It's all in the Denim

If you love your denim and can’t imagine life without a pair of jeans, then a pair of raw denim jeans is the one fashion item you simply have to own. Denim which had very humble beginnings has today evolved into a piece of clothing that can be found even in a baby’s wardrobe. Denim was traditionally dyed in a blue shade for years till manufacturers began to experiment with different dyes, cuts and patterns. The denim jeans that are available off the shelves are also known as ‘washed jeans’- a term which simply means that after the denim has been dipped in dye, it is then washed during the production stage. This helps to make the fabric softer when worn against the skin and is believed to reduce shrinkage which could affect the fit.


On the other hand, raw denim refers to fabric that skips the process of washing and treatment with chemicals which allows the fabric to lose its color naturally over a period of time. Therein lies its unique quality. Faded jeans have since long been an integral part of Streetwear, and can make an ensemble look rad. Raw denim eventually achieves a natural faded look which is much more appealing when compared to distressed denim that has been produced in a factory. Moreover, every pair of raw denim is different and each pair takes on a unique faded look depending entirely on how much the jeans is worn by the person.

So how do you pick out a pair that makes you sizzle? If you are purchasing your first pair of raw denim jeans, then the first thing you should keep in mind is to buy a pair that fits you like a second pair of skin. Wearing raw denim for the first time can feel really uncomfortable and stiff but over time the fabric will stretch and give you a really good fit. However how fast that happens depends on how long you wear the jeans. So it’s important to try on a pair before buying it and avoid making any hasty purchases based on your usual jeans size. If you’re in the habit of lending your jeans to friends, then this is one pair you can be selfish about considering that everybody has a different body shape. Fashion experts advise against washing your raw denim jeans for a minimum of 6 months. The reason they state is that it takes some time for the jeans to adapt to your body shape and washing the jeans could hamper the process. Instead, look at dry cleaning options if you absolutely must get them cleaned and rid of any stains or odor. Another option could be to rinse your jeans in fresh water without salt and then let them dry out in the sun on their own.

If you like a skinny or body hugging fit and have a great body to show off, then look hep anytime in raw denim. This is one look that is just yours no matter how you wear it.

Environmentally Green Clothing

The environment has probably never gotten as much attention as it does these days. People all over the world are taking serious steps to recycle, reduce consumption of plastic, use bags made of paper or jute and are concerned about carbon footprints as well. Although we may not even be aware of it, the fashion industry can play a major role in conserving the environment as well, on a global scale. Did you know for instance that your favorite t-shirt you could wear all day is likely to have made from conventional cotton unless otherwise has been stated on the label? What’s the harm in wearing synthetic cotton you may ask? Not much, save that it takes a sizeable amount of pesticide on a crop of cotton just to make one t-shirt. In addition, the harmful pesticides which are usually used on cotton crops damage the soil, harm small animals and birds as well as cause deaths due to poisoning. Not surprisingly then that many farmers are now switching over to growing organic cotton on their lands, which may be more expensive but definitely better for all of us. Hemp fibre based textiles are also highly durable, resistant to mould and just as comfy as your regular cotton t-shirt.

There are many brands which manufacture their garments from organic materials, and which are uncompromising on style or comfort. Planet Earth Clothing is one such brand with designs that are urban and hep, while doing the environment a big favor. Organic cotton and even recycled polyester used in plastic bottles are just two of the base materials used in their garments. Their clothes can be worn anywhere or even while skating and snowboarding. Besides individual ranges for men and women which feature shirts, pants, hoodies, t-shirts and shorts; they also have a range of smart caps which can be teamed up with any ensemble. Another brand which retails organic clothing is Volcom, which was born out of a sheer passion for skating and snowboarding. Today this is one of the best well known brands in the Urban Wear world. They have a great range of t-shirts, hoodies, shirts, jackets and a wide variety of jeans that are a huge hit with youngsters of all ages. They also retail t-shirts which are made from 100% organic cotton and have eye catching designs made from water based ink.

Elwood Clothing has been wooing the world with its range of organic clothing since 1996. This brand uses fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, recycled yarns as well as women fabric which has been dyed. They even offer a free replacement if a customer feels that the garment purchased is not up to the mark. They have an in-depth range of cool wear for men and women as well as accessories. Their range of t-shirts featuring their brand logo, abstract prints and other artwork are very popular as well. With such brands leading the way towards a better future, it may not be long before the fashion industry plays a bigger role in conserving the environment for our tomorrow.

