Go back in time and give your denim a makeover of ’70s flares and ’90s grunge! With tools like the HMS Designer Pen and HMS Moon, you can easily create these vintage looks at home. Let’s learn how you can make your jeans the retro star!
About Vintage Denim Styles
The ’70s Flare
Flare jeans, snug through the thighs and flaring out from the knees, were a hallmark of 1970s fashion. They’ve made a comeback with a chic, retro vibe. Pair them with platform shoes or boots to complete the look.
The ’90s Grunge
The ’90s grunge scene popularized distressed, ripped, and worn-in jeans. This style has a laid-back, edgy feel. Pair them with flannel shirts and combat boots for that authentic grunge aesthetic.
Your Tools for DIY Vintage Denim: HMS Designer Pen and HMS Moon
HMS Designer Pen
This tool resembles a crayon and is perfect for creating custom fades and whiskers on your denim. It’s a user-friendly alternative to traditional methods like sandpaper. The pen is best for adding a personal touch to your jeans.
HMS Moon
It is a compact tool for crafting distinctive whisker patterns. Its ergonomic shape provides a better grip that helps you get intricate designs with less effort. This tool is especially useful for making natural-looking wear patterns and giving your jeans a cool vintage feel.
How to Add ’70s Flares and ’90s Grunge to Your Denim: A Step-by-Step Guide to Follow
Here are the detailed steps to help you create ’70s flares and ’90s grunge using the HMS Designer Pen and HMS Moon:
Steps to Create 1970s Flare Jeans
- Select the Right Jeans
- Choice of Denim: Opt for jeans that fit well around your waist and hips. Straight-leg or bootcut jeans are great starting points but even skinny jeans can be transformed.
- Fabric Check: Find the denim with minimal stretch as it maintains the structure of the flare better.
- Measure and Mark
- Determine Flare Starting Point: Wear the jeans and use a fabric marker to mark where you want the flare to begin, usually just below the knee.
- Symmetry Check: Mark both legs at the same height.
- Prepare the Insert Panels
- Fabric Selection: Choose a fabric that complements or contrasts with your jeans. Please note that denim from another pair of jeans can create a cohesive look while patterned fabrics add a bold statement.
- Cutting the Panels: Measure the length from your marked point to the hem. Cut two triangular panels (known as godets) with the following dimensions:
- Height: Equal to the length from the mark to the hem.
- Width: At the bottom between 4 to 7 inches.
- Insert the Panels
- Seam Preparation: Carefully open the outer seams of the jeans from the hem up to the marked point using a seam ripper.
- Pinning: Place the triangular panels into the opened seams, aligning them carefully. Pin them securely in place.
- Sewing: Using a sewing machine with a denim needle, stitch the panels to the jeans. Make sure the stitches are strong enough to withstand wear.
- Finishing Touches: Trim any excess fabric and press the seams flat for a polished look.
- Create Vintage Fades with HMS Designer Pen
- Whisker Patterns: Use the HMS Designer Pen to draw whisker patterns around the thigh area. These are fine lines like natural wear creases.
- Fading: Gently rub the pen along areas like the thighs, knees, and pockets to create a vintage faded effect.
Steps to Create 1990s Grunge Jeans
- Select Your Jeans
- Ideal Choice: A pair of jeans that are slightly loose-fitting works best for the grunge look. Vintage or thrifted jeans are perfect choices.
- Plan the Distress
- Identify Target Areas: Common areas for distressing include the knees, thighs, and back pockets. Use chalk to mark these spots.
- Create Rips and Tears
- Initial Cuts: Use a pair of sharp scissors to make horizontal slits in the marked areas. Start with small cuts; you can always enlarge them later.
- Fraying the Edges: With the HMS Moon, rub along the edges of the cuts to fray the fabric for a naturally worn look.
- Thread Removal: Use tweezers to pull out vertical threads for the distressed appearance.
- Add Abrasion Details
- Whiskering: Use the HMS Designer Pen to add whisker details around the crotch and thigh areas.
- Overall Wear: Lightly rub the pen over areas like the pockets and hems to create a subtle worn effect.
- Optional: Bleaching for an Acid-Wash Effect
- Preparation: In a well-ventilated area, lay your jeans flat on a protected surface.
- Bleach Solution: Mix one part bleach with two parts water in a spray bottle.
- Application: Lightly spray the solution onto the jeans, especially on areas you want to lighten.
- Monitoring: Let the bleach sit for 5-10 minutes and observe the color change.
- Rinsing: Once the desired effect is achieved, thoroughly rinse the jeans in cold water to stop the bleaching process.
- Washing: Wash the jeans separately to remove any residual bleach.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the DIY vintage denim spirit and enjoy your unique retro fashion statements!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need special skills to create whisker patterns and distressing?
No prior experience is required! With a little practice, you can easily create vintage-style whiskers and distressed looks using these tools.
2. Will the decorative colors of the HMS tools transfer onto my jeans?
No, the colors are purely for aesthetics and won’t affect your denim. The tools work through abrasion, not dye transfer.
3. How do I maintain my DIY vintage denim look?
Wash your jeans inside out in cold water and avoid harsh detergents to preserve the distressed and faded effects longer.
4. Can I use the HMS tools on any type of denim?
Yes, these tools can work on any denim type. However, the effects may vary slightly depending on fabric composition.
5. How long do the HMS tools last?
Our HMS tools have a lifespan of approximately 5 years with regular use.