7 Fun Facts About Stretch Jeans

Stretch jeans have become increasingly popular in recent years. Like all jeans, they consist of denim trousers. You can wear stretch jeans in most casual outfits while projecting a fashionable appearance. Stretch jeans, however, are different from other jeans. They are made of a special type of denim that contains a combination of both cotton and an elastic fabric. This post reveals seven fun facts about stretch jeans, some of which may surprise you. #1) 15% More Elastic Than Standard Jeans While the elastic properties of stretch jeans vary depending on the type, as well as how they are constructed, most of them are about 15% more elastic than standard jeans. Standard jeans have little or no elasticity. As you may know, standard jeans are made entirely of denim. Denim doesn’t have elastic properties, so standard jeans aren’t very elastic. Stretch jeans offer a solution. They are about 15% more elastic than standard jeans because they contain an elastic fabric. #2) Available in Different Elastic Fabrics You can find stretch jeans available in different elastic fabrics. All stretch jeans are made of stretch denim. Their use of stretch denim, of course, is what distinguishes them from standard jeans. Nonetheless, some stretch jeans are made with a different type of stretch denim than others. Some of them are made of denim and polyester, whereas others are made of denim and lycra. All of these elastic fabrics are stretchy, but they have nuances that can affect their performance. Lycra is arguably the best all-around elastic fabric for stretch jeans because of its superior strength, elasticity and overall versatility. #3) Softer Texture...

The Complete Guide to Boot-Cut Jeans

Jeans have evolved since their origins over a century ago. While they are still made of the same denim material, they are now available in many different cuts. The cut refers to the way in which a pair of jeans sits on or hangs from your body when worn. Boot-cut jeans, for instance, feature a unique design that makes them ideal for use with boots. If regularly wear boots in your daily outfits, you may want to invest in a pair of premium boot-cut jeans. What Are Boot-Cut Jeans? Boot-cut jeans are denim trousers that feature a tapered construction that becomes wider from the knees to the hem. The hem, of course, is the bottom. All jeans have two pant legs, with each pant leg stopping at the hem. With boot-cut jeans, the pant legs become wider towards the hem, resulting in a spacious bottom that’s capable of accomodating a pair of boots. They are known as “boot-cut jeans” because they can be easily, as well as comfortably, worn with a pair of boots. It’s no secret that boots are taller than most forms of footwear. While athletic shoes and tennis shoes are typically short, boots can extend 1 or more inches up your ankles when worn. Regardless of how tall your boots are, you can probably wear them with boot-cut jeans. Boot-Cut vs Traditional Jeans The main difference between boot-cut jeans and traditional jeans is that the former features a tapered construction that becomes wider towards the hem, whereas the latter does not. Traditional jeans generally run straight through their pant legs. In other words, they don’t become...

Denim Spotlight: Stretch Chino Jeans

Have you heard of stretch chino jeans? They aren’t just ordinary jeans. While they may look like most other types of jeans, stretch chino jeans feature several unique properties that set them apart. If you’re thinking about buying a pair, you might be wondering what are stretch chino jeans. To learn more about stretch chino jeans, including how they differ from other types of jeans, keep reading. What Are Stretch Chino Jeans? Stretch chino jeans are denim trousers featuring design elements of both chinos and stretch jeans. Chinos, of course, are full-length trousers that are constructed of chino cloth. They feature parallel ribbing on the surface that distinguishes them from other trousers. All chinos are made of chino cloth, which is cotton with parallel ribbing on the surface. Stretch jeans, on the other hand, are full-length denim trousers that contain an elastic material. Stretch jeans are still made of denim — just like all jeans — but they contain an elastic material as well. Some of them contain lycra, whereas others contain polyester or spandex. Regardless, all stretch jeans are made of denim that’s mixed with an elastic material. The latter material is responsible for its stretchy and elastic properties. Stretch chino jeans live up to their namesake by combining features of both chinos and stretch jeans. That’s why they are known as “stretch chino jeans.” With that said, there are a few key differences between stretch chino jeans and traditional jeans. Stretch Chino Jeans vs Traditional Jeans Stretch chino jeans and traditional jeans are both made of cotton. Cotton is the base material from which denim is made...

