Jeans are a wardrobe staple with staying power; they were invented in the late 1800s by Levi Strauss. Originally considered work pants, jeans were labelled “waist overalls” because of their structure and material. Today, jeans are worn by all ages and for a variety of purposes. They are comfortable, long-lasting and flatter all body types, making them a wise investment in any wardrobe. Since manufacturers base their designs on current fashion styles, many jeans are similar in appearance and fit. Finding a unique pair of jeans is not an easy task and often requires customization.
Color should be considered when seeking a unique pair of jeans. Most jeans come in blue or black, and less commonly, brown and grey. However, these types of pants can be found in almost any color of the rainbow, from red to purple. Choosing a brightly colored jean will provide distinctiveness, but because these shades were popular in the 1990s, they often appear dated. To create a custom color effect, try dipping the legs of a pair of jeans in a mixture of dye one shade darker than the true color.
Jean style is equally (if not more) important. The list of styles is endless, since jeans are considered the ideal companion for any type of garment. Some jeans are well-tailored to flatter a work wardrobe, while other styles are much more casual. To break away from the mainstream designs, any pair of jeans can be personalized. Even novice tailors can easily attach other fabrics, such as lace or embroidered patches, to jeans. For those less inclined, a glue gun can be used to add buttons or objects, or to attach some types of material. Scissors are a great customization tool. An easy way to alter the appearance of jeans is by cutting off the bottoms in an irregular pattern, like zigzags. For a longer-term effect, fabric paint is available in a variety of colors and can be used to create a myriad of designs.
Buying expensive jeans for the purpose of modification is not necessary. Many department stores and thrift shops offer gently used jeans for a fraction of the cost and they are often easier to manoeuvre. Sometimes second-hand jeans are considered superior to new jeans because they have already been washed several times and the fit is less constrictive.
There are also a few new manufacturers on the market who embrace the concept of unique jean styles, a welcome change for the creatively challenged. While most of these designs are not yet available in stores, they can be browsed and purchased online.
