How to Create Destroyed Denim
Destroyed jeans have a more broken-in look than a new pair from the mall, making them popular among those that prefer a less crisp and clean style. You can purchase jeans that have been destroyed by the manufacturer, but they usually cost more than a pair that looks brand new. Take your old jeans, or a less expensive pair of new jeans, and destroy them yourself to achieve the same look for far less.
Things You'll Need
- Tailor's chalk
- Craft knife or razor
- Bleach
- Bowl
- Water
- Sponge
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Nail file
Instructions
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1
Put on the jeans. Mark with tailor's chalk where you want to put holes. Look for areas where more wear is likely to occur, such as the knees and the tops of the thighs.
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2
Slash the jeans vertically a couple times in each of the areas you marked with the tailor's chalk. Use a craft knife or razor to make these slashes.
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3
Create a mixture that is equal parts bleach and water in a bowl. Dip a sponge in the mixture, wring it out well and wipe the sponge over the jeans. Wipe the sponge in places where the jeans would naturally fade, such as down the front and back of the legs.
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4
Wash the jeans three or four times until the slashes start to fray. You don't need to use detergent and fabric softener. Dry the jeans in the dryer. Use the same settings you usually do to wash and dry jeans. Wipe more bleach mixture on the jeans between washes if they aren't faded enough.
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5
Use a nail file to create a worn look along the top edges of the pockets, bottom edges of the legs and along the top of the waistband.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a paintbrush and fabric paint to put paint splatters on the jeans, if you want to add some color to the denim.
Add patches to the denim to make them look even older.
You can use a low-grit sandpaper in place of a nail file to create wear on the jeans.
Be careful when cutting the slashes into your jeans. Always cut away from your body and keep your hands clear of the blade's path.
Work in a well-ventilated area when using bleach.
Wash the jeans by themselves, not with your other clothing, to avoid unintentionally bleaching other fabric items.
