HOW TO STYLE DISTRESSED JEANS

Ripped jeans are not just a trend. They come back every few years in a new silhouette, rise, or wash, but the idea stays the same: worn-in denim that looks like it has a story. Whether you are new to the look or refining your rotation, here is how to wear distressed jeans in a way that feels like you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Distressed, also known as ripped jeans, originated from labor workers, eventually evolving from worn-in workwear to punk rebellion and eventually into the mainstream.
• Choose the distress level and outfit that fit the mood, from grunge and workwear to smart casual and elevated looks.
• Wash jeans inside out on a gentle cycle, air dry them, and patch holes early to help your favorite pairs last longer.

HOW DID DISTRESSED JEANS BECOME A THING?

When it comes to the origins of distressed jeans, some people may think they started with someone taking a tumble, looked at the damage on their jeans and thought, “Actually, this works.”

Well, in a way that is sort of true, just not in the way you may think.

Before they were a look, ripped jeans were just... worn jeans. Laborers wore denim on the job, and the fabric faded, thinned, and tore with actual use. Wearing that wear became a quiet signal of where you came from and what you did.

From there, it evolved:

• Hippies in the '60s and '70s tore denim on purpose, mixing patchwork and holes as a rejection of polished, mainstream fashion.
• Rockers, designers, and punk scenes picked it up next, turning distressing into an aesthetic rather than an accident.
• The Y2K era brought it fully mainstream, making ripped denim a closet staple instead of a subculture marker.

The throughline across all of it: authenticity. Distressed denim has always been about wearing something real.

HOW DO YOU STYLE DISTRESSED JEANS?

There is no single right way to wear ripped jeans. It depends on the look you want. Below are easy outfit formulas for women and men, organized by style.

DISTRESSED DENIM OUTFITS FOR WOMEN

THE Y2K QT

Start with low-rise distressed jeans in a light wash and a studded belt. Keep the top playful with a fitted or embellished baby tee in pink. Finish with chunky white sneakers, long earrings, and a hair clip for a playful Y2K-inspired look.

EVERYDAY CASUAL

Go for skinny or straight-leg jeans with light-to-medium distressing and keep the top simple. Tuck in a silk cami, belt it, and layer a jean jacket or bomber jacket on top. Pair with relaxed sneakers or ankle boots. In colder months, swap the top a chunky knit sweater layered with the jacket of your choice.

THE '90S GRUNGE LOOK

Lean into baggy, distressed silhouettes in dark, moody colors. Tuck a band tee into your jeans with a dark belt, and for an extra grunge or E-girl inspired look, wear over a striped long sleeve shirt. And of course, finish with combat boots or sneakers.

ELEVATED CASUAL

Skinny or straight leg jeans, light to medium distress, nothing too torn up. Tuck in a fitted button-down or a simple blouse, layer with a tailored blazer or a long trench. Pair with a structured hang bag and go for pointed flats, mules, or a low heel boot. Keep the jewelry simple, gold pieces, nothing too loud. Works for dinner, brunch, or the office on a casual day.

DISTRESSED DENIM OUTFITS FOR MEN

THE WORKWEAR LOOK

Pair distressed denim with workwear staples. Choose relaxed or straight-leg jeans, a clean tee, a heavy boot, and a casual belt. Add a flannel or workwear jacket, plus a beanie in cooler weather. To complete the rugged vibes, hook your keys through a belt loop, and use an earthy palette of tan, green, brown, and white.

EVERYDAY CASUAL

Let the distressed jeans lead and keep everything else simple. Choose a relaxed or straight-leg style, finish with clean sneakers or running shoes, and layer a heavyweight tee with an open flannel or trucker jacket on top.

SMART CASUAL

Distressed jeans can still look polished. Start with dark slim or straight-leg jeans with light distressing, tuck in a button-down shirt, and add a chore jacket. Finish with a wristwatch and sturdy boots. This works well for date nights because it feels casual and intentional.

MYSTERIOUS, DARK, & HANDSOME

Same formula: dark, baggy distressed jeans, a tucked band tee with a dark belt, and topped off with a leather jacket or oversized jean jacket. Finish with combat boots or black sneakers as always.

HOW TO CARE FOR DISTRESSED JEANS

Distressing is part of the design, but it still needs care to hold its shape over time.

1. Turn jeans inside out before washing.
2. Wash on a light or gentle cycle.
3. Watch the existing holes. If they start to expand, a denim patch can help stop them from spreading.
4. Skip the dryer and let them air dry.

TIPS FOR WEARING DISTRESSED AND LOW-RISE JEANS

• Match your distress level to the occasion. Light distressing works for everyday casual and even smart casual. Heavier distressing is right at home at concerts and festivals, especially rock or punk shows. Street-inspired looks work well too with heavier distress.
• Let the jeans be the statement. The more distressed the denim, the simpler the rest of the outfit should stay. Busy layers on top can compete with the look instead of supporting it.
• Watch high-rise holes. For rips that creep up near the thigh, layering leggings underneath can help you avoid any wardrobe surprises.

RIPPED AND READY, YOUR WAY

Whatever look you're building, it should feel true to you, whatever you’re feeling, just roll with it. Shop our women's and men's denim to find your next pair and start building out your capsule.