a cleaner environment and allows you to get more use out of your old jeans. Here are some of the different ways that you can upcycle your old jeans. There’s also downcycling. Downcycling is essentially the opposite of upcycling. While upcycling involves turning an old or damaged garment into something new and better, downcycling involves turning and old or damaged garment into something of lesser quality and lesser value. Create Denim Shorts You may be able to turn your old jeans into denim shorts via upcycling. You don’t need a sewing machine, nor do you need...

Upgrade Your Style With a Denim Blazer

If you enjoy the look and feel of denim, you may want to invest in a denim blazer. It’s a versatile, stylish choice of outerwear that will enhance your aesthetics when worn. Before buying a denim blazer, though, there are a few things you should know about them. What Is a Denim Blazer? A denim blazer is a type of semi-formal outerwear that’s characterized by a denim construction. It’s made of the same material as jeans. As you may know, jeans are made of denim. You can find jeans in different cuts, sizes and colors, but they are all made of denim. Denim blazers are made of denim as well. Denim is a warp-faced cotton material. It’s made by passing the weft thread under two or more warp threads. Both jeans and denim blazers are made of this same warp-faced cotton material. Semi-Formal Denim blazers are considered semi-formal. They aren’t quite as formal as suit jackets, but they are still more formal than sports coats. Suit jackets, sports coats and blazers are three of the most common types of men’s outerwear. If you’re planning to wear a suit, you should typically choose a suit jacket to achieve a formal appearance. For a semi-formal outfit, on the other hand, you may want to wear a blazer, such as a denim blazer. Blazers are less formal than suit jackets. And sports coats are the least formal of these three outerwear types. Because they are semi-formal, denim blazers are versatile. You can wear them in dozens of different outfits. As long as you aren’t trying to achieve a strictly formal appearance, you...

The Ultimate Guide to Drainpipe Jeans

Drainpipe jeans have become increasingly popular in recent years. Also known as stovepipe jeans and skinny jeans, they are characterized by a tapered fit. Drainpipe jeans don’t run straight through the thighs and legs. Instead, they featured a tapered design. To learn more about drainpipe jeans, including how they differ from traditional jeans, keep reading. What Are Drainpipe Jeans? Drainpipe jeans are denim trousers that become narrower towards the bottom of the pant legs. As previously mentioned, they feature a tapered fit. A tapered fit means they don’t have a uniform circumference. Drainpipe jeans and other jeans with a tapered fit are either wider or narrower in certain areas. Drainpipe jeans are typically wider in the thighs and narrower at the bottom of the pant legs. Drainpipe Jeans vs Traditional Jeans: What’s the Difference? You might be wondering how drainpipe jeans differ from traditional jeans. All jeans are made of denim, including traditional jeans and drainpipe jeans. The difference lies in their fit. Traditional jeans typically feature a non-tapered fit. They run straight through the thighs and legs. Drainpipe jeans, on the other hand, feature a tapered fit. They are tapered in the sense that they become narrower towards the bottom of the pant legs. Drainpipe is a specific style of jeans. It refers to jeans that are tapered. Drainpipe jeans are wider in the thighs. As they progress farther down the pant legs, drainpipe jeans become narrower. Some of them may have a straight leg opening, but the bottom of drainpipe jeans is always narrower than the top. Therefore, you can distinguish between drainpipe jeans and traditional jeans...

Denim Spotlight: The Chicago Blue Stretch Hard Wash Jeans

How many pairs of jeans do you own? Research shows that most people own an average of six or more pairs of jeans. They are among the most versatile type of trousers on the market. But most people wear the same ordinary-looking jeans day after day. To spice up your outfits, you should consider wearing an alternative type of jeans, such as the Chicago Blue Stretch Hard Wash Jeans. An Introduction to the Chicago Blue Stretch Hard Wash Jeans The Chicago Blue Stretch Hard Wash Jeans are stylish denim jeans that feature a dark blue, indigo color along with red thread. Like with other types of stretch jeans, they are made of stretch denim. Stretch denim is a hybrid material consisting of cotton and elastic material. The Chicago Blue Stretch Hard Wash Jeans are specifically made of 97% cotton and 3% lycra. Even with just 3% lycra — lycra is an elastic material — they are noticeably stretchier and more elastic than traditional jeans made of 100% cotton denim. The Chicago Blue Stretch Hard Wash Jeans are made of indigo-colored stretch denim consisting of cotton and lycra. And the thread used in their construction is red. The combination of indigo denim and red color results in an attractive, eye-catching appearance that stands out from other types of jeans. There are many other types of jeans available for sale, most of which feature blue denim as well. You can find jeans in both light blue and dark blue denim. The Chicago Blue Stretch Hard Wash Jeans are specifically made of dark blue, indigo denim. They feature indigo denim combined with...