How to Make your Jeans Look More Formal and ‘Dressy’

There’s no denying the fact that denim jeans are one of the most versatile types of pants on the market. They’ve been around for well over a century, becoming more and more popular with each passing year. Today, jeans are the single most popular type of pants in the world, worn by both men and women alike. It’s this unmatched level of versatility that makes them such a popular choice. But some people may argue that jeans are too casual, which is why you rarely see them worn in formal settings. You have to remember that jeans were originally created during the California Gold Rush, with Levi Strauss pioneering the garment for gold prospectors. While jeans are no longer made for gold prospecting, they continue to exhibit the same strength and durability as they once did back in the 1800s. At the same time, however, they fall short of achieving the formal look and characteristics of khakis, chinos and trousers — all three of which are usually worn for formal events and occasions. Before you go placing your jeans in the closet or trading them in for a pair of chinos, however, you should try the following solutions to make them look more formal and dressy. Choose Darker Jeans The color of jeans plays a direct role in whether it’s casual or formal. Generally speaking, lighter colors exhibit a more casual appearance, whereas darker colors have the opposite effect by creating a more formal look. So if you’re trying to achieve a formal appearance, stick with a pair of dark-colored jeans. Indigo (dark blue) is an excellent choice, as...

How to Wash Dark Jeans (the Right Way)

A good pair of jeans can last for years. Of course, this is something that most people know already. Chances are YOU own a pair of jeans that have lasted for several years. Whether they are for work or leisure, jeans are the perfect garment for all occasions. They are strong, versatile and comfortable — a unique combination that’s not found in other styles and types of pants. But if you plan on buying black, indigo or other dark-colored jeans, you’ll need to use caution when washing them. Washing dark-colored jeans the wrong way may cause their color to fade and bleed, making them look dull. The good news is that faded color doesn’t affect their strength or quality. The bad news, however, is that it can still affect their appearance. So if you’re looking to preserve the color and integrity of your dark jeans, keep reading for some helpful tips on how to wash and care for them. Read the Care Label! Before we begin, it’s important to note that you should always read the care label on your jeans. Regardless of where you purchased them, the care label reveals specific instructions on how to clean and care for your jeans. You have to remember that different jeans contain different materials and craftsmanship. So while one style may require a specific washing technique, perhaps a different style requires a different washing technique. The only way you’ll know, however, is by reading the care label. You can locate the care label by looking inside the waistband on the back of your jeans. This is where most manufacturers include the...

8 Things You Shouldn’t do with Denim Jeans

Denim jeans are one of the most stylish and versatile pants available. Whether you are man, woman, young or old, you really can’t go wrong with wearing them. People have worn jeans for over a century, with some of the earliest uses dating back to the 1800’s California Gold Rush. Since then, little has changed in their design. They are still highly durable, strong, stylish and comfortable — a unique combination that you simply won’t find elsewhere. But there are certain things you shouldn’t do with denim jeans, which we’re going to discuss further in today’s blog post. Wash Them Every Day Why shouldn’t you wash your jeans every day? There’s nothing necessarily wrong with washing your jeans, but some of the biggest names in fashion caution against daily washing of denim. Jeans, like all garments, break down in the washing machine. This isn’t something that happens overnight, but constantly washing your jeans in a traditional machine-washer will degrade the fabric. You may notice your jeans no longer fit right, or perhaps the fabric is even frayed. Regardless, subtle things such as this occur when you wash them daily. This is why it’s a good idea to only reduce the frequency of your washing; thus, prolonging your jeans’ life while allowing you to get more bang for your buck in the process. Let the Bottom Drag on the Ground I always cringe when I see people wearing jeans with the bottoms dragging on the ground. Granted, there are certain occasions in which this is acceptable, such as working outdoors. If you work outdoors and only have a pair of...

6 Signs that it’s Time to Buy a New Pair of Jeans

When was the last time that you bought a new pair of jeans? It’s not uncommon for some people to keep their jeans for two, three or even five years. If you have a “favorite” pair, for instance, you may feel emotionally attached to them, even if they no longer fit. But there comes a point when you must let go and replace your jeans, updating your wardrobe with replacements. So, how do you know that it’s time to buy a new pair of jeans? Check out the following signs listed below. You Don’t Own Any Jeans Of course, you should probably buy a new pair of jeans if you currently don’t own any. Denim jeans are the world’s most popular style of pants, worn by both men and women alike. They are strong, durable and stylish — a unique combination that’s not found in other styles of pants. So if you’re still on the fence about wearing them, go ahead and take plunge by purchasing your first pair today. You can wear jeans for a variety of different occasions, even dressing them up for semi-formal events and parties. They No Longer Fit Another tell-tale sign that it’s time to buy a new pair of jeans is when your current pair (or pairs) no longer fit. No matter how hard you try to prevent it, you are going to lose and gain weight as you age. This is a natural phenomenon that happens to everyone, regardless of how much time you spend exercising at the gym. With these bodily changes, however, comes the potential for your jeans (and other...

7 Tips to Comfortable Jeans

Jeans are the world’s most popular choice of pants. Worn by both men and women alike, they offer an unmatched level of style, comfort and versatility. Whether you are headed to work, going out to dinner with friends, or simply running errands around town, you can’t go wrong with a good pair of 100% denim jeans. With that said, there are ways to enhance the comfort of jeans even further, making them ultra-soft and relaxing. So if you’re looking to make your jeans more comfortable, keep reading for some helpful tips and tricks. Avoid Tight-Fitting Jeans I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it’s still worth mentioning that you should avoid wearing tight-fitting jeans. Skinny and straight-leg jeans have become a popular choice in recent years. Characterized by a slim leg that doesn’t taper or “flare” open, they offer a slimmer and more form-fitting appearance. On the downside, however, they can also be constricting, more so than other fits and styles. For this reason, it’s best to stick with traditional fits and styles if you’re looking for maximum comfort. This doesn’t necessarily mean that skinny and straight-leg jeans are uncomfortable. Rather, loose-fitting styles are less constricting, making them a better choice of the two. Choose High-Quality Jeans Another important tip is to choose high-quality jeans. Not all jeans are made with high-quality materials. On the contrary, some are made with cheap materials that mimic the look and feel of denim. But unfortunately there’s no substitution for the real thing. Faux/fake denim feels artificial and rugged, making them anything but comfortable when worn. Double-check the label to ensure...