Lock Stitch vs Chain Stitch Jeans: What’s the Difference?

Stitches are a common component in all types of jeans. From hard-washed and dry denim jeans to stretch and distressed jeans, all jeans are made with stitches. Stitches are used to join and finish specific parts of the denim. They consist of two pieces of threads that, when sewn together in a particular pattern, serve as a fastener. Not all jeans, however, feature the same type of stitches. Some of them have lock stitches, whereas others have chain stitches. Lock stitches and chain stitches both consist of two individual threads that are sewn together in a particular pattern, and they are both used for fastening applications on jeans. So, what’s the difference between lock stitch jeans and chain stitch jeans? What Are Lock Stitch Jeans? Lock stitch jeans are denim trousers that are made with lock stitches. Lock is the most common type of stitch used for jeans (as well as many other garments). To create a lock stitch, manufacturers must use a needle and a bobbin. It involves the creation of many small “locked sections” of thread, hence the name “lock stitch.” You can often find lock stitches inside of the waistband, on the legs, inside of the pockets and a few other areas of your jeans. They look like a band with zig-zagging threading. Each band has many sections of thread that are locked together. What Are Chain Stitch Jeans? Chain stitch jeans are denim trousers that are made with chain stitches. It’s the second-most common type of stitch used for jeans. Chain stitches are created using a needle and a looper thread. Like with lock stitches,...

How to Wear Denim During the Summer

You don’t have to stop wearing denim just because it’s warm outside. While some people only wear jeans and other denim garments during the cooler of months of the year, denim can be worn year-round. Denim itself is cotton. Cotton, of course, is a relatively cool fabric that’s highly breathable. Nonetheless, certain types of denim garments may cause discomfort when worn during the summer. You can still wear denim during the summer, but you should consider following a few tips to achieve a high level of coolness and comfort. Choose Lightweight Denim While all denim consists of cotton, its weight can vary. Some types of denim are heavy, for instance, whereas others are lightweight. Jeans and other garments made of heavy denim are great for the fall and winter months, but they may leave you feeling uncomfortably hot when worn during the summer. For a higher level of coolness and comfort during the summer, choose garments made of lightweight denim. The Olympus Blue Wash Jeans sold exclusively here at MakeYourOwnJeans, for instance, are made of 10 ounces of high-quality denim. With their lightweight construction, they are perfect for the summer. You can wear them throughout the summer months without fear of them causing heat-related discomfort. Consider a Distressed Style Distressed denim is on the rise — and for good reason. It offers an aged, worn-in appearance that’s distinguished from traditional and non-distressed denim. More importantly perhaps, distressed denim is cooler than its non-distressed counterpart, making it ideal for the summer. The term “distressed denim” refers to any style that’s intentionally degraded or otherwise altered from its original form during...

How to Choose Shrink-Resistant Jeans

Are you tired of buying new jeans, only for them to shrink just a few months later? Jeans are the preferred type of pants among men and women alike. Statistics show the average person owns over a half-dozen pairs of them. They are strong and durable yet also soft and comfortable. Like all pants, though, jeans can shrink. If a pair of jeans shrink several sizes, you may no longer be able to wear them. Fortunately, there are shrink-resistant jeans available for sale; you just need to know what to look for when shopping for them. Washed Denim Jeans made of washed denim offer a higher level of protection against shrinkage than those made of dry denim. Both raw denim and washed denim consist of cotton. The difference is that washed denim is submerged in a bath of water during production, whereas raw denim is not. Because washed denim is literally washed, jeans made of this material are less likely to shrink. If you’re worried that your jeans will shrink, stick with washed denim. Hard washed jeans are especially effective. They are made of denim that’s washed in hot water during production. When exposed to hot water, the denim shrinks. This initial shrinkage means they are less likely to shrink when washed and dried in the future. Heavyweight The weight of the denim used in a pair of jeans can vary. Some jeans are made with lightweight denim, whereas others are made of heavyweight denim. For the utmost level of protection against shrinkage, it’s recommended that you choose the latter type. Heavyweight denim is thicker and denser than its...

