The only downside to distressed jeans is your grandparents telling the same old joke every time you go around to visit (“You fall over on the way here, lad?”). Never gets old. Other than that, they are a rebellious statement that can add attitude to a plethora of everyday outfits, from sportswear to a smart casual blazer to their natural pairing of rock ‘n’ roll biker jacket and black boots.

Where once they were only worn by bands such as The Ramones and Nirvana, distressed jeans have transcended subcultures and worked themselves into the DNA of modern menswear, with brands from Zara and Topman to Saint Laurent and Kanye West’s Yeezy getting in on the look, becoming a key component in the rising streetwear movement, as well as remaining an essential piece in indie circles.

Kurt Cobain, 1993

But notice how we’re not using the word ‘trend’ here. Distressed jeans have surpassed being a here-and-gone piece, as they’re perennially on offer from both high street and high-end brands whatever the season or current collection. They have become a menswear staple and are here to stay.

But as much as it saves time going into a store and buying a pair of pre-distressed jeans, you could actually save a lot of money just looking in your drawers and killing an afternoon destroying an old pair yourself. We bet if you search at home you’ll find some forgotten skinny jeans that can be transformed into a contemporary staple by using a few tools you’ll likely already have.

5 DIY Ways To Respin Your Denim

How To Make Ripped Jeans

Zara

First of all place a chopping board behind where you plan to rip, which ensures you won’t damage the surface beneath – there’s nothing to suggest that torn bedsheets are trending. But before you go randomly ripping, use a piece of sandpaper on the target location to loosen up the fibres.