6 Tips on Choosing Jeans for the Summer

The scorching-hot temperatures can only mean one thing: summer is officially here. Whether you’re planning to stay around town for the summer or take a much-needed beach vacation, you’ll probably want to present yourself in the most appealing, fashion-forward manner possible. Thankfully, denim jeans offer the perfect choice of pants for men and women alike who want to remain stylish and comfortable. Granted, other pants may offer either comfort or style, but few achieve the delicate balance of both qualities. Of course, this is one of the reasons why so many people prefer denim jeans over other pants: they offer an unmatched level of comfort and style that’s simply not found in other pants. But if you’re thinking of adding a new of jeans to your wardrobe, you should follow these tips on choosing the right summer denim. Thickness Matters When choosing jeans for the summer, it’s recommended that you stick with a lighter, thinner denim fabric. Some jeans are made with thick denim, whereas others are made with thin denim. It’s best to wear thin denim jeans during the summer to help stay cool and allow your body to breathe. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should only include thin denim jeans in your wardrobe. Rather, include both styles in your wardrobe so you’ll have an appropriate choice of pants for all weather and season types. When the cooler fall and winter months roll around, you can switch over to jeans made of thicker denim. Color You should also consider the color of your jeans. This is important for jeans during all seasons, but it’s particularly important during...

Common and Not-So-Common Jean ‘Fits’

One of the reasons why denim jeans remain the world’s most popular choice of pants is because they are available in so many different fits. Regardless of your personal style, chances are there’s a pair of denim jeans with your name on it. But first you’ll need to determine which fit is best suited for your needs. While you may have a general understanding of some denim fits, others will probably surprise you. So today we’re going to take a closer look at both the common and not-so-common jean fits, revealing their unique characteristics. Skinny Featuring a slim leg that may or may not narrow, skinny legs offer a unique style that’s simply not found in other fits. They are often worn by slim men and women who want to elongate their appearance. Skinny jeans are characterized by a unique design in which the legs remain, well, skinny, often providing just enough room for the legs and nothing more. This fit has both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, skinny jeans offer a clean, modern look that’s easy to match with other clothes and garments. If you plan on staying active and moving around, however, the narrow leg opening may create discomfort — something that many active individuals want to avoid. Tapered Jeans A less-common fit is tapered. If boot-cut jeans are located on one end of the denim spectrum, tapered fit are located on the opposite end. They typically become more narrow through the legs towards the ankle, although not necessarily to the degree of skinny jeans. Nonetheless, many designers and individuals classify tapered jeans as a...

8 Reasons Why Denim Jeans are so Popular

You don’t have to be a professional fashion designer to know that jeans are one of the world’s most popular styles of pants. They are worn by men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds. Of course, this isn’t a new trend, as jeans have long been the preferred choice of pants among the general population. But what exactly makes them such a popular choice of pants? And will this trend continue? These are just a few of the questions that we’re going to tackle in today’s blog post. Strength and Durability To better understand the enormous popularity of denim jeans, you first need to take a few steps back to evaluate its origins. We’ve talked about this before on the MakeYourOwnJeans blog, but it’s worth mentioning again that jeans have roots dating back to the 1800s, during which the first real pair of jeans were made and sold to gold prospectors. Gold prospecting during this time wasn’t an easy task — and that’s putting it lightly. The early Forty-Niners endured physical pain, weather, the elements, and long hours of labor, all in hopes of striking it rich. Traditional pants weren’t exactly suited for this type of strenuous and laborious activity. Prospectors who wore traditional pants often discovered them breaking down while mining and prospecting for gold. An entrepreneur by the name of Levi Strauss saw the need for a stronger, sturdier pair of pants, which ultimately led to the creation of the modern-day jeans. While denim jeans were originally invented for gold prospectors during the 1800s Gold Rush, the trend didn’t stop there. Due to their sheer...

Denim Styles for the Summer

In case you didn’t get the memo, summer is right around the corner. While Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer, the actual transition from spring occurs on June 20. With this new season comes shorter days and warmer temperatures, making it the perfect time to update your wardrobe with new denim garments. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should move your regular clothes into storage. Rather, you should add lighter, more summer-appropriate clothes to your wardrobe. If you’re struggling to achieve this goal, keep reading for some helpful advice on denim styles for the summer. Stretch Jeans Stretch jeans aren’t limited strictly to the summer, but this is a time of year when they really shine. In case this is your first time hearing about stretch jeans, let me give you a quick rundown on this stylish and equally comfortable garment: basically, stretch jeans are made to look like regular jeans, with the only difference being their material of construction. While traditional jeans are typically made of 100% denim, stretch jeans are made of denim AND some other type of elastic material, such as polyester. Including just a small amount of elastic material in their construction gives the jeans greater elasticity, allowing them to stretch and pull. So, how is this beneficial to the wearer? For starters, stretch jeans are softer, making them ideal for people who are physically active and always on the go. Polyester, when added to traditional denim, creates an incredibly soft texture that’s more forgiving and more comfortable. This has made stretch jeans a popular choice among men and women alike — and...