by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims, Fashion
Whether you’re a man, woman, young or old, you probably own at least one pair of denim jeans. This versatile garment has become the de-facto standard for everyday pants. You can wear them to work (at most workplaces, at least), out to dinner, to run errands, and for many other occasions. This level of versatility isn’t found in other pants, which is one of the reasons why denim jeans are so popular. But what if you’re tired of wearing the same indigo-colored denim jeans? Thankfully, you’ll find jeans are available in a wide range of colors and styles, including various “fade” styles. Opting for one of these fade styles is a fun way to spruce up your look while still preserving many of the characteristics that make denim jeans so popular. So if you’re thinking about wearing a different style of jeans, keep reading for an in-depth breakdown of the different fade styles. Honeycombs — this fade style lives up to its namesake by featuring honeycomb-shaped fade marks behind the knees. Being that the marks are located behind the knees as opposed to the front, it’s a subtle style that’s not overbearing. Honeycomb fade jeans are the perfect choice of pants for men and women who want to set themselves apart from the crowd while still maintaining a somewhat conservative look. Whiskers — another popular fade style used in denim jeans is whiskers. This style is characterized by faded marks around the crotch and mid-section that resemble whiskers. Stacks — a bolder and more unique fade style found in denim is called stacks. Stacks are created by making the...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | Denim Skirts, denims
Who says skirts should only be made of cotton? While cotton skirts are undeniably popular and comfortable to wear, there are plenty of other fabrics available, including denim. Yes, that’s the same denim used to produce jeans. When used in skirts, however, it offers several key benefits that aren’t found elsewhere. It’s hard to describe the sheer beauty of a denim skirt without seeing one in person. Whether it’s a traditional blue denim skirt, or if it’s made of a different colored denim, you can’t go wrong with this ultra-stylish garment. Denim skirts posses a flair that draws attention and turns heads. Its subtle enough to wear for just about any occasion, yet you can still dress it up for more formal settings as well. Going out to dinner with some friends? Grab a denim skirt? Planning to attend an important business meeting, a denim skirt will help you look your best. Denim is prized for its unique combination of style and durability, making it the perfect material for use in skirts. Other skirts, including those made of cotton, often degrade or become damaged over time. The delicate cotton fabrics are susceptible to damage, at which point the skirt loses is visual flair. Thankfully, this isn’t a problem with denim skirts, as this versatile fabric offers a superior level of strength, protecting the skirt from damage. If you’re going to buy a denim skirt, though, there are a few things you should know. First and foremost, what size length do you intend on wearing? Denim skirts are made in a wide variety of lengths, ranging from full-length, to-the-ankles dresses,...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims, Fashion
It’s frustrating when you purchase a new pair of dark, indigo-colored jeans, only to discover they’ve faded just several weeks later. Like all fabrics, denim will naturally fade over time. The compounds it contains that give it color will wash out or dry out; thus, causing the jeans to fade. While some fading is to be expected, there are ways to preserve the original color of your jeans. Wash With Similar Colors I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it’s still worth mentioning that you should only wash your jeans with garments of similar color. Washing a pair of blue jeans with a bunch of whites, for instance, may encourage fading. Furthermore, the blue coloring of your jeans could bleed onto the whites, making them discolored as well. Try to get into the habit of separating your laundry, washing loads based on their color. This alone will go a long ways in preserving the color of your jeans. Turn ‘Em Inside Out Another helpful tip to protect your denim jeans from fading is turn them inside out when washing them. How does this help? Well, the colored fabric in denim is found on the outside, so by turning them inside out you’ll protect this area from the wear and tear of a washing machine. It only takes a minute or to so turn your jeans inside out, but doing so can mean the difference between preserving their original color or having them fade into a lighter tone. Line-Dry Using the clothes dryer to dry your jeans might be faster, but it can also wear down the fabric...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | jeans
According to some fashion experts, the answer is yes. So, what in the world are frayed jeans and are they really becoming popular? Frayed jeans are exactly what they sound like: denim jeans that have been frayed at the bottom. It’s not uncommon for jeans to naturally fray at the ends after years of use and wear. If your jeans touch the ground when you wear them, chances are they’ll eventually fray. Depending on the severity of the fraying, however, the denim fabric may continue to unravel to the point where the jeans are no longer salvageable. It appears now, however, that men and women are intentionally fraying their jeans as a fashion statement. Frayed jeans offer a fun alternative to traditional jeans, adding a unique element that really draws attention to the wearer’s appearance. But like most fashion statements, there’s a wrong way and a right way to sport a pair of frayed jeans. Surprisingly, frayed jeans aren’t a new trend. According to the style experts at Philly.com, they’ve been around since the 1980s, with Donnie Wahlberg wearing them on the cover of his album. Fast forward to the 200s and premium, clean-cut denim began to take hold. While premium denim is still a popular choice by many men and women, some fashion-forward individuals are looking to revive the classic look of frayed jeans. But if you’re thinking about rocking a pair of frayed jeans for first time in decades, there are a few things you should know. Avoid Light Colors Stick with dark indigo or even black frayed jeans. Why is this important? Well, light colors blend...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | jeans
