Denim DIY

One of our favourite seasonal staples is a pair of denim shorts. Like fine wine, denim gets better with age. As it ages, and with every new adventure, come wonderful signs of wear. But because we live in the land of impatience, and possibly because by the time it's aged beautifully, so have we…

We need a recipe to ripen our darling denims super-fast.

First, we forage.

The fastest way to age denim is to get your hands on some that have already cuddled someone else's buns. Look for good-quality jeans. Don't waste time with disposable denim. It's not made to last, will not hold its shape and doesn't have the same effect when you've finished your operation.

Start your search in family or friends' wardrobes, recycled shops and markets.

Once you've found quality threads, it's time to operate. There's no need for a denim doctor. You can DIY.

Cut Them

Find a pair of shorts you already own at a length you like, to use as a guide. Always use the crotch as your matching point for length, never the waist. This will keep your bottom coverage consistent if the waist height varies.

Cut the new pair a touch longer than the existing pair. It's much easier to further shorten than add length if you've been a little overexcited with the scissors. It also gives you room for fraying without flashing.

Grate Them

If they're not already distressed, get out the grater. My preference is a parmesan grater. It's less brutal, easier to manage and gives a more natural worn look. Grate areas that would be consistent with wear.

Wash Them

Some suggest you freeze denim instead of washing it to preserve colour and make it last. Whilst the freezer may temporarily reduce suspicious scents, it won't reliably kill germs or properly clean your denim.

We're going for the worn look, so throw them in the wash. Especially when perfecting raw edges, you can help the fray along by pulling threads before washing.

If you happen to be impossibly impatient, many labels have already done all of this for you, but where's the fun in that?

Before I go, a magic trick. Your denim shorts are probably already a little cheeky, so I doubt you need an inappropriate zip that won't stay up! Secure the sassy little thing by putting a keyring through the zipper and looping it over the button. Button jeans as normal. Done!

Righto, off you go. Time to sift through your dad's duds!

Originally published in Sunshine Coast Daily's Life & Style Weekend Magazine, 26 October 2019.