Ripped or Shredded Jeans

If you thought that ripped and shredded jeans were a sign of poverty, then it’s likely you didn’t know that this style was a huge rage in the early eighties and nineties. Moreover, this style which was often touted as a rocker look now comes in a variety of styles such as in skinny fits and baggy boyfriend jeans. If all you want to do is look hep and cool at the same time, then distressed jeans are just the thing. The trick is to understand what styles flatter your body shape and to get the most out of the jeans. You dont have to necessarily wear a t-shirt with such jeans; in fact you can amp up your style by teaming it up with a feminine blouse, a ladies shirt, a long tee or even a plaid top.


Before you decide which look suits you best, it’s important to pick up the right pair of denim for you. Know your size and understand your figure before you make any purchases. If you are slim opt for skinny ripped jeans as they can help enhance your figure and make you look curvier than you actually are. It’s become acceptable and cool to flick your boyfriend’s jeans but remember that a casual ripped pair will also have wide legs and give you an overall baggy look. The look is a much more relaxed one and you are likely to be more comfortable in this pair as compared to skinny jeans. People who are on the heavy side can definitely carry off a distressed pair of jeans in style too but it’s important to stick with a pair that doesn’t go over the top. If possible, go for a pair with vertical rips so that you appear leaner. If you are looking for a pair to make your bottom half appear leaner as well, it’s advisable to opt for a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans. Also, ensure that the rips are in places you are comfortable with and also that it doesn’t reveal too much of skin, or the look will be anything but classy.

There’s a very thin line between looking hep in a pair of distressed jeans or looking trashy. Balance your clothes with the right accessories which will do wonders for your image. Remember that it’s important to change them with the look you intend to create. For instance, if your distressed jeans has small rips, its alright to wear a colorful or jazzy top. On the other hand, if the rips or holes are large, stick to a simple t-shirt or top which blends in with the jeans. Wearing the right footwear can make your jeans look even better and its best to choose a pair of open sandals or heels with a wide base. Bangles, charm bracelets, simple chains and even hats can help you look great. Once you put together what works best for you, it’s time to wear your look right and get ready to paint the town red!

Sports and Streetwear

The right place to be seen in Streetwear is no longer just at a party or at the beach; in fact it’s not unusual to see Streetwear worn proudly at sports related events as well. Besides just surfing or snowboarding, football is another hugely popular sport with plenty of fans all across the globe. So huge is the potential of football related merchandise that established brands often roll out a new line of football fashion clothing and other gear usually just before a major tournament or widely watched series. Take a look around at the audience present at a football match, and you are likely to spot many of them wearing their favorite team’s jerseys or other forms of Urban Wear clothing.


Reputed sports brands like Nike, Adidas and Reebok are famous for their funky, clean and sporty Street Wear lines. Customers willingly purchase them because they combine the best in design and are after all branded. Besides football gear which feature a team’s logo or face of a player on them, these brands actually invest in creating different moods of Street Wear. In fact, just last month in May alone, Nike launched its Summer 2010 collection in Bangkok which was in collaboration with Carrie Mundane, a reputed British fashion designer. The various designs that were showcased were a blend of fashionable detailing with football as its theme. Critics lauded it as classic Nike innovations with plenty of artistic expression, which gave Street Wear itself a new twist. Some other brands are synonymous with football like One True Saxon. Contrary to other brands, One True Saxon isn’t cheap but carries great designs on the best Japanese denim. Their hallmark buttons on the fly, brass rivets which enhance the fit, rivets and herringbone pocket bags are some touches that fans love. Their linen shirts and great looking t-shirts are too good to pass up. Football fans in particular have been spotted wearing this brand at various matches and rumor has it that people wearing One True Saxon aren’t permitted in some towns when there’s a match. Street Wear wouldn’t be the same without the hoodie, and that’s probably why the hooded football jacket, with a more fashionable twist was created. Cuffs, a knit collar and the logo of a football team on the breast or side are often spotted. Carhartt Streetwear has plenty of designs and sizes to suit different tastes. Gator Athletics allows customers to customize their own designs on the website, and caters to clothing wear which is related to different sports. In their football section alone, they offer choices in Game Jerseys, Streetwear and Practice Wear with customizable patterns in both t-shirts and shorts. Mentalita Ultras Streetwear is another Italian based brand which was born from a passion for football and has been wooing the world since 1995. Their range of stylish clothes is available in a range of fits and sizes, and is very popular especially in Europe. Their clothes are sold online and only at a few dealerships.