How to Tell If Jeans Are Distressed or Altered
When it comes to denim, there’s a significant difference between distressed jeans and altered jeans. Distressed jeans are a popular fashion trend, characterized by intentional rips, tears, and worn spots that give them a unique, rugged look. On the other hand, altered jeans refer to jeans that have been modified in some way, often unintentionally, to change their fit or appearance. Identifying whether a pair of jeans is distressed or altered is crucial, as it can impact the perceived value and authenticity of the item. Here are some tips to help you determine if your jeans are distressed or altered.
1. Inspect the Tears
One of the first things to look for is the tears themselves. Distressed jeans usually have uneven, irregular tears with jagged edges. These tears often appear on high-wear areas like the knees, pockets, and hems. In contrast, altered jeans may have cleaner, more even tears, or the alterations may be too uniform to be considered authentic distressing.
2. Check for Wear Patterns
Wear patterns in distressed jeans are usually consistent with how they would naturally occur over time. For example, you might find frayed edges, fading, and whiskers on the inside of the knees and pockets. Altered jeans, however, may show wear patterns that seem unnatural or out of place, as the alterations may have disrupted the natural wear process.
3. Look at the Holes
Holes in distressed jeans are typically small and scattered, giving the appearance of wear and tear. These holes may also have a frayed edge. Altered jeans may have larger holes, or the holes may be too consistent to be considered genuine distressing.
4. Consider the Denim Fabric
Distressed jeans are often made from a high-quality denim that withstands the wear and tear. The fabric may have a distinct texture, such as a selvage edge, or a specific weave. Altered jeans may have a lower-quality denim or a different weave that doesn’t match the intended distressed look.
5. Pay Attention to the Patches
In some cases, jeans may have patches to simulate distressing. However, authentic patches should blend seamlessly with the denim and not look like an afterthought. Altered jeans may have patches that are mismatched or look out of place.
By following these tips, you should be able to determine whether your jeans are distressed or altered. Remember, the goal is to identify genuine distressing, which adds value and authenticity to the item. Happy denim hunting!
