by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims
Stretch denim jeans have become increasingly popular in recent years. Featuring a higher level of elasticity, they are often preferred over traditional denim jeans. While most people have are familiar with the general concept of stretch denim, however, there are probably some things you don’t know about it. In this post, we’re going to reveal nine fun facts about stretch denim jeans. #1) Stretch Denim Jeans are Softer Than Traditional Denim Jeans The next time you go shopping, compare the texture of stretch denim jeans with traditional denim jeans. You’ll probably find the former is softer than the latter. Stretch denim jeans have a soft, supple texture that offers an exceptional level of comfort. And the more you wear and wash them, the softer they become. This is one of the reasons why so many people prefer stretch denim jeans instead of traditional denim jeans. #2) Stretch Denim Jeans Aren’t Made of 100% Denim Some people assume that stretch denim is a special type of denim, but this isn’t necessarily true. Stretch denim is actually a combination of both denim and an elastic fabric like polyester or spandex. A typical pair of stretch denim jeans, for instance, contains 97% denim and 3% spandex. While 3% spandex may sound insignificant, it increases the jeans’ stretching capacity by roughly 15%. #3) Stretch Denim Has Different Washing/Maintenance Requirements Before wearing a new pair of stretch denim jeans, check the care label for washing and maintenance instructions. It’s a little-known fact that stretch denim has different requirements than traditional denim. This is because the material contains elastic fabric, which is often more susceptible...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | jeans
The right pair of denim jeans can easily last five or more years, making them a smart financial investment for any budget-conscious consumer. With that said, some jeans are less likely to reach this milestone than others. A pair of cheap, poorly made jeans, for instance, will probably wear down more quickly than a pair of high-quality, well-made jeans. The good news is that you can make your jeans last for years by following a few simple steps. So, if you want to get the most bang for your denim buck, consider the following tips. Don’t Use Bleach Some people naturally assume the best way to remove stubborn denim stains is to wash their jeans with bleach. Adding a small amount of bleach shouldn’t cause any discoloration, but it will degrade the fabric and subsequently shorten the lifespan of your jeans. You have to remember that bleach is a harsh chemical, while denim fabrics are simply made of cotton. When exposed to bleach, denim will degrade and wear down. The bottom line is that you should avoid using bleach or products containing bleach on your jeans. Stay Away From Distressed Denim Distressed denim lives up to its namesake by featuring an aged, worn-in appearance. A typical pair of distressed denim jeans (see below) may feature worn areas in the knees and thighs as well as frayed edges. While stylish, however, distressed denim jeans typically degrade more quickly than traditional non-distressed denim jeans. If the fabric is already frayed, for instance, regular wear may cause them to fray even further. Eventually, they’ll degrade to the point where they are no...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims, Jackets
When shopping for jeans or other denim products, you may come across some unfamiliar terms. Unfortunately, this can make finding the right denim apparel difficult. If you aren’t familiar with the terms, how can you choose the right product for your needs? Well, we’re going to explore some of the most common denim terms, revealing what they mean and why they are important. Selvedge Denim Some premium jeans are often marketed as being made of “selvedge denim.” Contrary to popular believe, selvedge denim isn’t a different type of denim. Rather, it’s characterized by the appearance of finished edges from the loom, usually featured at the bottom of the jeans. When inspecting a pair of selvedge denim jeans, for instance, you’ll probably discover a different color around the ankles. Even if the rest of the jeans are indigo, the bottom few inches of the denim may feature a white color. This contrasting black-on-white color scheme creates a stunning appearance that’s guaranteed to turn heads. Rise Denim jeans are typically sold as either low-, mid- or high-rise. The “rise” of jeans refers to the position at which it sits on the waist. Low-rise jeans, for instance, sit low or below the waist. According to Wikipedia, most low-rise jeans sit about 8 centimeters below the naval. In comparison, mid-rise jeans sit right at the waist, offering a balanced medium between low- and high-rise denim. And high-rise jeans sit significantly higher on the waist than both low and mid rise. Dry Denim The term “dry denim” shouldn’t be taken literally. Dry denim actually refers to a special type of denim that hasn’t been...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims, jeans
