Lenzing Group is helping to commercialize Circ’s technology by using its cellulose pulp as an input for its TENCEL™ fibers with REFIBRA™ Technology.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site

For most people, the only way to update a denim supply is to look for a new cut or an artful distressed look. After all, distressed is the in style look these days. But there’s a way to be more adventurous with your jeans that doesn’t involve cutting holes in them (not that we’re against it). The answer is to explore different denim washes.

Denim washing dates back to the 70s. At the time, most people did it to make their jeans more comfortable. But today, this technique is the magic behind the different types of jeans you see in magazines and the streets. From distressed to bleached denim washes, we can guarantee there are various options you’ve not tried that would look amazing on you.

First Things First: What is Denim Wash and Why Does It Matter?

Denim washing refers to the aesthetic finish imparted on denim fabric to improve its softness and comfort. Besides, the washing process allows the manufacturer to achieve different styles, such as faded and distressed looks.

However, not all jeans undergo the washing process. Some only go through a dyeing process and are referred to as dry denim. The benefit of dry denim is that you can enjoy in it’s “new” state and achieve the washed look as the fabric fades and ages.Understanding the different types of denim washes not only gives you an insight into the manufacturing process but also allows you to diversify your style by trying different options you probably didn’t know existed.

TYPES OF DENIM WASHES YOU SHOULD KNOW

Several technological factors go into making denim the fashion icon it is today. Over the years, the fabric has undergone vast improvements in weaving, finishing, and spinning. One of the most crucial steps in the jeans creation process is denim washing. It’s a vital step because it’s the only way manufacturers can achieve the look customers want. So which are the popular denim washing methods? Let’s find out.

Dyed Denim

When most people think about denim, the first thing that comes to mind is blue jeans. That’s probably because blue jeans were the first to be invented. However, today, you can find jeans in almost all colors. The fabric has to undergo a dyeing process to achieve a specific color on denim material.

Dyeing is quite different from other denim washes in the sense that it has a different effect; it aims at creating a more concentrated appearance. No matter the color, the fabric has to be dipped and oxidized severally to achieve the desired color. The more dipping and oxidization, the more vibrant the color of the jeans will be. The demand for colored jeans started back in the 90s, and it hasn’t stopped to date.

Sandblasting

Sandblasting is a technique that aims at producing large light-colored patches on the surface of the jeans. This trend became popular in the early 2000s. The jeans are stone washed, chemically treated, or abraded using sandpaper to achieve the look.However, most manufacturers have dropped this technique after employees developed lung cancer and silicosis. Nonetheless, you can still find jeans with this technique on the market.

Acid Wash

Acid wash is also among the must-have denim washes you’ll come across. Most people consider it an 80s piece of clothing, but it dates back to the 60s. And surprisingly, manufacturers use no acid in the manufacturing process. Back in the day, they used pool chemicals to achieve the acid wash look. Today, manufacturers use a combination of stone washing and chemical treatment.

They add pumice stones and chlorine in a large cylinder and treat the jeans. The result is a nearly bleached look between the indigo dye and worn fabric. Most people consider it a retro looking seeing that it’s associated with a specific period in time. For this reason, you have to make it the center of your outfit whenever you wear it to make a statement.

Stone Washing

Stone washing is similar to acid washing. It aims at producing spider web-like patches of light and worn patterns across the fabric. The technique is quite straightforward. The denim undergoes treatment in a large cylinder containing stones, which pound the jeans to achieve the look.

Stonewashed jeans were among the customer favorite denim washes back in the 90s. However, you can still get them today, although the technique may be somewhat lowkey.

Distressed

Just as the name suggests, distressed jeans are the type that looks aged even when they’re new. Manufacturers use different techniques to achieve the distressed look depending on which look they want to produce. Some of the popular methods include acid washing, sandblasting, and stone washing.

Distressed jeans tend to have patches of light colors on the surface, frayed edges, and seams, and sometimes some areas are completely destroyed. In short, these are the kind of jeans you think twice before wearing when you’re planning to meet the inlaws. They’re also not the best choice for people who play it safe when it comes to fashion. It takes someone bold to rock these type of jeans.

Enzyme Washing

Enzyme washing is an excellent alternative to stone washing. The goal of the technique is to achieve the aged look with bright patches on the fabric. Enzyme washing is better than stone washing for two reasons. For starters, it’s an environmentally friendly technique (which is what we need in this day and age).It’s also easy on the jeans. While the enzymes eat away at the exposed cellulose on the jeans, they don’t weaken the fabric’s composition. As a result, enzyme washed jeans tend to be more durable compared to stonewashed denim.

