The Denim Wash Spectrum and Guide
Originally published 4/19/2010
One thing the retail world doesn’t lack is choices when it comes to buying a pair of jeans. First, get yourself acquainted with the 10 Commandments of Wearing Denim. That’s a good list to get familiar with. And next, take a look at the Denim Spectrum. From the purest eye searing white, to the deepest darkest black, you can get blue jeans in every color. Including blue. What shades to wear when & where are as follows.
(Got any disagreements? Leave them in the comments section at the end of the post)
White Jeans | Land’s End Canvas Heritage Straight Fit Jean – $49.50
Where you can wear them: Spring and summer outdoor parties, to a club, lunch with Carson Kressley
But should you wear them: If you want to wear white pants, why not white chinos instead?
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Light Blue Jeans | Banana Republic Faded Wash Jean – $63.00
Where you can wear them: PTA Meetings, Home Depot, to throw out the First pitch at the All Star Game
But should you wear them: No. That includes you Chuck Norris. COME AND GET SOME.
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Medium Blue Jeans | DKNY Soho Jean – 59.50
Where you can wear them: Everywhere except formal situations. Is it summer? Roll up the cuffs and go sockless.
But should you wear them: Yes. Absolutely.
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Dark Blue Jeans | Levi’s 501 Rigid Rinse – $44.99
Where you can wear them: Just about anywhere. Even work. Wear them with everything from a t-shirt & sneakers to a blazer, fitted dress shirt, & knit tie. Add dress boots and you’ve got a great Friday/Saturday night look.
But should you wear them: Yes. Unless it’s noon and 95 degrees.
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Black Jeans | Express Slim Straight Zach Jean – $29.99
Where you can wear them: Rock Concerts (if you’re performing), High School Plays (if you’re moving scenery), Hell’s Angels meetings.
But should you wear them: If you ride a Harley or play in Metallica then go ahead. Otherwise… it’s a risk.
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*If you must have a CAST t-shirt, here it is. Weirdo.
I agree on the no white jeans, or super light jeans rules. Skinny black jeans are a classic for rockers, and bikers, and recently hipsters. All others shall avoid them.
For most guys, a medium dark, to very dark blue pair that fits well, is a bulletproof idea. I live in my Lucky 181’s or Slim Bootlegs. I switched over from Gap jeans a few years back.
Maybe do an article on Lucky jeans, during the semi annual sale? Most jeans are 50% off, and are a good deal. That’s when I buy mine.
Thoughts on grey jeans? They’ve been popping up in stores recently. Fad?
What about green jeans?
I don’t understand the problem with black jeans, to me they look great and not much different from dark indigo. I am not feeling these negative connotations.