Popular Jeans Fades
Jeans naturally fade over time through wear and washes. This is especially happening when starting a new ‘denim project,’ which means wearing a pair of jeans that hasn’t been pre-washed in a denim laundry. These unwashed jeans, also known as rigid, raw, or dry denim, represent the most authentic way to wear jeans, harkening back to a time when all denim began in this raw state.
As you wear your jeans over an extended period, unique wear patterns will gradually emerge. The fabric molds to your body, and lighter lines or fades start to appear. This process occurs because most denim fabrics are dyed with indigo, a dye that coats only the outer layer of the cotton threads while leaving the inner core undyed, typically an ecru color. With wear, the outer indigo layer chips away, revealing the lighter ecru core beneath. Each day of wear or every wash removes a small amount of indigo, revealing your unique wear patterns and fades.
The longer you wear your jeans, the more distinct and personal the fade patterns become. These patterns reflect your lifestyle, habits, and how you treat your jeans, resulting in a pair that is uniquely yours. Your jeans essentially become a second skin, aging alongside you. Witnessing this transformation is a magical experience, as the process creates a personal connection to your denim. Ultimately, this natural fade pattern is impossible to replicate, making it truly one of a kind.
But what are the five most sought-after types of denim fades that denim enthusiasts love? Here’s the Top 5!
Whiskers
Whiskers are the fade lines around the front pockets, thighs, and fly area. These horizontal lines resemble the whiskers of a cat, hence the name.
- How to get these fades? You will achieve these jeans fades naturally when sitting, walking and move in general while wearing your pair.
Honeycombs
Honeycombs are the fades behind the knees on the back of your jeans. These jeans fades resemble the pattern of a honeycomb, and so is the name of these fades.
- How to get these fades? When wearing your jeans you will bend your legs constantly, your jeans will fold-up in this form automatically.
Train Tracks
Train Tracks can be spotted on many heavy worn (vintage) jeans. These fades aren’t so easy to achieve as you need to wear and wash your jeans many times. You can spot them along the outseams of your jeans. These two parallel faded lines running down the legs, resembling train tracks.
- How to get these fades? Just wear your jeans day in day out. It is easy as that. And don’t forget to wash them when they need a refreshing, this stimulates the fade process.
Learn how to wash your jeans in the wash guide here.
Wallet of Phone Fades
Wallet and Phone Fades are a modern phenomenon that is rarely seen on vintage jeans, especially phone fades, for obvious reasons. Today, however, most people carry multiple personal items in their pockets, such as phones, wallets, keys, or other essentials. Over time, these items create distinctive fade marks, making it easy to tell which pocket held what. These personalized imprints add another layer of character to a well-worn pair of jeans.
- How to get these fades? Simple, stock your phone or wallet in your pockets and wear your jeans. These fades are giving your jeans a personalized touch that makes each pair of jeans unique.
Vintage Fades
Vintage Fades refer to the overall look of your jeans. It is called Vintage Fades as many vintage jeans show this kind of wear in look. A look that is desired by many denim enthusiast and recreated by many brands too. Most of the denim brands buy vintage jeans as inspiration for new washes to include in their new collections.
- How to get these fades? Wear and wash your jeans regularly and you will achieve the look of a true vintage pair of jeans. Some prefer a more tone down look in the end, then wash your jeans very often, and when more heavy contrasts are desired, wash your jeans less.
Other Special Jeans Fades
In addition to these five iconic jeans fades, there are many others that can be found on a well-worn pair of jeans. Consider the subtle wear on your coin or watch pocket, the fades on the main pockets, and knee fades. Don’t forget the distinctive roping effect, created when the hem is stitched using an authentic Union Special 43200G sewing machine. Other areas where fades emerge include the buttons, belt loops, waistband, and back pockets, to name just a few.
Share Your Favorite Jeans Fades
Which jeans fade is your absolute favorite? The one that makes your denim-loving heart skip a beat? Let us know in the comments below!
