How to Distress Denim: A Hands-On Rebellion

Whether you’re ripping your old jeans, sanding a jacket sleeve, or bleaching a vest into something completely yours, distressing denim is a craft — and an attitude.

At Boring Monday, we believe style isn't found in perfection. It's made in the flaws.

Why Distress Denim?

Because not everything needs to be bought. Some things are better when they’re made — or unmade — by you.

Distressed denim isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about authorship. When you take a knife to your jacket or fade a pair of jeans under the sun, you’re not ruining it — you’re rewriting it.

Historically, distressing emerged from punk, grunge, and countercultures that believed in wearing their protest — literally. Today, it’s less about rebellion and more about reclaiming the raw.

You don’t just wear the look. You earn it.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Distressing doesn’t require expensive tools. Most of what you need is already in your kitchen drawer or toolbox:

• Sandpaper or sanding block

• Razor blade or box cutter

• Scissors

• Tweezers (for fraying threads)

• Chalk or pencil (to mark where to distress)

• Spray bottle with bleach or vinegar (optional)

• Washing machine & dryer (to finish the look)

Tip: Always test on old denim first. Once you cut or bleach — there’s no Ctrl+Z.

How to Distress a Denim Jacket

Your jacket is your armor. Distressing it gives it history.

1. Mark the zones: Elbows, shoulders, cuffs, chest pockets — these areas naturally wear first.

2. Sanding: Rub gently to thin the fabric. Use circular motions for a worn look.

3. Rips & frays: Cut small slits, then pull out horizontal threads using tweezers.

4. Bleaching (optional): Spray diluted bleach for faded patches — use sparingly.

5. Throw it in the wash: A rough spin cycle will soften edges and add texture.

Style tip: Layer your distressed jacket over a white tee, cargos, or slip dress. Let the wear tell the story.

How to Distress Denim Shorts

Summer is for denim that doesn’t behave.

1. Start with raw hem: Cut the bottom of your jeans, leaving threads hanging.

2. Tear, don’t snip: Make a small cut and rip by hand for a natural fray.

3. Focus distress: Add sanding or small holes near front thigh or pocket edges.

4. Color play: Dip the edges in bleach or let sun fade the top half.

Style tip: Match with an oversized shirt, straw hat, or vintage boots. Beach or street — your call.

How to Distress a Denim Vest

The denim vest is loud even when silent. Distressing turns it into a statement.

1. Rip the seams: Carefully undo top stitching on shoulders or collar for that rough cut-off look.

2. Edge it out: Fray the armholes or bottom hem with sandpaper.

3. Minimal bleach: Dab with sponge or toothbrush to fade panels.

4. Optional patches: Add mismatched fabric, embroidery, or handwritten messages.

Style tip: Wear it over a hoodie, crop tee, or bare skin. It’s your armor — wear it like a manifesto.

How to Distress Denim Jeans

Distressed jeans are the holy grail — easy to overdo, powerful when done right.

1. Choose the fit: Slim and straight fits distress best. Avoid stretchy fabrics.

2. Map it out: Mark knees, thighs, and back pockets. These are stress points.

3. Cut, then fray: Slice small lines, then pull out threads with tweezers.

4. Knee blowouts: For bold looks, make wide horizontal slits and wash for fray.

5. Finishing: Run through washer & dryer on high heat for natural wear.

Style tip: Pair with a tucked tee, combat boots, or tucked-in button-down. Destroyed doesn’t mean directionless.

Wear What You’ve Torn

Distressing denim is a ritual. The cuts you make aren’t damage — they’re decisions. And every thread that comes loose is a line in your story.

There’s no wrong way to distress denim. The point isn’t precision — it’s personality.

So whether it’s your dad’s old jacket, a thrifted vest, or last season’s jeans, the moment you start distressing is the moment you stop consuming and start creating.

You Don’t Break Denim — You Free It

Every rip is an act of independence. Every fray is a fingerprint.

Distressing is DIY rebellion: raw, real, unbranded. It's the opposite of fast fashion — it's slow destruction with a purpose. Because if your clothes are going to age anyway, why not help shape how?

Make It Yours

Looking for a base to begin?

👕 Shop our Raw Denim Jacket
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"Mass-produced may be clean. But handmade always hits deeper."