Rigid denim jeans may seem unsavory to those used to super-stretchy jeans, but stiffer fabrics can be more flattering and get better over time. They don’t need to be replaced after a season or two, making them a win for conscientious consumption. Raw denim jeans, with their looser fit, particularly at the thighs, are moving back in popularity. David Wolfe, creative director at the Doneger Group, believes that non-stretch jeans are way more flattering, won’t wear out as fast, and provide a much more customized experience.
Sweden’s Renewcell invented a process to dissolve used denim into a new fabric, and Levi’s is now using the material in its most iconic style. Sanforization is a process that pre-shrinks denim to reduce shrinkage, smooth out the fabric, and prevent skewing. Most jeans people buy today are no longer 100 cotton, but 95 cotton (or less), with the remaining percentage made from spandex or other materials. If the denim is not sanforized, it will shrink significantly after washing.
Non-stretch jeans are no longer made anymore, and most people buy today are no longer 100% cotton. However, anything made of 95 cotton makes the cut. Denim has been re-done in a thinner weave, and the inside of the fabric is much lighter in color than it used to be. The shape of a non-stretch jean is classically very stiff, guaranteed to be very firm and keep their shape.
Over time, non-stretch jeans mold to the shape of your body, making them a more versatile and comfortable option for different body types and styles.
📹 The Ultimate Guide to Getting the Best Denim Fades (with @NakedandFamousDenim )
Faded jeans! Most folks who like the look just buy their jeans pre-faded, but if you’re a real one and you want your jeans to fade …
What is the difference between stretch denim and regular denim?
Non-stretch denim jeans are stiff and rigid, while stretch-denim jeans fit like a glove and take up to five wears to break in. Finding the perfect jeans can be a lifelong quest, but it’s essential to choose the right fit for your body. Stretch-denim jeans are comfortable and great-fitting from the first wear, while non-stretch denim offers a personalized fit that requires time and patience. Marissa, a knowledgeable fabric expert, can provide maintenance tips and help mix and match styles and materials with a contemporary nonchalance.
Why is vintage denim better?
Vintage jeans, particularly Levi 501s and vintage jean jackets, are a wardrobe staple due to their exceptional quality and craftsmanship, often featuring heavier denim and reinforced stitching for longevity. These jeans develop unique fades and character over time, making them a sustainable choice. They also contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainable fashion practices by reducing waste. The unique qualities of each pair, such as their mold to the wearer’s body and distinct creases and fades, make them one-of-a-kind pieces.
Vintage jeans also hold a special place in fashion history, symbolizing various cultural movements and eras. Wearing vintage jeans allows individuals to connect with these narratives and express their personal style in a meaningful way.
Why is denim so thin now?
The reduction in product quantity is a consequence of the pursuit of cost savings and the ease of sewing thinner fabric, which is also utilised in the packaging of these products.
Why is all denim stretch now?
Stretch jeans are popular for their comfort, mobility, and style. They are made from a combination of cotton, polyester, and stretchy materials like elastane or spandex. The percentage of stretchy material determines the jeans’ stretch. Motorcycle jeans are typically made from heavy denim for strength, while everyday clothing typically uses medium-weight denim. Stretch denim is a new fabric that offers a unique blend of comfort and style.
Why are Levi’s jeans so thin now?
The reduction in product quantity is a consequence of the pursuit of cost savings and the ease of sewing thinner fabric, which is also utilised in the packaging of these products.
Does vintage denim stretch?
To find vintage jeans, wrap the waistband around your neck and ensure the ends meet. If the jeans are too snug, move on to the next pair. If you find a pair that fits but has a big waist or a tear, visit a Levi’s Tailor Shop for repair, alteration, or patching. Generally, find a pair that fits the biggest part of your body (thighs and hips) as the waist can be taken in. Thrift stores have more choices and product quality, but are less expensive. If searching through racks isn’t fun, a vintage shop is a better option as they have done the digging for you.
Are tight jeans still in style?
Skinny jeans remain popular in online retailers like Asos and Mr Porter, representing 30% of total women’s jean sales. Despite a decline in sales, baggy jeans remain popular among consumers. Google Trends data shows that worldwide searches for “skinny jeans” have been decreasing since late 2016, while interest in “wide-leg pants” has increased. However, searches for “baggy denim” have increased by 247 per cent since last year, and customers looking for “barrel jeans” have jumped by 167 per cent in the last two months. This suggests that skinny jeans may not be the most flattering silhouette, as people have come to realize that baggy jeans may not be the best or most flattering silhouette.
Does good denim stretch?