PICK THE RIGHT DENIM WASHES FOR A SOPHISTICATED LOOK

Image by Ulrike Leone from Pixabay

There’s no doubt that light and dark blue jeans offer a timeless look. Not to mention, you can wear them with something as simple as a white t-shirt and still look great. But why would you play it safe when there so many denim washes to try out? As they say in fashion, life’s too short to wear boring clothes. So let’s find out how to pick the right denim washes to achieve a stunning look for any occasion.

Casual VS. Formal

The first thing you always need to do is to consider what type of occasion you are buying the jeans for. Is it a meeting with your boss or a hangout with your friends? If it’s the former, you need denim washes that scream formal. Dark denim washes are excellent for formal occasions. To achieve a classic formal look, men can wear jeans with a work shirt, belt, and formal shoes.

For the ladies, an official top and heels will do the trick. Flat shoes are also an excellent way to go if you’re not a fan of heels. If you need a pair of casual denim, light denim washes are excellent. You can pair them with a white t-shirt or a colorful one and your favorite pair of sneakers, and you’re good to go.

Durability

How many jeans have you decided you’ll only wear at home because they look nothing like how they looked when you bought them. We’ve all been there. You buy a pair of rich colored jeans only for them to fade into a completely different color after a few washes. The jeans quality and durability determines how long they’ll stay in perfect condition. Therefore, when shopping for jeans, it’s also essential to consider durability.Dark denim washes, especially dyed ones, tend to fade with frequent washing. Fortunately, the color won’t disappear overnight. It happens gradually. You can slow the fading process by reducing the number of washes. Instead of washing your jeans after every wear, clean them when they’re visibly dirty. That way, you’ll maintain the color longer, which is fantastic because you won’t have to buy another pair soon.

Is Distressed a Good Look?

Apart from color and durability, you’ll also have to choose between distressed denim washes and more laid back designs. Again, it boils down to what type of setting you plan to wear the jeans. Distressed jeans are excellent for casual settings, where there’s more freedom to wear whatever you want.

But don’t wear them to a meeting or brunch with your inlaws (unless they’re really cool and you’re 100 percent certain they won’t mind your way of dressing).

Styling is Key

One thing all denim washes have in common is that the styling must be impeccable for you to stand out. For instance, it’s not advisable to wear a shirt or t-shirt in the same color as your jeans. Doing so makes it look as if you’re in a one-piece suit, which is never a good look. For a stunning look, always ensure there’s a contrast between the colors you choose.For example, if you have dark wash denim, it’s best to wear a light colored shirt. You should also consider your accessories and shoes because they also have the power to make or break your look.

Fit is Everything

It doesn’t matter if you have the best denim washes in your closet if they’re all ill-fitting. The wrong fit draws the wrong kind of attention, and you definitely don’t want that. Therefore, when shopping for jeans, always make sure the fit is alright, and it frames your body in a flattering way. One way to ensure you have the right size is by trying the jeans on before buying them. And if you’re shopping online, make sure you know your measurements before ordering.

To Flatter or To Hide?

When trying to decide between different denim washes, it’s also vital to understand what you need. Do you need a denim wash that draws more attention to your curves or one that doesn’t? Lighter colors draw more attention compared to darker shades.

Therefore, if you want a pair of jeans that accentuates your curves, bright colors like light blue and white are the way to go. However, if you have killer curves and you’d like less attention, darker shades would be the best choice for you.

DIVERSIFY YOUR STYLE

Image by Myriam Zilles from Pixabay

We all love blue jeans. It’s a staple that never goes out of style. But with all the denim washes available today, you’d be missing out if you only limited yourself to blue jeans. Some denim washes like distressed jeans seem a bit risky if you have a reserved fashion style, but there are so many more styles to try out.

So stop limiting yourself. Try white jeans, acid washed jeans, and other bold colors you haven’t tried before. Who knows, you may find a new favorite denim wash. Which is your favorite denim wash, and why? Please share your views and thoughts in the comments section below. We love hearing from our readers.

Featured image by it’s me neosiam via Pexels.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but a couple of years ago Levi released a pair of jeans that purposely gives you a wedgie. This goes against the natural way of things since most of us prefer to AVOID wedgies. But if Khloe Kardashian can make camel toes a thing, then maybe the wedgie can make a stand while giving your tush a little help as well.

According to Levi, Levi’s Wedgie Jeans, yes, that is their actual name, “accentuates the waist and fits snug through the hips – designed to highlight a women’s curves.”

Essentially, they were promising the perfect pair of jeans that would give any wearer “that perfectly round derriere.”

Let’s go over the pros and cons of this new trend.

THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LEVI’S WEDGIES

1. THE “DERRIERE” WAS CERTAINLY FLATTERED

Image via Daily News

According to the testers at RealSimple, the jeans appear to follow a woman’s natural curves allowing for the flexibility preventing them from pushing your bottom into an unnatural shape.

