Originally the consequence of working too hard for too long in the same pair of jeans, the DIY attitude of the 70s punk scene worked to turn ripped jeans into something of a fashion statement. The result was clearly a success, as distressed jeans continue to be worn today by everyone from rockers to streetwear enthusiasts.
Whether you're looking for slight wear and tear or extreme rips and shreds, there's a pair of ripped jeans to suit every fashion style. In this buying guide, we'll clue you in on what's on offer to help you find a pair of ripped jeans that you'll fall in love with. We've even compiled a ranking of the ten best ripped jeans in the UK on Amazon, ASOS and John Lewis!
Quick List - Top Ripped Jeans for Men
ASOS Design
A Unique Pair Combining Rips, Threads and Worn-Out Patches
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For a fashion item whose appeal is in its haphazard look, there's a surprising amount that goes into finding the right pair of ripped jeans. Listen up, because we're about to walk you through everything you need to know, from rip styles to picking the right fit!
Not all ripped jeans are born equal, and designers use a variety of rips and tears of different shapes and sizes to achieve that truly destroyed look. Read on to learn more about what each of these styles has to offer.
Lastly 'rip and repair' style jeans feature holes that have been filled in, or 'repaired', using an additional layer of fabric. Holes repaired in a contrasting fabric offer a bold look, whereas those that have been repaired using a denim that matches that of the jeans themselves will be more subtle. No matter the style, repaired jeans are a great choice - plus the extra insulation will keep your legs a little bit warmer!
Of course, most often ripped jeans will combine several rip styles for more authenticity, perhaps featuring a hole on the knee and a bit of worn away fabric near the pocket. So if you can't decide, don't think you only have to choose only one style!
Knowing about all the different rip styles is one thing, but the most important choice you'll make when picking a pair of ripped jeans is how damaged you want your jeans to look. In short, it's the amount, or 'quantity', of damage that makes the most impact, and the level you choose will depend on whether you want your jeans to look as authentic or as extreme as possible.
If you're looking to make a statement, you'll need a pair of jeans with the highest amount of damage you can find. At the most extreme end of the scale are those jeans, full of rips and tears, that give true meaning to the term 'destroyed' jeans.
Ranging from small rips on the knee, all the way up to gaping holes around the thigh, this style of ripped jeans can really vary in their intensity. The damage level of the product may not be written in the product description, but simply take a look at a photo of the jeans...not nearly damaged enough? Then keep shopping!
Just how closely they fit to your leg will depend on how narrow you go, just bear in mind when choosing skinny jeans with rips that, because of their close fit, onlookers are likely to see whatever lies underneath. If you're not keen to expose yourself in this way, go for jeans with worn out patches, rather than open holes.
Baggy jeans are the opposite, featuring a wide fit that leaves plenty of space between your leg and the surrounding fabric, meaning you won't be quite as exposed as your skinny jean wearing friends. They're traditionally associated with street fashion and have a great vintage appeal.
Perhaps because they're already so bold, it can be significantly more difficult to find ripped jeans in bright and vivid colours than with regular jeans. But, that doesn't mean there aren't some fantastic shades out there.
You'll find all of your traditional denim colours, such as black, grey and blue. However, you'll also see some intriguing variations on these themes, such as blues that are so dark as to look virtually black, or pale, stone-washed jeans that work fantastically as part of a vintage look.
These colours are fairly versatile, meaning they'll go pretty well with any outfit. The only thing you might want to avoid is matching colours. While some black jeans complement a white shirt well, you may want to avoid a completely white ensemble. But hey, who are we to judge?! There are no rules to fashion, and whatever you say goes!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | New Look Skinny Jeans with Rips in Washed black | ![]() | Extreme Style That Doesn't Look Artificial | |
2 | AllSaints Cigarette Damaged Skinny Jeans | ![]() | Well-Worn Skinny Jeans in a Timeless Retro Style | |
3 | ASOS Design Drop Crotch Jeans in Vintage Light Wash Blue with Heavy Rips | ![]() | A Unique Pair Combining Rips, Threads and Worn-Out Patches | |
4 | ShinyAmber Destroyed & Frayed Slim Fit Jeans | ![]() | Turn Heads With These Shredded, Skin-Tight Jeans | |
5 | ASOS Design Original Fit Jeans in Stone Wash With Heavy Rips | ![]() | Get the Retro Look With These Baggy Ripped Jeans | |
6 | AOWOFS Distressed Biker Jeans | ![]() | The Perfect Distressed Pair for Rockers and Bikers | |
7 | Pull&Bear Premium Super Skinny Fit Jeans with Rips | ![]() | Patches of Wear and Tear That Don't Look Factory Made | |
8 | Island Trading Slit Knee Skinny Stretch Fit Jeans | ![]() | Perfectly Intact in All But the Knees | |
9 | Topman Skinny Rip and Repair Jeans in Mid Wash | ![]() | Get That Well-Worn Look | |
10 | Ze ENZO Super Stretch Distressed Skinny Jeans | ![]() | A Distressed Look That Covers the Full Length of Your Leg |
These jeans feature humongous holes in the knees, meaning you're guaranteed to stand out from the crowd. What's more impressive is that they do so in a way that avoids looking artificial. In fact, the fabric threads make it look as though these jeans really have been worn away over time.