Some people assume that jeans can only be worn for casual occasions. However, the truth is that you can wear them for both casual and business casual occasions. As you may already know, business casual is a dress code that falls somewhere between formal and casual. While there’s no universally accepted definition for the term “business casual,” it typically features elements of both casual and formal wear. According to Wikipedia, many white-collar workplaces in the United States and elsewhere have adopted this dress code. But if you’re planning to wear denim jeans for a business casual look, there are a few things you should know. Go Dark The golden rule of wearing jeans for a business casual look is to choose dark denim instead of light. Jeans are available in countless colors, the two most of common of which are light blue and indigo. Light blue jeans are perfect for casual attire, but they lack the necessary formality for a business casual appearance. Therefore, it’s recommended that you wear a darker color, such as indigo. Keep in mind, however, that dark denim colors may fade over time. Even if your jeans were originally indigo when you first purchased them, they may have faded to a lighter off-blue color after months or years of use. In this instance, you should either invest in a new pair of darker jeans or dye your existing jeans a darker color. Regardless, you should only wear dark denim when attempting to achieve a business casual look. Wear a Dress Shirt If you’re going to wear jeans as part of a business casual outfit, you...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims, Jackets
Denim jackets are making a comeback in the world of modern fashion. Featuring the same cotton warp-faced fabric as jeans, they offer an unmatched level of durability, comfort and versatility. Whether you’re a man, woman, young or old, you can’t go wrong with a high-quality denim jacket. It’s the perfect choice of outerwear for nearly any occasion. Like all forms of outerwear, however, denim jackets require some basic maintenance to preserve their original appearance and structural integrity. So, if you want to make your denim jacket last (hint: you should), keep reading for some helpful tips on how to care for it. Choose the Right Size The first step in caring for a denim jacket is to choose the right size. Denim jackets are more likely to sustain damage if they don’t fit. An oversized jacket, for instance, will feature excess fabric that may drag and catch on objects; thus, causing damage. On the other hand, an undersized jacket may stretch when worn, also causing damage. Thankfully, these problems are easily avoided by choosing a denim jacket that’s sized specifically for your body. Hang Them Up Try to get into the habit of hanging up your denim jacket on a clothes hanger when you aren’t wearing it. I think we’ve all been guilty of tossing our jackets and coats on the floor without thinking twice. While this may seem harmless enough, it promotes the formation of wrinkles and creases, which are difficult to remove from denim. As long as you hang up your denim jacket after wearing it, however, it should maintain a wrinkle-free appearance. Wash in Cold Water...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | jeans
The New Year is fast approaching, which means you can expect to see some of new denim styles gaining momentum in the world of fashion. So, if you want to turn heads and attract compliments for your good looks, consider wearing the following denim styles. Pre-Washed and Pre-Shrunk When shopping for denim jeans — and other denim garments — you may notice that some are labeled “pre-washed” and/or “pre-shrunk.” As the name suggests, jeans boasting this label have already been washed and/or shrunk. The general idea is to wash and shrink denim jeans before they are sold so they retain their original size and shape. If they aren’t washed prior to being sold, washing and drying them may shrink them to the point where they no longer fit. This is why pre-washed and pre-shrink denim jeans has become a popular style. Lightweight Denim While most people have at least heard of pre-washed and pre-shrunk denim jeans, there’s another style that you may not have heard of: lightweight denim. While strong and durable, denim jeans are typically somewhat heavy. This isn’t necessarily bad, as some people prefer their heavy construction. However, a hot denim style involves the use of lightweight denim materials. Rather than feeling bulky and cumbersome, they are designed to feel exceptionally light. A typical pair of lightweight denim jeans, for instance, weights just 6 ounces. To put that number into perspective, a typical pair of denim jeans weights between 12 and 16 ounces — more than twice the amount of lightweight denim jeans. Denim Shirts Wearing a denim shirt is another hot style to consider for your...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | jeans
