When shopping for jeans, terms like ripped, distressed, destroyed, or shredded can get confusing. Is there a difference between ripped and distressed jeans, or is it just marketing?
In this blog, you’ll discover the key differences between ripped and distressed jeans, learn their key features, and determine which style suits you best.
Whether you’re building a streetwear look, upgrading your casual wardrobe, or just trying to figure out what “lightly distressed” means, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in!
What Is Distressing?
Distressing is a general term in denim fashion that refers to any technique used to make clothing look intentionally worn, aged, or imperfect. This can include fading, fraying, sanding, whiskering, or adding holes. All of these fall under the "distressed" umbrella.
Are Ripped Jeans Distressed?
Ripped jeans are a type of distressed jeans. But not all distressed jeans are ripped. Think of it like this:
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Distressed = the umbrella
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Ripped = a bold style under that umbrella
Key Features of Ripped Jeans
Now, let’s take a closer look at what makes ripped jeans stand out:
1. Ripped Jeans Have Clear Holes or Tears
The defining feature of ripped jeans is intentional holes or tears around the knees, thighs, or legs. Some designs may have just one or two tears, while others feature heavy ripping.
If you can see your leg through the denim, they’re ripped jeans. At LOGEQI, most of our men's ripped jeans have subtle rips and tears.
Source: LOGEQI white ripped jeans with leopard pink check patches for men
2. Threads Often Left Hanging
Ripped jeans often have threads left hanging around the tears, creating a rugged, worn-in look. The looser the threads, the grungier the vibe, making them perfect for streetwear and music-inspired styles.
Source: LOGEQI’s men’s durable blue ripped jeans with diamond patch
3. Exposes Skin or Has Backing Fabric
Ripped jeans usually expose skin, especially when the rips are wide or over the knees. Besides, some styles have backing fabric underneath, like denim patches, mesh, or plaid flannel, offering a rugged look without showing skin.
4. More Dramatic and Bold in Appearance
With exposed skin, fraying, and varying hole sizes and shapes, ripped jeans grab attention. They pair well with edgy pieces like graphic tees, oversized hoodies, and combat boots. Ripped jeans instantly add an edge to our outfit, often associated with rock, grunge, punk, and street style cultures, though they’ve also gone mainstream.
Whether worn with sneakers and a hoodie or dressed up with a blazer and boots, ripped jeans always add personality and a rebellious energy.
5. Best Settings for Ripped Jeans
Ripped jeans are great for casual settings like weekends, concerts, dates, or just everyday wear. However, these jeans are probably not the best pick for business meetings or upscale events.
6. Maintenance
Ripped jeans need a little extra care. The open holes and frayed threads can get worse if you’re not careful. It’s best to wash them inside out, on a gentle cycle, and avoid the dryer. Hand-washing can also help preserve the fabric around the rips.
Key Features of Distressed Jeans
Source: LOGEQI’s light wash blue distressed jeans for men
1. No Visible Skin or Holes In Most Cases
Distressed jeans usually don’t show any skin. So they are more versatile and wearable in different settings, from casual Fridays at the office to a weekend coffee date.
2. Sanded or Faded Areas
Distressed jeans often have light fading on the thighs, knees, or seat, created through sanding or washing techniques, giving the fabric a naturally aged appearance.
3. Whiskering Near the Crotch and Hip Area
Another signature detail of distressed jeans is whiskering, which are faint, crease-like lines around the hip or crotch area designed to mimic natural wear. Whiskering on the distressed jeans adds dimension and depth, contributing to the casual, broken-in style.
Source: LOGEQI's whiskered blue distressed ripped jeans for men
4. Light Frays or Worn Seams
Distressed jeans sometimes have subtle frays at the pockets, hems, or seams, but nothing extreme. They hint at long-term use, without actual tears or skin exposure.
5. Subtle But Stylish
Distressed jeans give off a relaxed, slightly edgy vibe without overpowering the rest of your outfit. You can pair them with a plain white tee, a button-down shirt, or even a casual blazer. This kind of jeans adds texture and interest without being the main event.
6. When to Wear Distressed Jeans
Distressed jeans are great for everyday wear, offering a laid-back look that still feels put-together. They’re also more acceptable in semi-casual or business-casual environments since they typically don't show skin.
7. Maintenance
Without large rips or loose threads to worry about, you can usually wash them like regular denim. To keep the fade and fit intact, wash them inside out and avoid high-heat drying.
Ripped and Distressed Jeans: Which One Lasts Longer?
Now, let’s talk durability for a second.
Distressed jeans (with no holes) generally last longer because the fabric isn’t compromised. You’re less likely to snag them on something or have a rip get bigger.
Ripped jeans, especially ones with big tears, can degrade faster. Washing, sitting, and everyday wear can stretch or enlarge holes. So, just treat them a little more gently.
Ripped vs. Distressed Jeans at LOGEQI
Source: LOGEQI
Our LOGEQI ripped jeans feature bold, edgy rips, often showing some skin or covered with unique patches. They come in slim and regular fits, and are often adorned with street-style graphics.
On the other hand, our distressed jeans offer a more subtle vibe, with fading, fraying, and soft wear with or without holes. Whether you're after a bold look or something more laid-back, our jean collection has both styles in various fits and designs to suit your style.
Ripped vs. Distressed Jeans: Which Style Is Right for You?
So now that you know the difference, here’s the real question: which one should you go for?
Go with Ripped Jeans If:
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You want to make a fashion statement
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You like a grunge or edgy style
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You’re dressing for casual weekends, concerts, or creative events
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You’re comfortable showing a little skin (or leg hair)
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You don't mind giving your jeans a little extra care
Choose Distressed Jeans If:
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You prefer comfort without bold rips
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You want a versatile, low-key look for everyday wear
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You’re aiming for a vintage vibe
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You need work-appropriate jeans and fit more settings
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You want something easier to maintain
Ripped and Distressed Jeans Style Tips
How to Style Ripped Jeans?
For streetwear vibes:
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Pair ripped skinny jeans with a graphic tee, bomber jacket, and high-top sneakers.
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Add a chain or beanie for extra flair
For a laid-back rocker look:
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Try black ripped jeans with a band tee and leather jacket
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Boots or Converse complete the look
For casual summer fits: Light-wash ripped jeans + white tee + slip-on Vans
Pro tip: If your jeans are heavily ripped, keep the rest of your outfit simple to avoid clashing.
How to Style Distressed Jeans?
For smart casual:
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Pair with a button-up shirt and loafers or Chelsea boots
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Choose a medium wash with light fading (not too baggy)
For weekend casual:
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Toss on a hoodie or denim jacket with slim distressed jeans
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Add sneakers or chukka boots
For summer ease: Pair white or tan distressed jeans with a relaxed-fit tee or linen shirt
Pro tip: Distressed jeans at LOGEQI come in slim, tapered, straight, or baggy, so pick one that suits your body type and the occasion. Learn more: 5 Steps to Find the Best Jeans for Your Body Type (Men)
Upgrade Your Denim Game with LOGEQI
Source: LOGEQI’s jeans collection for men
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect pair of ripped or distressed jeans in slim, straight, regular, or loose fits, check out our latest drop at LOGEQI.com. We offer styles that balance comfort, style, and just the right amount of edge. With hundreds of options, including graffiti, paint splatter, printed, layered, embroidered designs, and more, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in our online store!
Check out our best-selling men's ripped and distressed jeans now!
