There’s an age-old question that continues to spark debate: should you wear light or dark-colored jeans? Granted, jeans are available in nearly every color under the rainbow, but the “go to” choice of color for most men and women is either light blue or dark blue. These two colors offer a timeless look that’s simply not found elsewhere. Regardless of your personal style, you really can’t go wrong with either of these choices. With that said, however, there are subtle nuances between dark blue and light blue that you should be aware of. So if you’re struggling to choose between these two colors for your denim jeans, keep reading for some helpful tips to make your decision a little easier.
Casual vs Formal
Arguably, the greatest difference between light and dark-colored jeans is their level of formality. Generally speaking, light blue jeans offer a more relaxed and casual appearance, whereas dark blue jeans offer a more formal appearance. If you plan on wearing them to a semi-formal dinner event, for instance, it’s best to stick with dark-colored jeans for this reason alone. Light blue jeans simply lack the necessary level of formality needed for these occasions. You can still wear light blue jeans, but they aren’t the best choice for formal or semi-formal occasions. Instead, wear light blue jeans for casual events and occasions, such as running errands around town, shopping, going out with friends, etc. Following this rule will place you miles ahead of everyone else, as this rule is often overlooked.
Dark Jeans are More Likely to Fade
Convention wisdom should lead you to believe that dark blue jeans are more likely to fade than light blue jeans. This isn’t something that happens overnight. Rather, it often takes months or even years before any noticeable fading occurs. Fading is usually the result of poor washing habits, which we’ve discussed previously here on our blog. Rather than washing your jeans after each use, consider washing them after several uses — or you could even refrain from washing them until they are visibly dirty. You can also preserve the color of your jeans — whether light or dark blue — by turning your jeans inside out before washing them. Doing so conceals the exterior of your jeans so only the interior is exposed to the water and detergent. In any case, it’s important to note that dark blue jeans are more likely to fade than their lighter-colored counterparts.
Distressed
Of course, you can find the popular “distressed” style of jeans available in both light and dark colors. Distressed denim lives up to its namesake by featuring an aged, worn-in appearance. It’s often characterized by worn patches of denim in the thighs and legs, as well as fading throughout the jeans. Jeans can distress naturally over time, though some are specifically made to feature this style. If you prefer the unique style of distressed denim, you can rest assured knowing that it’s available in both light and dark colors.
The Fit
Both dark and light-colored jeans have a similar fit. Technically speaking, the fit varies depending on the cut and style of denim. Straight-leg jeans, for instance, tend to run straight through the thighs and legs, whereas skinny-leg jeans become more narrow through the leg. Whether you prefer light or dark-colored jeans, however, you can find the perfect fit by ordering your denim here at MakeYourOwnJeans. We offer custom sizing on all of our jeans. When ordering, simply specify your measurements and we’ll use those measurements to create the perfect pair of jeans fitted for your body. This takes the burden of “hoping” you find the right size at a local retail store off your shoulders. Give us the correct measurements and you’ll get the perfect fit; it’s just that simple.
Check Your Shirt
You’ll need to consider the color and style of your shirt when choosing jeans. If your jeans are light blue, for instance, you obviously shouldn’t wear a shirt in a similar light blue color, as this creates the appearance of a one-piece suit (that’s never good). On the other hand, you also shouldn’t wear a dark blue shirt if your jeans are also dark blue. You can, however, wear a light blue shirt with dark blue jeans, or conversely a dark blue shirt with light blue jeans. The general idea is to create a contrast between your jeans and shirt by wearing opposite colors.
Ease of Staining
Not surprisingly, light blue jeans are more likely to show stains than their dark blue counterpart. When wearing light blue jeans, you need to be extra careful to avoid spilling drinks or food on them. Spilling just a sip of your morning coffee could result in a large, dark stain on your jeans. And being that your jeans are light blue, it will naturally show stains more easily than dark blue jeans. You can still wear light blue jeans, but you should be extra cautious around food, drinks, ink pens, markers, etc. to reduce the risk of staining.
What About an Alternative Color?
Of course, there’s no rule — written or otherwise — stating that you must wear blue-colored jeans. Both light blue and dark blue are excellent color choices for denim, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to limit yourself to only choosing between the two. If you’ve spent any time shopping here on our website, you’ve probably noticed just how many other colors are available. In addition to traditional colors like light blue and dark blue, denim jeans are available in yellow, green, black, white and even red. Feel free to go beyond light blue and dark blue, venturing into some of these alternative colors for your denim jeans. Who knows, you may find a new favorite color?