With the New Year right around the corner, there’s no better time than now to update your wardrobe with the latest styles. Denim, of course, is one of the most popular and versatile materials on the planet, making it an excellent choice for your wardrobe. So, what kind of denim trends can you expect to see more of in 2018? Let’s take a closer look… Two-Tone Denim Who says jeans have to feature a single color? Most jeans do in fact feature a single color, such as indigo or light blue. However, some feature two colors. Known as two-tone denim, it’s become a popular choice among fashion-conscious men and women alike. A pair of two-tone jeans featuring light blue and dark blue, for instance, is a stunning yet simple combination that’s sure to turn heads. When wearing two-tone jeans, be sure to choose a color combination that matches. Stretch Jeans Stretch jeans are characterized by their elastic construction. In addition to traditional denim, they are also made with an elastic material like polyester or spandex. Adding just a small amount of elastic material allows the jeans to stretch without breaking. If you’ve never worn a pair of stretch denim jeans before, it’s recommended that you do so. They are generally softer and more comfortable than traditional denim jeans, which is part of the reason for their recent surge in popularity. The one downside to stretch denim jeans, however, is their decreased durability. When compared to traditional 100% denim jeans, stretch jeans are more susceptible to damage. The more you wash them, the faster they’ll wear down and degrade. Therefore,...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | Jackets
Denim jackets offer the perfect combination of style and comfort. With their durable denim construction, you can rest assured knowing they will withstand the hands of time for countless years to come. Denim jackets are also super comfortable, though. Whether you’re running errands around town, going out with friends or just hanging around your home on an otherwise chilly evening, you can’t go wrong with this classic choice of outerwear. With that said, there are a few things you should know when wearing a denim jacket. Choose a Versatile Color If you plan on wearing your denim jacket frequently (hint: you should), it’s recommended that you choose a versatile color. In other words, don’t choose a yellow denim jacket. Instead, choose a color that’s easier to match with your existing outfits. Common color choices for denim jackets include light blue, indigo and black. All three of these colors are great choices. Think about the outfits you’ll be wearing with your jacket and choose a color that flows cohesively with them. Pre-Washed vs Raw Denim Jackets While there are dozens of different types of denim jackets, nearly all of them can be categorized as either pre-washed or raw. Pre-washed denim jackets, as the name suggests, are washed before they are sold, whereas raw denim jackets are now. So, how much of a difference does washing really make? Washing essentially “breaks in” the denim fabric so it’s softer and more flexible. On the other hand, raw denim jackets are somewhat stiff. Because of this, most people prefer the former as opposed to the later. The only real advantage offered by raw...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | jeans
One of the benefits of wearing denim jeans instead of other pants is the simple fact that they can be worn with a variety of different types of footwear. When you’re running errands around town, you can wear them with a pair of comfortable sneakers or tennis shoes. If you’re going out to dinner with friends, however, you may want to dress up your denim jeans by wearing boots. Boots are an excellent alternative to traditional sneakers and tennis shows. They are heavier, more durable and offer a greater level of aesthetics. With that said, there are a few things you should know when wearing boots with denim jeans. Choose Boot-Cut Jeans First and foremost, it’s recommended that you wear boot-cut jeans with boots. As the name suggests, boot-cut jeans are designed specifically for use with boots. They typically taper in the thighs and become wider around the ankles. The larger opening around the ankles allows the wearer to place the bottom of his or her jeans over the top of their boots. So, instead of allowing your jeans to become bunched up at the bottom, you can comfortable wear them with boots without experiencing this problem. Go Dark In addition to choosing boot-cut jeans, it’s also recommended that you wear a dark color denim. Denim jeans are available in dozens of different colors. Generally speaking, though, darker colors create a more formal appearance than lighter colors. And since boots offer a more formal appearance than sneakers or tennis shoes, it’s a good idea to compliment your outfit by wearing them with dark denim jeans. Indigo, for instance, is...