100 cotton denim is a traditional choice in denim production, but it will stretch out over time. For a tighter fit, opt for a smaller size. For comfort, choose a slouchy fit or vintage denim fabric. 98/2 stretch denim is primarily cotton but contains a small percentage of elastane or lycra for a subtle stretch. For a snug fit, opt for a smaller size. Avoid washing this fabric in hot temperatures as it can damage the elastane.
4-way stretch denim is constructed with fabric that stretches in four directions, creating a comfortable and flattering fit. Modern designs often include elastane or lycra to support the subtle stretch and overall shape.
Which jeans are good, stretchable or non-stretchable?
Stretch jeans are comfortable and flexible, perfect for those who prefer a skinny style. They won’t wear out and will last longer, while regular jeans won’t. Stretch denim jeans offer riders the freedom to choose their personal style without compromising safety or comfort. Unbreakable Slim Jeans are popular for both on and off the bike, providing just enough stretch while still packing strength. For more information on motorcycle jeans, refer to our guide to buying jeans.
Can you buy jeans without stretch?
Non-stretch jeans are known for their rigidity and lack of movement, making them ideal for less active individuals. They have a stiff shape and take a long time to break-in, which can cause discomfort. However, those who love non-stretch jeans believe it’s worth it in the end. Additionally, non-stretch jeans are less flexible than stretch jeans, requiring frequent pants swaps for different activities.
This can lead to more laundry and more clothes on hand during the day or on vacation. Despite these drawbacks, non-stretch jeans are still a popular choice for those who prefer a more comfortable and versatile fit.
Does Levi make non-stretch jeans?
Levi Strauss & Co. is offering a 30% discount on its men’s 100% cotton non-stretch jeans, available on the company’s website and across all product categories. The discounted prices are in line with the original retail values.
📹 How to Stretch Jeans That Are Too Small : Jeans & Fashion
Stretching out jeans that are too small can make a pair that is too snug fit just right. Stretch jeans that are too small with help from …
Ah, the freezer trick! During a cooking class in high school my teacher had made a point to dispel any myths about food. She taught that freezers don’t kill a single bit of bacteria, only momentarily suspend their growth. So, as soon as anything comes back out of a freezer growth will resume as normal without any bacteria having been eliminated.
I’ve worn raw denim from The Gap (my first pair), Unbranded, Brave Star, N&F, Rogue Territory, and Momotaro. They all went into the washing machine inside out on a gentle cycle using dark protect or regular detergent (no color safe bleach). The moment the rinse cycle is done I remove them, flatten them out by hand, and hang dry them. So far, so good (no weird marbling).
Cold does not kill bacteria. Not going to explain the reason I had to research that (looong story) but only heat kills bacteria regarding temperature. In fact, if you buy clothing from a country not known for its hygienic production (fur, goose down, animal based products etc) it’s best to have it cleaned before wearing.
I am one of those “purists” about jeans and fading. But my aesthetic revolves around having been wearing Levi’s 501 shrink-to-fit jeans since the late 1960s. Jeans were not appreciated back then and restaurants and other establishments had rules against wearing jeans, especially if they were faded or had holes. In that environment it didn’t make sense for Levi’s to pre-fade. Back then you had to fade your jeans yourself to become a “hippie”, you couldn’t buy that in a store. So that is what we did, and I continue to do to this day. But jeans got accepted in society in the 1970s and by the 1980s everyone started wearing them, even those too impatient to fade their jeans. So Levi’s started catering to them and they became the majority of jeans buyers. More recently the cotton quality of Levi’s jeans is so low and thin they have to pre-fade to cover that up. Vintage US made Levi’s 501s made up until 2000 get an authentic beautiful fade from just wearing, washing, and drying. But fashion is a lot about trends and fads. Today that manifests itself in not washing your jeans in order to develop unnatural “contrasts” and horizontal wear lines. It looks fake to me whether those horizontal lines were created by the buyers or a laser at the Levi’s factory. It is interesting that articles like this promulgate these fads causing viewers to think they shouldn’t wash their jeans to show them off. That is just another kooky modern fad like wearing your baseball cap backwards. Wear your jeans up to three days before washing unless you live down South where sweat requires washing after one day.
I’ve been perusal a bunch of your articles after ordering a few 501s. I got one pair selvedge, mostly because the scantron color was only available that way. I hadn’t thought much about trying to get fades, but now I am. lol. I’ll take a note not to wash them too soon, but I can’t help feeling like jeans and fades has the same rabbit hole potential as fountain pen ink. If you’re not currently into fountain pens and the various inks they can use, don’t look into them because you won’t be able to afford pants AND pens/ink. lol. Ok, thanks for the content. Now I’m wondering if my garment dyed jeans will fade at all like indigo. Guess I’ll find out.
