Ripped jeans started as a sign of overuse, but became a fashion statement in the 1970s with punk and hippie culture. They gained commercial appeal in the 1980s and became popular with grunge music fans in the 1990s. Today, they are a fashion icon worn by celebrities and young people in various styles and colors. Some still prefer to DIY their ripped jeans for a unique look.
Ripped jeans refer to a style of jean that may feature tears, ripped knees, and other signs of distress. Originally, ripped jeans were just a sign of overuse. Instead of throwing away these faded or frayed jeans, poor or thrifty wearers would continue to wear them.
In the 1970s, clothing was increasingly used as a means of individual expression, with people allowing their clothing to represent everything from political views to religious beliefs. Among some groups, ripped and worn jeans were seen as a means to rebel or stand outside the mainstream of culture. Hippies could be seen embracing the casual look, for example, wearing ripped flared jeans alongside colorful tie-dye T-shirts.
Rock and roll punk artists of the 1970s had also begun appearing on stage in destroyed jeans. Punk as a fashion statement during this era often included dark ripped jeans held together with safety pins alongside leather jackets and tattered T-shirts. Typically, male and female punk artists wore dark cosmetics and tailored messy hairstyles as part of their personas.
In the 1980s, ripped jeans were still a fashion statement associated with the rock and roll lifestyle. However, these frayed jeans were also gaining commercial appeal and were being made by designers. Before this, most ripped and frayed jeans were DIY projects. They were offered in various styles, including bleached, acid-washed, and stone-washed jeans. Holes and tears can be found in various areas of the garment, including the pockets and the shirt.
As the grunge subgenre of rock music became popular in the 1990s, ripped jeans became an accepted look for its teenage fans. Emulating their favorite musicians, such as Nirvana, suburban teens often paired ripped jeans with plaid or flannel shirts and frumpy footwear. Although the particular look would fade before the decade was out, new trends in ripped jeans would emerge. As of 2011, jeans have achieved fashion icon status, and those who wear ripped jeans are generally not considered poor or militant. Instead, stylish distressed jeans are created by designer fashion houses and are often seen on celebrities and young people in ever-evolving colors, styles and ripped looks.
Despite the fact that ripped jeans are now commercially available, some people who are looking to save money or want a more authentic and unique look still prefer to wear ripped jeans that they ripped themselves. A distinctive torn look can be created by using scissors or a razor blade to cut holes in an old pair of jeans. The use of a pumice stone, sandpaper and even a cheese grater can be used to help the jeans. To make the fray look more natural, they can also be bleached, washed and dried.
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