With the summer season officially here, you’ll probably be wearing more shorts and fewer full-length pants. There’s nothing wrong with full-length pants, but most people will agree that shorts are cooler and more comfortable to wear during the summertime heat. If your wardrobe lacks shorts, you might be surprised to learn that you can turn any pair of old jeans into shorts. It’s relatively simple and straightforward, requiring just a few basic tools and a little bit of your time. Before we start, it’s important to note that you should only attempt this with jeans that you no loner want or intend to wear. I don’t recommend cutting up your favorite pair of denim, simply because there’s always the possibility of destroying them in the process. If you happen to cut too far or make a cut in the wrong area, it could leave you without jeans or shorts. The bottom line is that you should only attempt this process with jeans that no longer fit, are faded, or that you simply don’t plan on wearing again. Once you’ve found a pair of jeans that you’d like to turn into shorts, go ahead and put them on. Next, mark or pin the area at which you would like the shorts to stop. Generally speaking, men prefer longer shorts that extend to their knees, whereas women prefer shorter shorts that stop before the knees. Of course, this is a personal preference, and only you can decide the length of your shorts. Mark the desired length on your jeans and proceed to the next step. Now remove your jeans and place...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | custom fit jeans, jeans
Can’t seem to fit into your favorite pair of denim jeans? Over time, denim will shrink due to the constant washing, drying and wearing it sees. So just because a pair of jeans fit perfectly today doesn’t necessarily mean they will six months from now. If they are become too small to comfortably wear, however, you can often stretch them out by following the tips listed below. Waistband Stretcher You might be surprised to learn that there are devices made specifically for stretching the waists of pants. Known as a “waistband stretcher,” it’s a small metal device that’s placed inside the waist of a pair of pants. When you turn a knob, it pushes the waist outwards; thus, stretching it. Using a waistband stretcher is a simple and effective way to stretch out your jeans, although you should proceed with caution, as stretching them too much may cause the fabric to break. Wear Them When Exercising If you don’t feel like messing with a waistband stretcher, you can always stretch out your jeans by exercising in them. The next time you’re sitting around the house bored, put on your shrunken jeans and perform some lunges. It may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but lunges will stretch out your jeans so they fit a little easier in the future. Unfortunately, this method is a bit time-consuming (and laborious). Unless you exercise in your jeans several times a week, this probably isn’t going to work. Spray With Warm Water Many people have reported success stretching out jeans by spraying them with warm water. How exactly does this work? Well, the...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims, jeans
Let’s face it, stiff jeans are downright uncomfortable to wear! It can make doing otherwise simple tasks like walking difficult and uncomfortable, as it restricts your body’s normal range of motion. But denim is supposed to be stiff, right? Wrong. While denim has a certain level of strength and durability that’s not found in other materials, it should also be soft and comfortable to wear. So, what causes stiff jeans and how can you prevent/fix it? Poor Quality Denim All denim is not made equally. Some denim is made with higher quality cotton-twill and better craftsmanship than others, which usually means a more comfortable fit. This is why it’s a good idea to spend the extra money by investing in a pair of premium denim jeans instead of just another cheap pair that will degrade after a couple of wears. You may have to pay a little more for premium jeans, but it’s a smart investment that will pay off in the long run. Hot Drying Did you use the high-heat seating on your clothes dryer when drying your jeans? If so, this could be the reason why they are stiff. Denim — like most fabrics — is sensitive to heat. When exposed to high heat, the fibers will shrink, remaining in a semi-constricted state that creates the perception of stiff jeans. I recommend drying your jeans on either the tumble dry or low-heat setting to prevent this from occurring. Wrong Detergent Use caution when choosing a detergent, especially if you are going to use it to wash jeans. Some of the cheaper brands of detergent contain harsh chemicals...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | Chinos
Chinos offer the best of both worlds in terms of style and comfort. Whether you’re looking for formal wear, casual wear, or something in the middle, you can’t go wrong with a premium pair of men’s chinos. These pants are designed using the highest level of craftsmanship, which is apparent from the first time you try them on. But this is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of chinos and why you should wear them. In case this is your first time hearing about chinos, let me give you a quick breakdown on this popular garment. Chinos are produced with a twill fabric made of 100% cotton. The cotton twill exhibits lightweight, soft and exceptionally comfortable characteristics, which is one of the reasons why so many men prefer them, especially during the hot summer months. It’s believed that chinos were first developed fr the British and French military back in the mid 1800s. Due to their popularity among the soldiers, however, they soon spread into the civilian world. It wasn’t long before men and women of all ages were looking to wear chino garments, pants included. If you’re going to wear a pair of men’s chino pants, there are a few things you should know. First and foremost, make sure you choose a pair that’s tailored to fit your body. I know this probably sounds like common sense, but the “fit” can make a world of difference in your overall appearance. When trying on a pair of chinos, walk around and bend down to make sure they aren’t too tight or too...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims, Fashion
Wal-Mart, the nation’s leading brick-and-mortar retailer, has loosened its policy regarding employee dress code. The 1.4 million workers it employes in the United States will soon be able wear denim jeans to work. Effective July 1, 2015, employees working in U.S.-based Wal-Mart stores will be able to wear either black or khaki denim jeans, which were previously prohibited under the company’s strict dress code. Workers in the garden center and other physical jobs will have an even greater level of freedom regarding their outfit, with a Wal-Mart spokesperson saying that can wear traditional blue jeans and t-shirts. Workers will still be required to wear the standard Wal-Mart vest and name tag. News of this dress code policy change begs the question: why is Wal-Mart changing its policy after all of these years? The move began as a result of workers complaining about the company’s dress code. Many workers felt it was unnecessary to follow Wal-Mart’s strict dress code, especially in jobs such as the garden center. This prompted the retailer to rethink, and ultimately, revise its dress code to allow workers to wear denim jeans. As noted by Bloomberg, this is just one of the many changes taking place in Wal-Mart. The company has also announced plans to increase the minimum wage for its employees. Bloomberg reports that roughly half a million Wal-Mart employees have received raises upwards of $9 an hour. This number is expected to grow to $10 an hour by next year. Workers have rallied to push the retailer to increase wages, and it appears these efforts have worked. “The changes come in response to employee...