Hey Nick, is it possible to do a article on your favorite denim jackets? Or at least give me some recommendations of the most in-demand denim jackets out there? I am researching the hell out of the internet and have found some great options from 3Sixteen/Rogue Territory/Momotaro/Tanuki, etc but I am so new to denim that it can be difficult to narrow down. Thank you!
I think jeans look best when they’re still pretty dark blue and still fairly uniformly blue ..so maybe what they look like after a couple of months of wear and 3-4 washes. Once they get large faded out patches on the front of your upper leg and/or rips etc…then they look like nasty wear that came out of a dumpster dive to me.
I have a question. It was recommended to me to size down. I bought a Broken Twill Naked & Famous jeans and I’m normally a 32 but I was recommended to do a 31. It fits a little tight around the waist. It is 100% cotton. I was wondering if that’s okay? will it stretch to my size over time? or will I wind up ripping the buttons from stretching them etc?
Here in Texas we’ve worn jeans since we were two years old, and we wear denim jackets. There is nothing really innately fashionable about them. I buy several pairs of raw denim from the Big 3 when available for the fun of it, soak them in the tub and line dry three times before wearing. After, I just wear them without thought, wash them warm water and line dry after five or six wearings. We wear 101, 501, 505, or MWZ13 on the ranch. We wash our work jeans after every wearing in hot water with soap and a small amount of color-fast bleach to sanitize and patch when necessary.
I mean I get it but then I don’t get it. I wash my jeans about every 4-5 wears. Granted I don’t own any raw denim selvage jeans because I’m not spending $200+ on a pair of jeans (that money is allocated to shoes lol). I’d imagine if you’re only washing your jeans 3 times a year they would start getting pretty funky, people fart, they have stinky asses. After not washing your jeans for 3 months you probably won’t notice your jeans smell like ass but I’m sure other people do.
Thank you so much! I never thought of this! Going out for my birthday tonight and I have a couple pounds left to lose and it’s great to know I don’t have to buy a pair of jeans a size larger that I can do this instead! Don’t feel like going to the store, trying on, buying new jeans since I’ll be losing this baby weight anyways! Love my jeans, wish I knew this earlier! I’ve just been wearing dresses everywhere to hide my muffin tops and I’m tired of wearing dresses all the time. Glad I can finally wear my jeans again that have been sitting there since I had my baby 9 months ago! You’re a life saver!
so i did what every dude does and researches a bit and then asks their mom what they should do. i tried doing her technique with the stretching and my moms worked better. my mom said to straight up throw them in the washing machine with a few towels, not a lot of stuff you want the jeans to get beat with the water. and then put them on right out of the washing machine, YES its gonna suck and you gotta fight through it but it is the ultimate way to stretch them. the jeans i bought that needed stretching are perfect now.
Thanks so much Ose! I just got a new pair of size 31 Levi’s, because my other size 31 Levi’s fit like a glove. The ones I already had are stretchy though, and the 501 pair I just got is pure cotton. Imagine my disappointment when I couldn’t even close the top 2 buttons! With a lot of sucking in and patience I managed to close the top 2 buttons (while lying down, ha) and I immediately moved on to spraying hem with lukewarm water. I am wearing them while letting them dry right now but they already fit so much better! Thanks a lot for your help.
It worked oh my god . I struggle with trousers especially mom jeans and straight jeans because I have got big thighs but a small waist. I usually wear a size 38 (in France/Europe size) but I have to size up for mom jeans and other baggy jeans . I bought a trouser today size 40 in Zara but he was tight around the thighs area but ok around the waist. So I decided to try this and it worked I sprayed it with some warm water and I stretched a lot .
Okay why is it that the only body type complaining here is actually the ideal body of today’s society … what about us girls with legs and hips thin that fit into an S sized jeans but that have a stomach that apparently isn’t thin enough for S? I don’t ever see that body type portrayed or considered as beautiful ever … stop complaining smh there are actual ways to make the waist part of the jeans thinner but what about us that need a bigger waistline?
i don’t know but i know for sure i don’t have a butt ( i think) idk i feel flat..but when im buying jeans it’s so hard for me. Like I’ll find jeans that fit around my butt and thighs perfectly but the ankle parts are huge. Then when i find some that fit my ankles perfect..the jeans don’t fit my butt/jeans. I don’t know if anyone struggles with the same thing, and im broke to get them custom. but if y’all are struggling with the same thing i found this jean company and store that you can find perfect jeans that fit perfect on both. it’s called ” en-jean” and i got them at papayas in corpus at the mall . So i hope this helps anyone with the same problem 🙂