The world of denim has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, introducing a wide variety of new styles from which to choose. Long gone are the days of standard-fit jeans. Now, men and women can choose from a near-limitless variety of styles, ranging from standard to low-rise, stretch, boot-cut and more. Regardless of your personal style, chances are you’ll have no problem finding a perfect pair of jeans to match — assuming you spend enough time shopping.
The sheer number of new denim styles can be confusing, however, especially for individuals who are unfamiliar with the terms. One style of jeans that leaves many men and women scratching their heads is “whiskers.” If you’ve spent any significant length of time shopping for jeans, you may have noticed some of them labeled as having “whiskers.” Based on the name alone, it’s difficult to determine what exactly this term means. They obviously don’t have physical whiskers attached to them, so why are they are called jeans with whiskers? To better answer this question, let’s take a closer look at the term and how its used to describe to denim jeans.
Denim Whiskers Defined
Whiskers — when used in the context of denim jeans or other garments — refers to a special type of pre-fabricated pattern creases that resembles the whiskers of a cat. The pattern looks aged and worn-in to create a truly one-of-a-kind look that’s not found in traditional jeans or garments. Normally, the whiskers are created just slightly below the waistline, around the crotch, although it’s not uncommon for companies to include them in other areas, such as the thighs and knees. If you see a pair of jeans “with whiskers” available for sale, inspect the jeans to determine where exactly the whiskers are located.
Benefits of Whiskers
The only real benefits offered by whiskers is their style. While they aren’t going to improve the function or structural integrity of your jeans, they can enhance the appearance of your jeans. Whiskers add a unique element to jeans, making them look somewhat ages and worn-in. Of course, aged jeans have become a popular fashion statement, with many companies producing their jeans in this fashion. In any case, you really can’t go wrong with the stylish look of jeans with whiskers. It’s a simple yet fun design technique that enhances the look of jeans.
Origins of Whiskers
It’s unknown who exactly was responsible for pioneering the technique of whiskers in jeans. However, the general consensus is that it originated several decades ago by fashion designers who wanted to make their jeans more visible and eye-catching. The use of whiskers is an attention-grabbing element, meaning they have a tendency to draw attention towards the pre-fabricated pattern creases. If you’re hoping to blend in with the crowd, a standard pair of jeans will likely suffice. But if you’re trying to stand out and turn heads, opting to wear a pair of jeans with whiskers may prove to be a better choice.
How Whiskers are Made
You might be wondering how exactly the whisker patterns are created on jeans. Well, there are several different techniques used by fashion designers to achieve this look, one of which involved the use of rubber balloons. The jeans are mounted on a rubber balloon, at which point the balloon is then filled with air to create the impression of the whiskers. Next, the jeans are scrubbed with sand paper to achieve the pattern lines. It may sound like a simple enough procedure, but creating whiskers is a laborious, tedious process that requires a great deal of attention to detail. There’s an inherit risk of damage to the denim fabric during the whiskers’ creation if certain precautions are not taken.
Thick rubber boards featuring engraved patterns may also be used to create whiskers on jeans. The patterns consist of rubber sheets with electrical wires to leave the impression of whiskers behind. Regardless of the method used, the end result remains the same: pre-fabricated patterns that resemble whiskers. The patterns are mostly created in a manner that looks aged and worn-in, adding further value to their appearance. Whiskers can be found on both men’s and women’s jeans alike.
Are Jeans with Whiskers the Right Choice for Me?
Now that you know a little bit about whiskers on jeans and how they are made, you might be wondering whether or nor they are a good choice for you. Ultimately, the decision to choose jeans with whiskers or without whiskers is up to you. Some people prefer the look of jeans with whiskers, whereas others prefer the look of traditional jeans without whiskers.
Here are some tips on how to choose jeans with whiskers:
- Pay attention to where the whiskers are located. As noted above, they are most commonly created on the thighs and around the crotch, but some fashion designers may include them in other areas.
- Are the whiskers easy to see? Ideally, they should maintain a cohesive appearance with the natural color and design of the denim while still maintaining a high level of visibility.
- Do you prefer dark or light-colored jeans with whiskers? Darker colors are better suited for formal and semi-formal occasions, whereas lighter colors work best for casual occasions. Keep this in mind when shopping for jeans with whiskers.
- Consider the length of whiskers and how it relates to the length and size of the jeans. If the whiskers are too short, it may look awkward and difficult to spot. But if they are too long, it could be overwhelming.
Whiskers are an excellent addition to denim jeans. They are characterized by the use of pre-fabricated patterns that resemble whiskers. You can find jeans with whiskers available for both men and women, adding a new dimension of style to this classic garment. After reading this, you should have a better understanding of whiskers and how they are created. Click here to browse through our wide variety of both whiskered and non-whiskered jeans.
