How to ‘distress’ jeans?

[Russ B]

I have a pair of dark indigo jeans which I’d like to give a more ‘worn’ or ‘distressed’ look. Aside from wearing them down myself, are there any processes I can try which will speed it up myself?

[orangebird]

After you've washed them, dry them inside out. Also, try and hang them by a window where the sun comes in, this will fade them gently and evenly.

[Russ B]

Really??

Is that all it takes?

[Mr_love_monkey]

Take them to a laundrette, place them in a large sack with a collection of stones - wash them....

[Russ B]

Originally Posted by Mr_love_monkey

Take them to a laundrette, place them in a large sack with a collection of stones - wash them....

lol I didn't think of that! But I'd rather 'faded' than 'stonewashed'

[Mr_love_monkey]

Originally Posted by Russ D

lol I didn't think of that! But I'd rather 'faded' than 'stonewashed'

Everyone's a critic

Having read orangebirds solution, that seems a lot easier

[orangebird]

Originally Posted by Russ D

Really??

Is that all it takes?

It won't make much difference instantly, but yes, it does work. Even better if you have a tumble dryer. Drying them inside out makes the colour fade on the 'natural' creases of your jeans ie across the tummy and crotch, behind the knees etc.

Originally Posted by Russ D

lol I didn't think of that :p

Just make sure the laundrette owner doesn't mind you putting stones in their machines...

[STONEISLAND]

Get a rope and tie a knot to the jeans then to a car and drive for about 2 miles with great results.

[Russ B]

Possibly a bit extreme but thanks!

[Nidge]

Originally Posted by Russ D

I have a pair of dark indigo jeans which I’d like to give a more ‘worn’ or ‘distressed’ look. Aside from wearing them down myself, are there any processes I can try which will speed it up myself?

Wash with a cap full of bleach till your happy with the shade. Simple really.

[Dave Stones]

take an electric sander to them, just like stonewashing but more specific and faster

[Graham M]

Someone's been watching too much Braniac!

[Dave Stones]

Originally Posted by Zeph

Someone's been watching too much Braniac!

for the benefit of the masses, what's that?

[Salu]

Talk to them and tell them that they are the ugliest pair of jeans you have ever seen; that their parents were sent to the charity shop last week and they will go the same way.....That should soon distress them..

[SMHarman]

Originally Posted by orangebird

It won't make much difference instantly, but yes, it does work. Even better if you have a tumble dryer. Drying them inside out makes the colour fade on the 'natural' creases of your jeans ie across the tummy and crotch, behind the knees etc.

You need to put them outside the window, not inside as glass acts (Pilkington K moreso) as a very effective UV filter (UV doing the fading an all that). Thats why a sunny day on the washing line can fade a red T in hours (red is also more affected by UV being nearer it), this is why red cars fade more than other colours.