The presence of wide pockets on the back helps to create a round shape even if your tush tends to be on the flatter side. This is welcome news for those of us not endowed with the back assets.

The editors of InStyle tested them with editors with tushes ranging from large and round to “non-existent” with each stated that indeed the Wedgie Fit Jeans does indeed deliver on their promise of a perfectly round tush. Or at least more there then before the jeans.

2. HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL

Levi’s Wedgies are made of 100% cotton and deliver on their traditional commitment to high quality denim. The quality gives the jeans a bit of stiffness that helps them hold their shape, which is an advantage to them holding your tush in shape.

Most jeans are being made with Lycra-infused material giving them the stretchy feel and aesthetic we’ve become used to feeling in our jeans, but this stretch has the disadvantage of not giving the support and shaping that these jeans seem to give.

3. PROVIDES THE “IT” FIT

These jeans are definitely popular. Anthropologie’s website states that they are sold out and other style stores stock enthusiastically. Comments on Levi’s website show how enthusiastic customers are about these Wedgies, stating that the jeans make their bum look fabulous and round.

Giving the jeans 4 out of 5 stars, these jeans are one of the “It” jeans of the season. Levi’s wedgies seem to fit a diversity of women with bodies of all shapes and sizes. They are a modern take on classic jeans and don’t bunch up or bag out due to the high-quality cotton material. That is something to bow your hat to.

THE DARK SIDE OF THE WEDGIES

1. THE WAIST IS TOO SNUG

Image via Style This Life

One consistent complaint about the jeans from testers at both InStyle and RealSimple is the jeans fitting too snugly around the waist. As high-rise jeans, this can become a bit uncomfortable throughout the day.

It also might have an effect on the sizing as the consensus is that perhaps it would be better to get a size up on the jeans so the fit can be a bit more comfortable around the waist. This could lead to you losing a bit of the shaping effect, but your bum might thank you.

2. PERMANENT WEDGIES ARE STILL UNCOMFORTABLE

According to a BuzzFeed staffer at BuzzFeed, these jeans also do deliver on the wedgie promise. Stating that trying to sit felt like taking “a trip to hell and back” because of the affect on her lady bits. A practice lung brought on another line of fire.

Here suggestion? Perhaps take breaks and give the area a breather throughout the day for those with larger assets to offset the wedgie effects on the area.

The staff member’s conclusion was that the jeans delivered its promise. Its cute design and fit will make the trip worth it for those who are “into ‘em.”

3. LIMITED MOBILITY

While the snug fit helps the shaping effects of the jeans, as stated above, it also affects the mobility of the wearer. Most of the testers at InStyle agreed that they usually preferred high-rise, stretchy jeans that had a bit of grip and were not used to the stiffness of the wedgie jeans material.

Most also agreed that they loved the overall effects of the jeans on their bottom and were surprised at how well it made their tush look. They also stated that the jeans did loosen throughout the day and relaxed with time.

Overall, the jeans seemed to deliver on the promise for the perfect tush and had the women feeling “like a million bucks.” Though they are sold out on some sites you can find your pair on the Levi website.

Feature image via The Golden Girl Blog

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site

We have all been there; shopping through the mall and scouring all the racks to find the perfect pair of jeans. Sometimes you find the perfect style and fit, but you just need it to be a smidge tighter. Or maybe, you have the perfect pair already but have lost weight so now they just fit a little baggier than they use to. It used to be that getting your pair of jeans to fit you just right was a matter of wishing that they could shrink just a bit. The good news is, that wish is a little more possible than you might think. 

There are things you can do right in your own home to help shrink your jeans so that they can fit just right. That is where we come in. In today’s article, we are going to take a look at some of the best ways to shrink down your jeans right at home.This way, your jeans can fit you in all the right places and offer you absolute comfort. Let’s get started!

How To Shrink Jeans – Need A Hassle-Free Shrinking Solution?

We have all gone through rough patches with our wardrobe items and articles.

I personally remember the angst of not wanting to part with some True Religion jeans that my booty just couldn’t regularly fit into any longer after I lost all the weight I had put on after my freshman year of College.

You see, for me it was the Freshman 50 (instead of 15) during my first year of schooling (and stress-eating). While I was at that heavier weight I had wanted to feel better about myself so I splurged on a nice designer pair of jeans that flattered my new lumps and bumps.

Well, fast forward about a year and a lot of hard work at the gym later and I was back to my healthy normal weight, however my coveted designer jeans gave me a nonexistent saggy looking bottom and chicken legs.

Had I known back then about the tips that I am about to share with you, I would still to this day be rocking those nice looking True Religions. However, silly me (and boy, am I kicking myself now) I just drove them over to Goodwill and parted with them.

