Distressed Denim Blues
Summer is definitely a time to choose comfortable shorts and tank tops to bare the climate that we all endure in the lovely yet ridiculously hot San Fernando Valley. Every summer I become obsessed with one pair of shorts that I choose to wear several days of the week. After half the summer has gone by and I have become so familiar with the appearance of the same shorts I have been wearing so often, I get extremely bored of them. A fun way to spice up your favorite pair of shorts to give them some fun summer flair is to distress the denim. Below are the directions to distress your favorite pair of jean shorts!
What You Need:
A pair of jeans or jean shorts (make sure the fabric is stiff)
A pencil
A piece of cardstock paper
Scotch tape
A razor blade (Exacto Knifes are perfect)
How to Create:
First step is to lay the denim on a flat surface where there is good lighting. Decide which places on the denim that you would like to have distressed. With a pencil draw two horizontal lines. Keep in mind that these lines will be the markers that will indicate the top and bottom of the distressed area. Pick several areas on the shorts or jeans to place the lines in preparation for the distressing. Once your lines are established, fold the cardstock piece of paper in half and tape the edges so it does not come unfolded. Take the folded piece of cardstock paper and place it under an area you would like to distress by sliding it from the top of the shorts or jeans down through the pant leg. Once you are sure your cardstock is secured inside the shorts take your razor blade and find the center between the two horizontal lines that are establishing the area that you are distressing. Hold the jeans tight so that the fabric is completely stiff and make a horizontal slash in the center of the lines. The slash should be a clean, neat line. You won’t see the slightest bit of distressed jean until the process is completed! Make several slashes ¼ inch apart within the designated area. Repeat this process until you have completed each of the areas. Once the denim is fully prepared, throw them in the washing machine at the same setting that is normal for the piece. After the jean is washed, put it in the dryer until they are fully dry. Repeat this washer and dryer cycle twice. After the second cycle the jeans are finished and ready to be worn!
This is a really fun summer activity that could be done in one afternoon! Try finding jeans at a local thrift shop for a more authentic feel. Enjoy your revamped style to your favorite pair of shorts!
Some thrift shops to search in:
Salvation Army Thrift Store
2400 West Hillcrest Drive
Newbury Park
(805) 375-6980
Mad Attic
(805) 497-1990
226 N Skyline Dr, #A,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
