Would You Pay More For Clothes That Look Worn Out?

A little DIY can make the result feel much more individual.

POSTED 13.11.26 07:36 BY ZOE TYLER

By now, most of us have seen the fashion appeal of worn-out clothing. Distressed denim, scuffed sneakers and deliberately faded fabrics have all found their place in modern wardrobes. But there's still one question worth asking: would you actually spend good money on something designed to look dirty or damaged?

Personally, I'm somewhere in the middle. Would I spend a fortune on a garment made to look like it's been dragged through the mud? Probably not. Worn-in clothing isn't necessarily my usual style, but I can appreciate how it gives an outfit a grungier, more lived-in feel. Still, buying dirty-looking sneakers instead of wearing a regular pair until they develop their own character feels a little contradictory. Doesn't the appeal come from the fact that they've actually been worn?

Let Your Jeans Tell a Story

images via:@zara @acnestudios

If there's one distressed look I can get behind, it's worn-in denim. A few natural tears, faded patches and signs of age can make jeans feel personal, as though they've been part of your wardrobe for years. They become a signature piece rather than just another pair of trousers.

I wouldn't necessarily buy jeans designed to look old, though. I'd rather invest in a good-quality pair and wear them for years, letting their character develop naturally. There's something satisfying about earning that worn-in look instead of buying it straight off the rack.

DIY Distressing or Designer Distress?

images via:@brittanyj.baker__ @zara

I understand the appeal of distressed and ripped clothing, especially when compared with garments that are deliberately made to look dirty. After all, most of us have owned ripped jeans at some point. But if you're after a genuinely personal, worn-in aesthetic, why not experiment yourself?

I'd always be more inclined to customise an old shirt or give an existing piece a new lease of life than spend extra money on something that arrives looking damaged. A little DIY can make the result feel much more individual, too.

Ultimately, there's nothing wrong with enjoying the distressed aesthetic. But personally, I'd rather let my clothes tell their own stories than pay someone to write the wear and tear into them.

If you want jeans to wear in or tops to distress, here are my Fizzypicks.

Picture 1 out of 7

SAINT LAURENT
Faded Wide-Leg Jeans
$1320

Would You Pay More For Clothes That Look Worn Out?

Let Your Jeans Tell a Story

DIY Distressing or Designer Distress?

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