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Worn Identity: 10 Terrific (Slightly) Distressed Jeans

By Christopher Blomquist Published March 22, 2017

Although most denim purists are loath to wear any pair that is not constructed from raw selvedge denim that will age naturally with everyday wear and tear, there’s no denying that this process takes time, patience and quite a bit of washing and abuse to achieve that desired “lived-in” look on your favorite pair of jeans. But those of you who don’t have months and years to invest in breaking in a pair of jeans, designers and brands have you covered this fall. Distressed jeans and destroyed denim are definitely a thing these days and although the extreme versions of this look are probably best left to Kayne and his crew, subtler less over-the-top pre-distressed styles can lend a dose of casual, vintage-inspired flair to an outfit and allow you to rock this look without coming across as a trendy twit.

Here are ten pre-aged options for the time-crunched that are available now in a wide variety of prices. Consider donning one of them until that rare pair of Japanese raw denim you adore manages to age gracefully and organically – two or three years from now.

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Slim Straight Jeans in Destroyed Medium Wash by Abercrombie & Fitch, $39

abercrombiefitch_slim_straight_destroyed_medium_wash — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Skinny Jeans in Destroyed Light Wash by Abercrombie & Fitch, $39

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Holden Hybrid Slim in Nomad by Citizens of Humanity, $228

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Rowan Relaxed Slim in Stockport by Citizens of Humanity, $258

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Snap in Light Stone Destroyed by Dr. Denim, $80

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501 CT Stretch Jeans in Hillman by Levi’s, $79.50

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Jake Slim Leg in Used Extreme Vintage by Mavi, $89.99

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Federal Crescent Deconstructed Jean by Paige, $209

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Kinkade Jeans – Jah by Volcom, $75

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Raw Edge Jeans by Zara, $79.90

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Christopher Blomquist

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Christopher is a native New Yorker who lives and works (mostly) in Manhattan. A longtime fashion journalist, he served as…

Fashion & Style

Junghans marks a milestone with this retro-inspired, limited edition timepiece

Junghans honors Wempe’s 100 Years with Ice Blue chronoscope

Junghans Meister Chronoscope 'Ice Blue' up close

Junghans and Wempe have teamed up to celebrate horological excellence with the illustrious Meister Chronoscope 'Ice Blue' Limited Edition. This exclusive timepiece blends vintage charm with contemporary elegance, securing its place as an instant collector’s item. With only 100 pieces available worldwide, this chronograph is a rare homage to Wempe’s enduring legacy in luxury watchmaking.

Take in the 38.4mm stainless steel case, home to a pristine ice-blue dial that features a pulsometer scale and typography consistent with a retro motif. Protected by a boxed sapphire crystal, the watch boasts elevated sophistication while maintaining durability. Attention to detail is evident from every angle of this creation, from the heat-blued hands to the sunburst finish—reflections of Junghans’ mastery of craftsmanship and precision.

Fashion & Style

Girard-Perregaux revives iconic deep diver in collaboration with Bamford

From 1969 to today: Girard-Perregaux's cushion-cased diver makes a splash

Girard-perregaux deep diver

Girard-Perregaux brought back a diving watch, originally released in 1969. It is a cushion-shaped model. Bamford Watch Department collaborated on the new version, which is part of Girard-Perregaux's limited-edition Legacy Editions series.
The Deep Diver is limited to 350 pieces. Its appearance closely resembles the original, but it uses new materials and technical updates. The watch case is made from grade 5 titanium. It measures 40.30mm by 38.00mm, with a thickness of 13.91mm. It offers a contemporary feel on the wrist while maintaining the original shape.
A design element from the first model is the 14-facet bezel. The brand's Laureato used the same design, and that watch celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The Deep Diver also features an internally rotating bezel, operated by a crown at 2 o'clock. This approach helps create a slimmer profile and improves water resistance.
The dial combines blue, orange, and white, giving it a look that blends vintage style with a modern touch. It references the 1971 version. The hands and markers glow blue in low light. The numbers use typography from the original model. The date window and the symmetrical crown placement at 2 and 4 o'clock complete the design.
Inside this updated model is Girard-Perregaux's GP03300 calibre, a self-winding movement that measures 3.36mm thick and has a minimum 46-hour power reserve. The movement features detailed finishing, including circular Côtes de Genève on the oscillating weight, linear Côtes de Genève on the bridges, polished bevels, and circular graining. It can be viewed through a blue metallized sapphire crystal caseback decorated with a trident emblem-a reference to the watch's aquatic history.
The collaboration with Bamford Watch Department influenced the new look of this classic watch. George Bamford, founder of Bamford Watch Department, said it was a privilege to bring Bamford’s style to the Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver.
The watch comes with a blue rubber strap and an orange option, both with a tool-free removal system. The Deep Diver is a "pool watch," suitable for summer activities, while still offering the quality expected from a high-end timepiece.
Priced at $15,100, the Deep Diver Legacy Edition is available at all Girard-Perregaux retailers and online at bamfordwatchdepartment.com.

Fashion & Style

Ming unveils 29.01 midnight worldtimer in limited 25-piece edition

The batman to bruce wayne: ming's dark worldtimer gets the midnight treatment

Ming 29.01 midnight worldtimer

Ming has presented a darker version of its well-received worldtimer. The new 29.01 Midnight is a timepiece with a black DLC-coated titanium case. Production is limited to 25 pieces, and its price is CHF 22,000.
After the successful 29.01 worldtimer, this variant adopts the color combination first seen on the brand's 37.09 Uni model. The Midnight edition keeps the original's functions but adds a nocturnal look. The brand describes it as suitable for secret night missions or private assignations.
The 40mm grade 5 titanium case features a deep sapphire box crystal, which serves as both the front crystal and bezel, seamlessly connecting to the case body. This construction gives the appearance of having no bezel at all. The watch is water-resistant to 50m. It also features "flying blade" lugs, which allow it to sit comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes.
Ming’s dial design uses several layers to create a sense of depth. A rotating metal 24-hour disc works with static city names, which are printed on two levels of the sapphire dial. Cities include New York, Rio, London, and Pago Pago.
The watch is easy to read at night. Every feature on the sapphire components and hands is coated with ceramic Super-LumiNova X1. The orange numerals add a pop of color against the dark layout and glow orange in the dark.
A Schwarz-Etienne ASE 222 caliber powers the 29.01 Midnight. Ming has modified this movement, giving it a skeletonized barrel for monitoring winding. The bridges are coated in 5N rose gold and finished with diamond-cut anglage. It also features a redesigned tungsten microrotor. Ming Thein designed the bridge, matching the brand’s style.
The microrotor has a new, donut-like shape. It uses ceramic ball bearings and a modified mounting system for improved winding. A four-level staircase acts as the rotor guard, adding another visual element to the movement, which is visible through the domed sapphire caseback.
The timepiece comes with a black molded FKM rubber strap, attached to a DLC-coated flying blade buckle with micro-adjustment. Buyers also receive a strap of their choice.
Shipping of the Ming 29.01 Midnight will start in June 2025. The watches are available at ming.watch and through retail partners. Ming notes that only 25 pieces will be produced. Ming notes that "chances of spotting another one in the field are vanishingly small."