by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims, jeans
It’s no secret that the majority of jeans produced today are made of denim. Whether they are straight-leg, slim-fit, low-rise, boot-cut, etc., chances are they are made of denim. This has become the defacto material of choice among companies that produce jeans. But what exactly is denim? And why do so many companies prefer it? These are just a few of the many questions that we’re going to answer today. Denim is essentially a type of cotton twill textile that’s characterized by the passing of the wefts. In order for denim to be created, the weft of cotton twill must pass under two or more warp threats; thus, creating a woven fabric with two diagonal crossing patterns. So in other words, denim is nothing more than cotton that’s been wrapped and woven to in a specific manner. As long as the wefts are passed in a honeycomb pattern, it can essentially be called denim. If you look closely at a pair of indigo (dark blue) colored jeans, you’ll notice the inside is actually white. This is somewhat confusing since the outside maintains its distinct indigo color. This color variation is due to the fact that the core of the warp threads remain white throughout the dyeing process. So even though the exterior of the twill threads are indigo, the insides are white. It’s believed that most dry denim is sources from the USA, Zimbabwe and Japan, although there are several other countries known to grow cotton and produce denim. The USA, however, remains the world’s leading supplier of denim, thanks largely in part to its climate and landscape that’s...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims, Fashion, jeans
In the market for a new pair of jeans? Finding the “perfect” pair of jeans can be grueling, daunting task. You may spend an entire day shopping at various department stores all to no avail. And even if you happen to a find a pair you like, they may not be the right size. To make this task a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of things to consider when shopping for a pair of jeans. Color When shopping for a new pair of jeans, pay close attention to the color. The most commonly worn colors are light blue and indigo. However, you’ll find jeans are available in a wide range of different colors, some of which include red, yellow, black, green, and pretty much every other color under the rainbow. Opting for one of these colorful varieties is a fun way to express yourself while stepping away from the normal trend. With that said, be conscious of the color of jeans and how it affects the rest of your outfit. Fabric Similar to cotton corduroy, denim is the single most commonly used fabric in the production of jeans. It’s soft, durable, long-lasting and inexpensive, making it the ideal choice for jeans. However, jeans are also available in a cheap, coarse type of thick cotton cloth, known as dungaree. Dungaree jeans were popular back in the 1700-1800s in India, but they’ve since been replaced with denim. You can still find dungaree jeans available for sale, although most companies have switched over to denim. Cut You can read more about the different jean cuts by checking out some of our...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | jeans
No, the title is this blog post is not a typo. You really can make a pair of denim jeans softer by using salt. All it takes some traditional table salt, water and a little bit of free time. If you’re interesting in creating softer denim jeans, keep reading for a step-by-step walkthrough on this process. First and foremost, it’s important to note that most jeans will naturally become softer as you wear and wash them. This isn’t something that happens overnight, but after wearing and washing the same pair of denim jeans for months on end, they will eventually feel softer than before. This is due to the fact that machine washing wears down the denim fibers, making the smaller, smoother and less rough. You can speed up this process, however, through the use of good old fashioned salt. To make your jeans softer using salt, fill a large bucket with one gallon of lukewarm water and one cup of table salt. Stir the salt around so it’s evenly distributed throughout the water and not settling at the bottom of the bucket. After stirring the saltwater solution, place your denim jeans inside, pushing them to the bottom so they are completely submerged underwater. Now comes the waiting game. Depending on the current state of your jeans, and just how soft you want them, you’ll need to let them soak in the saltwater solution for two to four hours. The longer they soak, the softer they will become. So, go watch a movie, run errands, or do something else to pass the time while your jeans are soaking up...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims
No matter how hard you try to prevent it, you will eventually spill something on your favorite pair of denim jeans that leaves a stain. Whether it’s a splash a coffee during your morning commute, ketchup from a hotdog at lunch, or paint from an arts and crafts project, stains are bound to happen. It’s discouraging to say the least when you notice a discolored patch on your favorite pair of jeans, but the good news is that you can often spot-treat them by following some simple steps. Blot The Stain First and foremost, blot the stained area on your jeans using a clean washcloth or paper towel as soon as you notice it. The purpose of this is to remove as much of the liquid/material causing the stain as possible. This isn’t going to completely remove it, but it will lessen the impact, preserving the integrity and color of your jeans. The key thing to remember, however, is that you want to blot, not rub, the stain; otherwise, you could be doing more harm than good. Cold Water When spot cleaning stains on denim — or most fabrics for that matter — it’s recommended that you use cold water. Some people assume that hot water is more appropriate and effective at removing stains, but in reality it allows the liquid to settle deeper into the fabric. This is why it’s recommended that you only use cold water when spot treating denim. Detergent After blotting the stained area on your jeans, place a small amount of liquid laundry detergent on a cold, damp washcloth and rub the affected area....
