If we really stop to think about it, ripped jeans should cost a lot less than others because it seems as though a lesser jean material is used to produce them, right?
But, that’s not the case as ripped jeans are way more expensive than others. As a matter of fact, we see certain ripped jeans worn by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian cost way more than $1, 400.
What is the reason behind the difference in prices of ripped jeans and others? Is it because ripped jeans are considered to be trendy? Perhaps there is a sensible reason why ripped jeans cost more. We think there is too.
But, before we go on to explain, there is a need to set the records straight; Producing ripped jeans or other types like the unripped requires the same amount of jean fabric.
The difference lies in the fact that more time and energy is expended to have the jeans ripped. This would naturally attract extra cost and that’s just one of the reasons why ripped jeans cost more.
Other reasons why ripped jeans cost more
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A set of jean makers use a machine to rip up the jeans, it is preferred by them as it is less tasking and, a lot of pairs can actually be ripped in a short while.
Other jean makers prefer to have it manually done. They prefer the natural look a manually done rip gives to the neat and overly perfect rips of the machine.
Whichever way we want to look at it, any method used has a cost implication. Machine ripped jeans would cost more to cover the cost of the use of machinery. Manually ripped jeans would also cost more to cover up for the time, energy, and expertise of the ripper.
We say expertise as not everybody can handle the job. It takes someone with experience to effect natural-looking rips on jeans.
Another reason why ripped jeans cost more is that they are seen to be highly fashionable and currently in vogue. This means that the demand for it is high and naturally, the price is bound to go up as well.
Finally, ripped jeans would cost more because of the high rate of rejected pairs. Any slight error in the creation of rips might lead to the jean being rejected. This fact can also be linked to the increased cost of the finished Jean product.
How did the trend of ripped jeans begin?
The distressed jean trend dates back to many years ago in the 80s when it was not so much a strange sight to see people wearing jeans with a tear mostly below the knee.
Due to how the fashion world is constructed, we get to see trends come and go and then, return again many years later.
Fashion is something that steadily evolves. This is why you would find a jean that used to be produced with a discreet tear below the knee, produced now with a big tear that leaves the entire knee and some part of the legs open.
This trend of the 80s became even more popular in the 90s. Right now, the luxury fashion brand Dolce and Gabanna can be said to be responsible for the reintroduction and popularity of distressed jean.
They were able to achieve this during one of their fashion shows which saw ripped jeans being worn on the runway.
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Are ripped jeans still in Vogue?
Initially, we saw more of the frayed look being the preferred choice for most people but now, the loose-fitting rip jean is on board and, a lot of fashion-forward people are seen hopping on the new trend.
Tips to help you get the perfect ripped jean
Ripped jeans are trendy no doubt, but, there are things you need to look out for when shopping for you to look fashionable in them.
Get the right fit
The right fit of a ripped jean is one that you try out and see that the holes are located at the right parts of your body. Not so high up revealing your underwear or way down below.
Take note of the holes
It is important that you carefully observe the hole to ensure they are not too big. This is very vital as the holes have a tendency of getting larger as you wear.
You should ensure that the holes on the jeans are not affected too closely to each other as there is a strong likelihood for one to tear into another, distorting the entire trendy look of the jean.
Look for rips at the back
Take a quick sweep of the jean to ensure that the tear did not encroach into the back of the jean as that would render it useless in the long run.
Tone it down with a shredded look
If you are quite a conservative and would not feel comfortable wearing fully ripped jeans, go for those that are subtly shredded or just distressed instead.
DIY – How to rip your own jeans
If you don’t buy the idea of paying extra for a ripped jean or, you’re just feeling a bit creative, this is for you. Find below simple steps you can follow in replicating your own distressed jeans.
Items needed for this procedure;
- a pair of scissors
- a pencil
- cutting table
- razor blade and your jeans
Step 1: Get a well-fitting pair of jeans
You can actually just take a pair from the ones you own but, since this is a first-time experiment for you, we really do not want you feeling guilty if you end up destroying it. You can get cheap and affordable ones from a thrift store to use instead.
Ripping a worn jean does come out better than ripping a new one but, you can get to choose one out of the many ones you own when you must have perfected your craft.
Step 2: Get your rip objects
You really do not need too many tools in getting your jeans ripped. A sharp object like a pair of scissors or razor blades would suffice. Some people make use of knives too but, scissors or blades are more user-friendly.
Distressed jeans can be made either by effecting tears or holes on them or, giving it a sandpapered look. For holes, make use of razor blades or scissors. For a frayed look, sandpaper would do the job quite perfectly.
Step 3: Select your rip spot
To do this, have the jean straightened out on the table, and with the help of your pencil, mark out areas where you intend to rip. The mark should show the shape of your rip and how big or wide you want it to be.
Most people prefer their jeans ripped at the knee area but, you can choose any spot of your choice to rip. If you are focused on the knee, let your mark go a bit above the knee spot.
The reason is to avoid an expansion of the tear as it is bound to get bigger as you move around in the jean. Aim wherever you want for your rip spot but, avoid going too high in order not to reveal your undergarment.
Step 4: Get ripping
With your jean still straightened out on the table and your rip spot decided, slip in a piece of wood or an old book inside the jean to the desired spot. You do not want the back of the pants to get caught in the ripping process mistakenly.
Once done, you can begin ripping. You would however have to weaken the denim if you want a frayed ripped look. You can achieve this by making use of sandpaper to loosen up the fabric and thin it out a bit, making it easier for you to rip.
Afterwards, you can make use of your scissors or razor blade to stroke gently on the sandpapered area, which should be weakened by now.
Step 5: Use knives and scissors for holes
You can easily do this by cutting off a small part of the weakened area. For best results and to avoid ruining it, make the hole as tiny as possible, not more than half an inch. Make rips across the jeans not from up to down for a natural rip look.
Step 6: Use your hands
After creating the hole with scissors or a razor blade, make use of your hands to further widen the hole if you so wish. Take a hold of the fabric thread and pull at it gently.
Step 7: Wrap up the rip
This is totally optional but, a lot of people have to sew around the edges of the tear in order to prevent them from expanding.
You can either machine or hand sew. It would also be nice to make use of a white or blue thread. There you have it. Your ripped jeans are now ready to be worn.
Additional tip: if you want to get natural-looking ripped jean that looks realistic, it is best to use light or medium-washed jeans. Their pale color suits the distressed look better than dark-washed ones.
Why Do Ripped Jeans Cost More – Conclusion
To be honest, a lot of work is involved in producing ripped jeans. A lot of critical thinking and adjustments goes into effecting those rips and frayings on the fabric we so much love.
Making these rips on jeans is truly an art, one that requires skill and tact. We can liken it to the art of stoning on fabrics or embellishments. These things take time and a great deal of effort to put together, making us gladly accept to pay an extra fee for the finished materials.
We are to look at the production of ripped jeans using the same metrics; it is manual labor that is time-consuming and requires a lot of skill and effort. Last we checked, the reward for labor is still money, right? In this case, it is MORE MONEY!
