Jeans are known for their durable construction. After all, they are made of denim, which is cotton that’s woven in a way to increase the material’s strength. If you’re planning to wear jeans outdoors, though, you shouldn’t choose just any pair. Some jeans are stronger and more durable than others. By choosing the exceptionally durable jeans, they’ll last longer while offering a superior level of performance in rugged outdoor environments.
100% Denim
For a pair of rugged and long-lasting jeans, you need to ensure they are made of 100% denim. As previously mentioned, denim is a form of cotton that features a unique weaving pattern. The weaving pattern results in a warp face while simultaneously protecting the material from damage.
Not all jeans, however, are made entirely of denim. Some jeans contain added materials that change their physical properties. Stretch jeans, for instance, typically contain polyester or lycra. Even when used in small amounts, polyester or lycra will make the jeans more elastic. At the same time, the use of elastic materials such as these will lower the jeans’ strength, thereby making them more prone to damage when worn in rugged environments. Therefore, you should choose jeans made of 100% denim if you’re planning to wear them outdoors for an extended period.
Heavy Denim
In addition to a 100% denim construction, consider choosing jeans made of heavy denim. What is heavy denim and why does it matter? Heavy denim is the same as regular denim. The term “heavy” simply refers to the weight of the denim.
There are light, medium and heavy denim jeans. Light denim jeans weight the least, whereas heavy denim jeans weigh the most. As you may have guessed, medium denim jeans fall somewhere in the middle.
Because they weigh the most, heavy denim jeans offer a high level of protection against premature damage. The Kings Heavy Blue Jeans sold here at MakeYourOwnJeans are an excellent choice for outdoor usage because they are made of heavy denim. They feature 14 ounces of premium denim, which is more denim material than that of light or medium denim jeans. And with more denim, they are less likely to degrade from normal usage. You can wear heavy denim jeans like the Kings Heavy Blue Jeans outdoors for long periods without fear of them damaging. At the same time, they offer a soft texture that won’t cause discomfort.
Dark Color
Jeans are available in dozens of colors, including bright and dark colors. While there’s nothing wrong with wearing light-colored jeans, you may want to choose a dark color if you’re planning to wear them in rugged environments.
Dark colors like indigo and black conceal stains more effectively than light colors. If you get dirt on a pair of dark-colored jeans, it may not show. if you get dirt on a pair of light-colored jeans, on the other hand, it will almost certainly show. This is why most people prefer wearing dark-colored jeans outdoors rather than light-colored jeans. The only downside is that dark-colored jeans may fade when exposed to sunlight, but there are ways to protect against sun-related fading.
If you’re worried that sun exposure will cause your dark-colored jeans to fade, check out the following tips to preserve their original color and protect against fading.
- Wash them in cold water. Hot water, while more effective at removing stains, is more likely to cause fading than cold water.
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the washing machine when washing your jeans. Vinegar is a color protectant that minimizes the loss of dye. The end result is jeans with a deeper and stronger color.
- Wash your jeans less frequently. While all jeans will require washing sooner or later, you don’t have to wash your jeans each time you wear them. Cutting back on washing will actually extend the lifespan of your jeans while simultaneously preserving their original color.
Look for Selvedge Hems
Another tip on how to choose a pair of rugged and long-lasting jeans is to look for selvedge hems. The hem, of course, is the bottom of the pant leg where the jeans end. All jeans have a hem — technically two hems, one on each pant leg — but you may discover that some jeans have a unique style of hem in which the denim is sewn in place. Known as a selvedge hem, it’s an excellent choice for rugged jeans.
With a selvedge hem, jeans are less likely to fray and unravel at the bottom. Selvedge hems are still made of denim, but the denim material is folded up and sewn into place. As a result, you don’t have to worry about your jeans fraying or unraveling at the bottom. Since the denim material is sewn into place, it won’t succumb to damage.
The Fit Matters
Perhaps the most important feature in a pair of rugged and long-lasting jeans is a good fit. If your jeans don’t fit right, they probably won’t be very comfortable. More importantly, they may degrade when worn in rugged environments.
Finding jeans that fit right isn’t always easy. Most stores only sell jeans in basic length and waist measurements. If you’re lucky, you may find a pair of jeans in the perfect size for your body, but this usually doesn’t happen. Instead, your jeans may be just a half-size too big or a half-size too small. The good news is that you can order a pair of rugged jeans in a custom size. Custom-sized jeans are designed based on your body measurements, so they’ll fit right each and every time.
In Conclusion
By choosing the right type of jeans, you’ll be able to wear them longer — even in otherwise rugged environments like the outdoors. Just remember to look for a 100% denim construction, the use of heavy denim, a dark color, selvedge hems and the right fit. If your jeans meet this criterium, they should withstand the hands of time for many years to come.
