Distressed Denim Is Back. Here’s How to Wear Ripped Jeans
Your denim has seen better days, and that’s the point. Here’s how to wear ripped jeans, frayed hems, and a little well-dressed destruction
- Distressed denim is back, with ripped knees, oversized slashes, frayed hems, and faded washes leading the trend.
- Relaxed and straight-leg silhouettes offer the best starting point, while indigo, light-wash, gray, and black denim keep things versatile.
A few well-placed rips
Your pristine denim has had a good run. Now, it’s time to put a few holes in your wardrobe plans. This season, the more holes, frayed edges, and questionable life choices, the better. Distressed denim is back in the menswear conversation, bringing torn knees and gloriously battered washes along for the ride.
Of course, ripped jeans have never been particularly well-behaved. With roots in punk, rock, and skate culture, they have long been a favorite of men who prefer their clothes with a little character and less fuss.
Getting the distressed look right
The first rule is to get the fit right. Relaxed and straight-leg silhouettes are good territory for distressed detailing, allowing oversized tears and frayed edges to not feel accidental.
Slim-straight cuts, meanwhile, offer a more minimal take, with subtle abrasions around the knees providing just enough attitude. If you’re going all in, let the denim do the talking. There’s no need to introduce every other trend in your wardrobe to the conversation.
Next, consider the wash. Faded indigo and vintage-inspired light blue have an effortless appeal, while heavily washed gray offers a slightly grungier alternative. Black distressed denim is perhaps the easiest way to smarten things up, particularly when paired with a leather jacket.
A little disorder and a lot of style
Styling, naturally, is half the fun. For an easy daytime combination, wear ripped jeans with a white T-shirt, an oversized sweatshirt, or a relaxed button-down. Add a leather jacket, and you’ve got the sort of off-duty uniform that never seems to go out of fashionFashionThe art and industry of designing, producing, and styling clothing, footwear, accessories, and beauty trends. It reflects cultural influences, personal expression, and evolving styles across seasons and markets.Go to Fashion Glossary.
Those after something a little sharper should try contrasting distressed denim with a structured blazerBlazerA tailored jacket that is less formal than a suit coat and often worn with contrasting trousers, in single- or double-breasted styles. The blazer is a versatile wardrobe cornerstone, movingGo to Blazer Glossary, crisp shirt, or fine-gauge knit. A bit of tailoring against all that fraying makes for a handsome arrangement.
And don’t overlook the details. Frayed hems look good when allowed to fall over boots or trainers, while exposed knees and larger tears work best when the rest of the outfit is kept relatively uncomplicated.
The beauty of distressed denim is that it takes the pressure off looking immaculate. A little wear and tear gives even the simplest outfit personality, and the best pairs have that elusive quality of looking better the less you fuss over them. So, if your jeans are beginning to look a little too respectable, this is your permission to rough things up.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, distressed jeans are back in style in 2026. Ripped knees, oversized slashes, frayed hems, and heavily washed finishes are bringing a more lived-in attitude to men’s denim.
Balance ripped jeans with staples such as crisp button-down shirts, structured blazers, fine-gauge knitwear, or leather jackets. Keeping the rest of the outfit relatively simple allows the distressed denim to stand out.
Relaxed and straight-leg jeans are well suited to distressed detailing, especially oversized rips and frayed edges. Slim-straight silhouettes offer a more minimal alternative with subtle abrasions around the knees.
Ripped jeans work well with chunky trainers, skate shoes, leather boots, and loafers. Trainers and boots create a casual look, while loafers introduce a smarter contrast.
Faded indigo, vintage light blue, washed grey, and black are versatile choices for distressed denim. Light washes bring a nostalgic feel, while black distressed jeans offer a more contemporary look.
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