Why do you never see jeans running alone? Because jeans run in the family…
Don’t know why we felt the need to start with a joke, but there we go. Joking aside, it doesn’t take a jean-ius to work out that jeans are going through something of a period of transition right now.
We’ve all been stuck at home for over a year, donning our joggers and sweatshirts, and now restrictions have lifted, many are keen to dress up a little smarter than a pair of jeans allows. But if there’s anything we’ve learnt about jeans, it’s that this iconic trouser will always endure, adapting, shape shifting and moving with the times whilst staying resolutely itself. This summer, as they’ve done so many times before, jeans are set to make a resurgence.
If you’re looking to move with the times in tandem and update your 2021 jeans collection, then here is our IDEAL guide to the iconic trouser.
DENIM, DISCUSSED
Firstly, let’s explore denim. The material that gave us jeans, denim is a tough fabric made from 100% cotton twill or twill weave that creates a delicate diagonal rib stitch pattern. This kind of fabric is best for manufacturing jeans and countless other stylish clothing items, such as the ever-trendy denim jacket and cute, cool dungarees.
The most common colour you’ll find denim in is indigo; that is why it has a distinctive blue-coloured cotton fabric. That said, in recent years, other colours have become increasingly popular, with manufacturers using a separate dyeing process to make black or white cotton denim, the latter of which is having a particularly glorious moment in 2021.
Jeans are most often made from denim, sure, but sometimes you’ll find them in corduroy, spandex, polyester and other synthetic fibres, though perhaps defining trousers made from these materials as ‘jeans’ is more semantically than authentically true.
THE ENDURING TIMELESSNESS OF THE JEAN
Jeans are enduring and timeless for their durability and versatility, at home in both informal and (relatively) formal settings.
Jeans can be jazzed up with the right accessories in a matter of seconds and can be worn by any age, shape and size…no wonder they have remained arguably the most popular style of trouser in the world for the last one and a half centuries!
That versatility is defined by the seemingly limitless styles of jean on offer, from distressed boot-cuts to patchwork skinnies, cut-offs to skaters. They come in an array of washes varying from light blue to indigo, white and black, and can be matched with all manner of top half apparel.
In terms of durability, a pair of quality jeans that’s looked after properly can last a lifetime, offering strength and resistance whilst responding to the unique contours of your body.
If you’re looking for further stretch and adjustment, some jeans can do that, too. Known as stretch denim jeans, these are made from both traditional denim and elastic fabrics like polyester or spandex to provide extra elasticity and flexibility, making them super comfy for people who are always on the go.
WHAT ARE THE BEST JEANS TRENDS FOR 2021?
Though jeans are certainly timeless, the most fashionable ways to wear them have changed in recent years. In the second half of 2021, expect to see:
Slim Bootcut Jeans
Bootcut jeans are back, baby! This 1970s style is flattering for all shapes and sizes, and channels a certain boho chic when paired with heeled ankle boots. A slimmer version is of the standard is particularly popular right now.
Loose and Distressed Jeans
Fashion experts are obsessed with loose-fitting ripped jeans, which bring an edgy, anything goes aesthetic to your outfit.
Slim-Straight Jeans
If you haven’t heard, skinny jeans are out. But if you feel that tighter trousers accentuate your legs, fear not; slim straight jeans are the new fashionable choice for those who prefer something figure hugging.
These jeans have no tapering, no widening, and are simple, classic and straightforward. Such straight legged jeans fit best for folk with wider thighs as they provide extra room from the waist to the knees.
Skater Jeans
Baggy jeans, as worn by Billie Eilish and Harry Styles recently, are having a huge 2021, and if you’re keen to follow suit, then a skater style is the look you should be channeling.
Skater jeans boast a relaxed and low-slung fit that looks ultra chic and laid-back. You can style it with your favourite sneakers and a graphic tee to fully embrace that skater vibe.
Light Washes
Jeans in a distressed wash give an off-the-rack pair an aged feel – and that’s obligatory when wearing jeans, don’t you think? Beloved of the stars in the Sex In The City revival And Just Like That, you want yours to look equally worn, and a light-washed style in neutrals like grey, white, and khaki, can help you achieve this.
DENIM CARE 101
Whether a pair of slim-straight or bootcut jeans, or even a jacket, we all want our beloved denim staple to stay with us forever. Denim items are an investment, as they can form the foundation of your wardrobe. As such, it’s best to get to grips with proper denim care to ensure the longevity of yours:
Wearing
Pull your jeans up by the waistband rather than the belt loops as that section is thicker and won’t tear when hoisted skywards. Avoid using the belt loops to adjust position when putting on your favourite pair of jeans. Do take care when slipping into your distressed jeans, in particular, in order to avoid premature ripping.
Washing
Limiting the number of unnecessary washes your jeans go through will help your denim garment stay looking amazing for longer. It’s okay to wash your denim if necessary; however, spot cleaning when possible is a better way of keeping your jeans looking fresh while avoiding unnecessary washing cycles.
Drying
When drying jeans, you should avoid extended periods of heat exposure, as it will damage the jean’s fibres, hasten the aging process, and potentially shrink them.
So, that’s no to tumble dryers, full stop. It is best to dry your jeans in the shade instead of putting them out in the sunlight, as the latter may cause their colour to fade.
Read: 5 IDEAL tips on taking care of your designer jeans
THE BOTTOM LINE
This article was brought to you by FASHIONLINE, purveyors of wholesale jeans. FASHIONLINE has superior supply chain management and logistic capacity allowing them to complete and ship orders for global clients faster than other clothing wholesalers. Together with their in-house design team, they can create and customise the latest fashion trends for any premium or high street fashion brand.