Distressed jeans have become a wardrobe staple for those curating a relaxed but chic aesthetic. A high-quality pair is well constructed and built to last, but looks and feels like your favorite lived-in jeans from the moment you put them on.
The Levi's Women's Ribcage Straight-Leg Jeans are a top choice because they have a contemporary fit with a little stretch and sport the perfect amount of distressing, with a light fade on the thighs, but without compromising the fabric's integrity.
Distressed denim is manufactured to resemble well-worn, tattered jeans. Distressed jeans come in various silhouettes with several levels of distressing, such as fading, rips, whiskering and holes.
The key to a quality pair of distressed jeans is that no matter how vintage or worn they look, the distressing shouldn't compromise the jeans' integrity. They should only look like they're falling apart.
The fit of your jeans can affect how they look and feel on your body. Whether you already have a go-to or wish to try something new, there are six denim styles to consider.
Designers typically use one or more techniques to create distressed jeans. There are four standard distressing methods.
Pocket seams are a great look on jeans, but they're even better when they lead to functional pockets that can help you carry your essentials. While men's jeans typically have real pockets, not that long ago, the same was rarely true for women's jeans. Since women's jeans usually have a slimmer fit, many makers didn't add pockets so the jeans wouldn't bunch up.
However, technology has changed quite a bit, and many manufacturers have found ways to add them to even this skinniest of jeans. There's no reason everyone can't have real pockets these days, but you should still confirm they're real before buying women's jeans.
Some prefer stiff cotton jeans that require a "breaking-in" period, which has benefits such as durability. However, when denim has added stretch from at least 1% spandex or elastane mixed with the cotton, it gives them a comfortable fit from the first time you put them on.
The best-distressed jeans are made to look authentic, which means that the fading, whiskering and rips appear to have happened naturally.
Premium brands are typically around $100-$300, but you can find many high-quality brands for about $40-$70.
A. If you tend to work up a sweat in your jeans, you can wash them gently after each wear. Otherwise, try cleaning them once every 10 wears.
A. If you find jeans that fit your hips and thighs but are too loose on your waist, a tailor can fix them for a small fee. It's typically a quick, easy fix that can vastly improve the way they fit and feel.
Levi's Women's Ribcage Straight-Leg Jeans
What you need to know: These ankle-length jeans are distressed in all the right areas and have an ultra-flattering high waist.
What you’ll love: These straight-leg jeans are perfectly distressed with fading, whiskering and rips. They have a button fly with a waistband that sits above your navel for a universally flattering fit. They come in 14 washes and give you just the right amount of stretch.
What you should consider: Some reviewers said these run a size too small and suggested sizing up.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Levi's Men's 511 Slim Fit Stretch Jeans
What you need to know: These light-wash jeans combine fading and whiskering for a perfect vintage look.
What you’ll love: These zip-up jeans have a five-pocket design with a roomy but slim fit, and the waistband lands just below the waist. They have a light wash and are made from 99% cotton with 1% elastane, giving them just enough stretch for an instantly comfortable fit.
What you should consider: Some people reported that the label came off in the wash.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Mother Women's Superior The Tomcat Jeans
What you need to know: These premium button-fly jeans have real pockets with balanced distressing and an extremely comfortable fit.
What you’ll love: These have fading at the thighs, whiskering at the hips, grinding at the hems and rips at the knees and hip. They are a straight-leg fit with an 11-inch rise and made from 98% cotton with 2% elastane for a lived-in feel from wear one.
What you should consider: Some people reported that these run small and suggested sizing up if you want them to have a more relaxed fit.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Ella Scott writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
