How to Make Distressed Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans hug the curves and come to a taper at the legs. They're great with boots, ballerina flats or heels. The sticker shock associated with a pair of distressed skinny jeans at a high-end boutique is enough to send anyone running to a local discount department store. Get the expensive look of distressed jeans without breaking the bank.

Instructions

1

Mark off any areas on the skinny jeans you want to distress before beginning with a piece of chalk. The chalk will wash off easily in the next washing cycle. Choose areas of the skinny jeans that will undergo natural wear and tear, including the back of the seat, knees, hips and the tapered ankles.

2

Insert a piece of wood inside of the jeans where you want to distress. This will protect the other side of the jeans and any surfaces under the jeans from being damaged.

3

Rub the area lightly with a hand cheese grater, a razor blade or a piece of sandpaper. The sandpaper will create the least amount of damage and will offer the most control. When using the razor blade, lightly rub it back and forth over the area until you uncover the white threads. Do not use the razor blade to make large cuts, which will become large holes after a few turns in the washing machine.

4

Cut small holes into the jean material with a utility knife. Once again, only cut until the jean's white threads are exposed and do not cut large holes, which will only become larger as the jeans age.

5

Rub the area around the hemline and the back pockets with a piece of sandpaper. This will add the aged look without damaging the integrity of the stitching.

6

Remove blocks of wood. Wash the jeans as usual. Inspect your results. Add more distress if desired.

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