*Sigh*, now – a moment of silence for all the lost designer jeans please.

But you ladies and gents don’t have to suffer and make the same irrevocable fashion mistakes that I did. Not to worry, there is still hope for your baggy, overused, and stretched jeans!

There Are Numerous Ways To Shrink Jean​​​​s

Alright, you guys have only an hour to tighten your favorite pair of jeans up before heading out on the town. What are you going to do?!

This is crunch time but there is no time for panicking, because without even realizing it you have everything you need to have a complete jean make-over.

Below are our top 7 tops on how to shrink jeans:

1. COOK THOSE EXTRA INCHES OFF

Okay, no you can’t really cook off inches, but you can definitely cook your jeans to make them up to 5x tighter than they were before. All you’re going to need for this one is a big pot, some water and your loosey-goosey particular pants.

Drop those overused jeans into a boiling pot of water (making sure to fully submerge them) and let those bad boys soak between 20-40 minutes. After the allotted time, get the pants out, wring them out and immediately toss them into the dryer (which must be put on the hottest setting possible).

Disclaimer: If your jeans are not 100% cotton and contain a mix of other materials such as spandex or lycra then I would NOT suggest using this solution as you will likely damage your jeans this way, possibly even making them baggier than they were to begin with. Yikes.

2. TAKE A BATH IN THOSE LOOSE JEANS

Next time you decide to settle in and draw yourself a relaxing hot bath, make sure to wear your jeans into the water. I know this seems weird, but just hear me out on this one.

If you sit in the tub with your bottom-half completely submerged for half an hour, then get out and wait 10 to let the wet material form to your figure before carefully throwing the garment on the “High” setting in the hot dryer then your jeans will be good as new.

Keep note, this method is especially helpful for those pairs of jeans that are tight in some places and irregularly loose in others. Although you may look silly in the moment, no one will know and no one will care when you strut your stuff in your revamped favorite pair of jeans.

​

3. CRANK THE HEAT UP ON THE DRYER

We’ve all accidentally ruined a cute new blouse or pair of shorts by throwing them in the dryer without thinking twice and shrinking them to half their original size. However, this time you’re going to do it on purpose!

Throwing jeans on high heat in the dryer will help to tighten up all of the cotton fibers within the pants.

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This solution calls for ¾ water to be mixed with ¼ fabric softener into a spray bottle of your choosing.

Spray and treat areas on your jeans that need the most tightening, and then throw them in the good ol’ dryer on high and watch your life be made easier instantly.

5. IRON THOSE BAGGY BRITCHES

Known for being able to apply intense heat in a matter of seconds, irons can greatly help to tighten any pair of jeans before use. Whether it be a singular spot that needs tightened or the entire set, ironing will help to tighten everything up.

Just be careful to always let this article of clothing cool don before putting them on, as they could burn you right after ironing.

6. DON THAT LONG-UNDERWEAR

Definitely wouldn’t recommend using this tip during the warmer months, as you might quite literally die from heat stroke. However, this solution is great to use during winter as it adds extra layers of warmth for when you are braving the frigid cold outside.

Adding a layer underneath your jeans will help to provide extra snugness to those baggy old jeans and although this isn’t my top recommended solution, it will still do the trick and work for you.

7. START SEWING AWAY

If worse comes to worse, I would suggest taking those jeans into a seamstress or taking your own nimble hands to it.

If you know how to sew, these jean “remodels” can be completed in almost no time. All you have to do it flip said loose pants inside out, tear out the old inseam and make a new tighter one to ensure a more-snug fit.

If your pants are still too loose after that then you can also sew around a 7-inch piece of elastic into the inside of the waistband, so that the pants can stay snug and fitting all the way up to your waist.

This is my least favorite solution because I hate to mangle the fabric of your jeans like that. If I can help it, I try to avoid sewing and stitching as much as possible.

Please remember to keep in mind that each of the shrinking methods listed above are great ways to enhance the look, fit, comfortability and extend the overall life expectancy on your good ol’ favorite pair of denims.

Each solution offers a solid way to shrink your jeans, it is really just up to your personal preference on which option you would like to go with.

Shrink Those Jeans And Strut Your Stuff

Now that you’ve learned how to shrink jeans – these shrinking options should provide a long-term solution to the problem on hand.

However, just be careful to remember that when attempting to shrink jeans be careful not to set your wet jeans on any light colored carpets or fabrics because bleeding and staining could occur and make sure to be careful when pulling on your newly shrunk jeans belt-loops as you don’t want them to rip out when you start tugging!

Other than that, you should be good to go and set to don these pants and rock those better fitting jeans out and around the town.

We hope these tips have set your mind at ease, as it is easily possible to reuse and recycle your denim for many years to come.

DENIM and PATCHES sourced this post originally published on this site