In my research, the deconstructed jeans trend actually started popping up in 2014 (and yes, I research things like Picasso’d pants now, and thank God this is a judgement-free zone). That being said, this year the trend has gained traction and seems to be becoming more mainstream.
I wore this BlankNYC pair on Monday to run errands
I wouldn’t say you could wear deconstructed denim everywhere, especially if you work in an office with a dress code. A general rule of thumb is to follow is that of anywhere you’d wear light- or medium-wash jeans, your jazzed-up denim would be welcome. The movies, brunch, a baseball game, wherever it is that cool kids relax nowadays – I wouldn’t know, haha – these jeans get the green light.
Photo via Tagwalk
So why now?
Why is denim that looks like it survived the wood chipper only to be reassembled by aliens lightly educated in in tailoring becoming big?
I have a few theories.
One is straight-up boredom, or rather, craving variety. I mean, they’ve been around since 1873, or about 21 “seven-year itches,” if you’re counting. A little spice after all this time couldn’t hurt.
A more complicated, and far more interesting, possibility is a gradual societal shift towards mindfulness around upcycling and reuse in a time where climate change has – rightfully so – seeped into our collective consciousness. We are more accepting of and fascinated by the concept of re-working what we already have (even if only in aesthetic, however hypocritical that may be).
This also feeds into the growing movement against fast-fashion, the idea that clothing takes care and time to create and that quality reins over quantity. There’s nothing that conjures that “handcrafted” image quite like a pair of jeans that looks like it’s been darned in front of granny’s fireplace, right?
In any case, now there are more options than ever if you’d like to jump on the deconstructed jeans bandwagon.
The Vintage/Upcycled Route:
If you want to “walk the walk,” so to speak, and purchase items made from vintage, upcycled, or remnant denim, I have good news for you. There are now so many (easy) ways to get your paws on unique pieces – and some are more mainstream than you’d think.
Urban Outfitters
Yeah, I know, their market is more Gen Z than Millennial nowadays, but stay with me. Relatively recently, they’ve started selling vintage and re-worked items in store and online through their Urban Renewal Program. Their selection is totally unique, inexpensive, and fashion-forward.
Re/Done and Levi’s
At a slightly higher price point, but similar model as Urban Renewal, Re/Done takes apart old Levi’s and makes them into “new” designs – and they’re not too shabby.
Etsy
If it can be made, it can be found on Etsy. If you want to support small businesses, and love combing through seemingly endless options, Etsy is your jam. I suggest searching for “upcycled denim” and “vintage levi’s” to get you started – it’s a jungle out there.
If You Want Brand Spanking New Deconstructed Jeans:
You’ll start to see undone denim everywhere, but here are some of my picks!
You can really take this as far as you want – the sky’s the limit. Or, maybe I should say JT and Britney in 2001 is the limit. It doesn’t get more denim-tastic than these two.
If you do go OTT with the deconstructed jeans, please send photos (you know where to find me – Stig@StigMendes.com or via my IG). I’d love to see them.
love,
Stig
P.S. Want more denim? I knew you did. Check out this, this, and this post.