by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims, jeans
Jeans come in wide variety of different styles, ranging from slim fit and “skinny” to loose, low-rise and more. Although they may seem similar from afar, each of these styles has its own unique characteristics. While most people are familiar with the styles previously mentioned, one style that’s often confusing is stone wash. In this post we’re going to take a closer look at stone wash denim, revealing how it’s created why it remains such a popular choice among men and women. Stone Washing Defined The term “stone washing” refers to the manufacturing process of making denim (or other fabrics) softer and more flexible. As the name suggests, it involves the use of real stones to roughen up the fabric during the production and post-production stages. The stones are used to beat the fabric, making it softer and more comfortable. Denim companies may have their own stone washing techniques, but nearly all of them involve the use of stones. The obvious benefit of wearing stone washed jeans is the simple fact that they are softer and more comfortable. After the stones have beat the denim, it becomes softer and less rough. History of Stone Washing Surprisingly, no one knows when stone washing was invented. The multinational denim company Levi Strauss claims that Donald Freeland, a worker at the Great Western Garment Company, invented the technique back in the 1950s. However, other historians credit Claude Blankiet for inventing stone washing. Regardless of who invented it, it’s safe to say that stone washing is here to stay. In addition to their soft texture, stone washed jeans also exhibit a faded color...
by MakeYourOwnJeans | denims, jeans
When properly cared for, a good pair of denim jeans can last for years. Over time, though, it’s not uncommon for denim to fade and lose its natural “luster.” Even if they were originally a dark indigo blue when you first purchased them, they may now have more a faded, light-blue tone. The good news is that you can often dye your jeans to revitalize their color and vigor. All it takes is a few basic supplies and a little bit of your spare time. Before we start, it’s important to note that your jeans will be one solid color after they are dyed. If they currently have patches where the fabric is lighter and more faded than other areas, these will be eliminated once they are dyed. Dying creates a uniform color that affected the entirety of the jeans. With that said, the stitching should remain white (or whatever color it currently is), as most denim manufacturers use polyester for the stitching instead of cotton. To get started, you’ll first need to purchase a few things. This includes 1 pack of navy blue or indigo-colored dye, 1 pack of black-colored dye, a pair of latex gloves (trust me, you don’t want to get dye on your hands), and a large bucket. When you are ready to proceed, place the gloves on your hands and fill the bucket about 3/4 of the way full with hot water. Don’t make the mistake of using cold water, as it won’t penetrate as easily through the denim fabrics. Hot water, on the other hand, allows the dye to settle into the denim,...
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 | denims
Jeans are often viewed as “casual” attire, and as such many people wrongfully assume they can’t be worn to the office. Denim may lack the traditional formality of trousers, but there are several ways to dress up a pair of jeans. So if you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable alternative to traditional trousers, grab a pair of denim. As long as you follow the tips outlined below, you can successfully strut your stuff in the office while wearing a pair of jeans. Color Matters Don’t underestimate the impact color/tone has on the appearance of your jeans. If you’re looking to achieve a formal look (which most office workers are), it’s recommended that you choose a darker shade of blue. One such choice is Indigo Blue, which is characterized by a deep navy-like blue that’s consistent and even throughout. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t wear jeans of lighter shades, but darker colors tend to look more formal. Here’s a tip: it’s not uncommon for jeans to fade over time, losing their natural luster. Rather than tossing them out and replacing them with new ones, you can dye them in the washing machine. Most grocery stores and major department stores sell fabric dye for a couple bucks a piece (or less). Just follow the instructions and your faded jeans will look new! Footwear You’ll want to pay close attention to your footwear when wearing jeans to the office. Lacing up your everyday sneakers will create a more casual appearance — something that you probably want to avoid. On the other hand, dress shoes will have the opposite effect...