7 Benefits of Choosing Jeans With Whiskers

When shopping for a new pair of jeans, you may notice that some of them have whiskers. Whiskers are a common feature in both men’s and women’s jeans. Also known as moustaches, they consist of a pattern or patterns of fading. In other words, jeans with whiskers are intentionally faded during production — but only in specific areas of the jeans. What benefits do jeans with whiskers offer exactly? #1) Soft Texture You can rest assured knowing that jeans with whiskers have a soft texture. They are typically softer, in fact, than their whisker-less counterparts. Most manufacturers create whiskers by exposing the surface of the jeans to an abrasive material, such as pumice stones or sandpaper. As the surface of the jeans wears down, it becomes softer. Other jeans can have a soft texture as well, but those with whiskers typically have a superior level of softness because of their unique production process. With their soft texture, jeans with whiskers are comfortable to wear. You can wear them for eight or more hours a day without fear of them causing discomfort. Jeans with whiskers are softer than other types of jeans, resulting in long-lasting comfort. #2) Resistant to Fading Because they are intentionally faded during production, jeans with whiskers are naturally resistant to future fading. All jeans can fade. Fading is a phenomenon that can occur in all types of dyed garments. Jeans, of course, contain dyed denim. Whether your jeans have a traditional blue color or a more modern color like red or yellow, they may fade over time. By choosing jeans with whiskers, though, they won’t easily...

Should You Wash Jeans Inside Out?

You can’t expect to keep your jeans clean and stain-free without washing them. Like all garments, jeans will collect dirt and debris. If left unchecked, the presence of these foreign substances can cause unsightly stains to develop. Washing your jeans, of course, offers an easy and effective way to clean them. Before tossing them in the washing machine, though, you may want to turn your jeans inside out. It only takes a minute to turn a pair of jeans inside out, but doing so offers several benefits that you can’t ignore. Prevents Fasteners From Snagging Turning your jeans inside out before washing them will prevent the fasteners from snagging. All jeans have fasteners. Some of them have buttons on the fly, whereas others have a zipper on the fly. There are even jeans with both a zipper and buttons on the fly. Regardless, these fasteners can snag on your jeans or on other garments in the washing machine. Fasteners like zippers and buttons are found on the outside of jeans. No matter what type of fasteners your jeans have, you can find them on the outside — specifically on the fly. If you don’t turn your jeans inside out before washing them, the fasteners may snag on your jeans or on other garments in the washing machine. This can lead to serious damage that’s difficult or even impossible to repair without the services of a professional tailor. Fortunately, you can prevent fasteners from snagging by turning your jeans inside out before washing them. Preserves the Color of Raw Denim Jeans Assuming your jeans are made of raw denim —...

7 Myths About Washing and Maintaining Jeans Debunked

While durable, jeans aren’t immune to stains. They can develop stains just like most other garments when exposed to a colored liquid or substance. To preserve your jeans, you’ll need to wash and maintain them. Washing and maintaining your jeans may sound like a simple enough process, but many people take the wrong approach. Below are seven common myths about washing and maintaining jeans that you shouldn’t fall for. #1) The Detergent Doesn’t Matter When washing your jeans, you may assume that the type of detergent you use doesn’t matter. Detergent is the cleaning substance that will lift dirt and debris out of your jeans, resulting in a cleaner appearance. With that said, there are different types of detergent, some of which are better for jeans than others. You should typically avoid washing your jeans with powder detergent. Instead, use liquid detergent. Liquid detergent is gentler than powder detergent. When washing your jeans with powder detergent, the abrasive powder particles can degrade them. Some of the powder may, in fact, get stuck in the zipper or fly where it prevents your jeans from fastening properly. You can avoid these problems by washing your jeans with liquid detergent. #2) Always Safe to Wash With Other Colors Your jeans may not or may not be safe to wash with other colors. Some jeans are known to bleed their colors — especially when washed for the first time. Jeans made of raw denim, for instance, often bleed when washed for the first time. Raw denim is defined by its unwashed construction. Therefore, washing a pair of raw denim jeans for the first...