Jeans- Our Second Skin

With the economy at an all time low, we are all trying to figure out how to save a penny here or there. Right now, women are foregoing their weekly salon treatments and opting for do-it-yourself manicures and bending over sinks to touch up their own roots- but must we really bow out on premium denim? I say ‘never'! Denim is quickly working its way up to replacing the importance of  ‘little black dress', and with new styles and washes being invented each season, it is one of those wardrobe staples that can transform your look from day to night in an instant. "According to a survey created by Lifestyle Monitor, 78% of female respondents say that they enjoy or love wearing denim. Such affection for denim is clearly reflected in ownership; the typical female respondent owns a pair of jeans for every day of the week. And in spite of such a strong ownership, three out of four female respondents say that they may or probably will buy more denim in the near future." says an article in Women's Wear Daily. So despite the falling economy, premium denim is holding on by more than a few threads! Why would we stop investing in such a versatile piece of clothing? With jeans slowly replacing traditional business attire in some work places, you can show your creativity with a limitless mix and match style without breaking the bank. Premium denim can be worn up to three times a week without losing its shape, so with a few shoe changes and an addition of blazer or two, your weekly wardrobe rotation just extended itself into next month!

 Or maybe you're wondering why premium denim comes with a high price tag and why it should even be considered an investment. Well, if you consider premium denim to be ‘just jeans', then I can see how parting with your hard earned money could be a bit much to swallow. But before you scoff at the next price tag, keep in mind that the process of making premium denim is pretty much an art form, and often a dangerous job. Workers use glass, sandpaper, pumice stones, enzymes, chemicals or plastic balls to create different washes and distressed effects. This job is potentially so dangerous that workers are required to wear respirators, overalls, gloves, and protective goggles. After cutting and sewing at a garment factory, jeans are typically sent to a laundry for washing; a process where the jeans get ripped, beaten, sandblasted, over-dyed and often chemically treated to create those signature looks and current trends.

I found an amazing photo essay, by photographer David Freidman, that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a denim factory in Kentucky that specializes in distressing jeans for some top premium brands. For more photos, visit his blog.

So what makes up the difference in cost? Mass-market labels have machines to do the work, where as premium brands do it all by hand.  The difference in fabric alone sets apart the premium brands, not to mention the detailing and high quality hardware. Think of it this way, your next pair of high quality premium denim jeans will probably out last this recession with the amount of care put into their construction. For years now, jeans have been like our second skin so don't even think about shedding it just yet.  Jeans will always be a staple item in our wardrobes from year to year, no matter what tries to contend with them!

By Tilly Southwick