With these jeans, you get the best of both worlds with prominent holes that look extreme, but don't seem factory-produced or expose too much skin. They're everything a pair of ripped jeans should be, and that's why they're our number one pick!
These jeans are straight out of the 1970s New York punk scene, featuring a worn denim style and a skinny fit that is utterly timeless. Pair them with some Doc Martens and you're good to go!
We're not sure The Ramones would have paid such a high price for their ripped jeans, but for those with a bit of cash in their pocket, they're a quick and easy way of getting that well-worn look.
For those who can't decide exactly what kind of wear and tear they'd like their jeans to have, these feature a little bit of everything, from gaping holes and hanging threads, to worn out patches.
What's more, they also come with a slightly loose fit that is pretty unique where ripped jeans are concerned. They use their wear and tear in an innovative, almost artistic, manner that truly sets them apart, making these the perfect pair for the fashion conscious.
If an extreme look is what you're after, these are the jeans for you! They're skin tight, and feature enough holes that you might say half of them are missing. Luckily, those holes are patched with an eye-catching tartan fabric.
Their arresting appearance means these aren't jeans that you'll be wearing every day, but for those that want to strut their stuff in the right situation, they're a must buy!
Ripped jeans most commonly come in skinny fit, meaning those who prefer baggier jeans can find themselves feeling a little bit left out. Not anymore! These ripped jeans come in a glorious wide fit that is all too difficult to find.
Their baggy fit and stone washed denim colour scheme is pure retro, and these jeans are guaranteed to look great with a bright pair of trainers. They're not going to be for those looking for a pair of drainpipe jeans, but their vintage look is irresistible.
Ripped jeans are a staple of the punk and rock scene, and these distressed biker jeans, which feature patches of wear and tear up and down the leg, will go perfectly with a pair of boots and a leather jacket!
Hardcore punks may argue that these jeans aren't nearly ripped enough. But for rockers who want a distressed pair of jeans that they can actually wear, these are the perfect choice.
For some, subtlety is preferable to gaping holes when it comes to ripped jeans. These skinny fit jeans are virtually completely intact, featuring just a few spots of wear down the length of the thigh and around the knees.
For some, these patches of wear and tear will barely constitute calling these jeans 'ripped'. That said, they're the perfect choice for those who want the damage to look genuine, rather than fabricated.
A beloved pair of old jeans will usually start to wear at the knees first, so if you're searching for a distressed look that appears genuine, knee holes are the way to go. These skinny fit jeans are in perfect condition everywhere except the knees.
These jeans lose a few points for the fact their perfectly horizontal knee holes do look a little bit artificial. However, these are still going to be a great pick for those who want an otherwise high quality pair of skinny jeans at a low price.
These jeans feature several holes filled in using a slightly darker fabric. This mimics the effect you might get if you made a genuine attempt at repairing a really worn out pair of jeans.
Some may question the point of purchasing a ripped pair of jeans in which the holes are all but completely repaired, but there's no denying that this is a unique look that's perfect for those who want ripped jeans with a bit of originality.
Rather than any rips or holes, these distressed skinny jeans feature worn out patches. These are not just on the knees, but all the way down the length of the leg, including the thighs and shins.
The rather sporadic locations of the distressed patches give away the fact that these are 'designer rips' rather than the result of genuine wear and tear. But, for those who want a change from the norm, these are the perfect pair.
No. 1: New Look|Skinny Jeans with Rips in Washed black
No. 2: AllSaints|Cigarette Damaged Skinny Jeans
No. 3: ASOS Design|Drop Crotch Jeans in Vintage Light Wash Blue with Heavy Rips
No. 4: ShinyAmber|Destroyed & Frayed Slim Fit Jeans
No. 5: ASOS Design|Original Fit Jeans in Stone Wash With Heavy Rips
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