Once upon a time, a guy loved his favorite jeans so much that he wore them day in and day out, through every season. Eventually, those jeans reached a breaking point, developing rips and holes. While most would toss them aside, thinking they were past their prime, this guy found their distressed look uniquely appealing. And that’s how ripped jeans were born - alongside their intact counterparts, of course.
Alright, I’m joking; I have no idea who that “guy” was or who actually came up with the idea of ripped jeans. But one thing is certain: ripped jeans are everywhere today, infusing every style and culture with a youthful, distinctive edge.
These days, people can buy jeans with rips already made, thanks to industrial production. Alternatively, you can take the DIY route with a pair of scissors and a knife, giving old jeans in your closet a fresh, new look.
Not everyone has the confidence to pull off ripped jeans, though...
If you’re confident, you likely don’t care about where the rips are placed or how torn up they are. Just wear them with pride - after all, life is short! But if you’re still unsure about trying ripped jeans for the first time and want to follow some basic guidelines, here’s what you need to know:
Types of Rips
The rips in ripped jeans aren’t random; they have specific names based on the level of “tear” and size. Generally, they fall into three main categories:
Holes: Actual openings where you can see right through to the skin.
Shreds: Similar to holes, but with horizontal threads left intact over the gap.
Scrapes: Tiny imperfections, smaller than a coin, that resemble light scratches made with sandpaper on the fabric’s surface.
How to Wear Ripped Jeans with Confidence
Here are the classic placements for rips:
The hip area near the front pockets is perfect for small Scrapes.
The thigh area is ideal for Shreds.
The knees are where you’ll typically find Holes.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Holes should run horizontally, not vertically. Wide, gaping holes can come off as unrefined.
For Holes, make sure the edges touch when standing straight. This way, when you sit down, your knee is revealed naturally.
Scrapes can appear anywhere but should be used sparingly due to their small size.
Ripped jeans are best suited for casual, edgy outfits, so consider the occasion and who you’ll be with before sporting them.
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