Ripped Jeans
ARTICLES
Ripped jeans, which come in levels of distress from subtle frays to hanging holes, say “I’m too cool to care,” and can be worn casually or dressed up for a night out.
Whether you’re channeling your inner Britney Spears and pairing your ripped low-rise boyfriend jeans with crop tops or Rihanna with a crewneck sweatshirt, there’s a ripped jean outfit out there waiting just for you.
Beyonce 2014 ripped denim & crewneck
Ripped Jean History
Britney Spears in Y2K Low-Rise Ripped Boyfriend Jeans
Miley Cyrus, 2014 Ripped Jeans Shorts
1950s The Birth of Ripped Jeans
In the 1950s, young people started to wear denim as a form of rebellion against the mainstream, and some individuals would intentionally fray or rip their jeans to give them a more worn-in and authentic look.
This trend was particularly popular among the greaser subculture, which was associated with motorcycles and rock and roll music.
Ripped jeans were not a popular fashion trend in the 1960s, and it wasn’t until the late 1970s and early 1980s that they became a mainstream fashion statement.
Distressed denim began as a trend in the 1970s with ripped bell-bottom jeans, flares, and wide-leg pants, which were often worn with platform shoes or Chuck Taylor’s (the OG name for Converse Sneakers when they came out in the 70s). 1970s hippies often personalized their denim by adding flower patches or peace embroidery.
The ripped and torn jeans look became more prevalent in the 1980s with the rise of punk and new wave music scenes.
The punk rock and new wave music scenes were influential and distressed denim was often worn as a form of rebellion and self-expression. The trend started with punk rock musicians, who would deliberately rip and distress their clothing to make a statement against mainstream fashion.
As the trend caught on, ripped jeans became a symbol of youth culture and an expression of individuality. This style was popular among both men and women and has continued to be a fashion staple in various forms throughout the years.
Ripped Jeans 90s - 2000s
Black Ripped Jeans
The Most Versatile Denim
Ripped Jean Aesthetics
Ripped jeans can fall under a few different aesthetics including:
Grunge: Ripped jeans are often associated with the grunge fashion style, which emerged in the early 1990s and is characterized by a dark, edgy, and anti-establishment aesthetic.
Streetwear: Ripped jeans have also become a staple in streetwear fashion, which combines elements of hip-hop, punk, and skate culture.
Boho Chic: Ripped jeans can also be incorporated into a bohemian or boho-chic style, characterized by flowy, earthy, and eclectic clothing.
Types Of Ripped Jeans
Knee Slashes: Ripped jeans that have tears on the knees, creating a distressed look.
Frayed Hem: Jeans with a raw and frayed hem, usually at the bottom of the legs.
Step Hem: Jeans with a stepped or angled hem that is cut in a unique way to create a unique look.
Distressed Denim: Jeans that have been treated to look like they have been worn for a long time, often with holes, tears, and fraying.
Cropped Ripped Jeans: Ripped jeans that are shorter in length and often show a bit of skin, typically worn with high-top sneakers or ankle boots.
Sustainable & Customizable
Ripped jeans are a sustainable fashion choice, as they extend the life of an otherwise worn-out or damaged pair of jeans. Try DIY ripping your old jeans by cutting and distressing their knees, thighs, and back to your desired level of wear.
Were ripped jeans popular in the 90s?
Yes, ripped jeans were very popular in the 90s, particularly in the grunge and punk subcultures. Associated with rebellion and non-conformity, the ripped and distressed denim look was an edgy fashion statement worn by celebrities, musicians, and everyone cool.
Types of rips in jeans
There are several types of rips or tears that can be found on jeans, including:
- Knee Rips: This type of rip is typically found just above or below the knee and can vary in size from small holes to larger tears.
- Thigh Rips: Thigh rips are less common than knee rips but can also be found on ripped jeans. They are usually larger in size and may extend from the hip down to the knee.
- Frayed Hems: Frayed hems are another common feature of ripped jeans. This type of rip occurs at the bottom of the jeans and creates a frayed, uneven edge.
- Shredded Jeans: Shredded jeans have multiple small rips and tears throughout the fabric, creating a more distressed and grungy look.
- Butt Rips: This type of rip can be found on the back of the jeans, typically just above the back pocket.
- Pocket Rips: Pocket rips occur when the fabric around the pocket is torn or frayed, giving the jeans a more worn-in look.
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