2016 brought new trends to Arrowhead High School from short haircuts, to long lashes, all the way to clothing trends. But one of the most noticed 2016 trends at Arrowhead is the ripped jeans.

“I have really noticed how much these jeans have come back in style and I have to say I love it. When I was a kid I thought they were rebellious and weird but now I noticed how awesome they look with certain outfits and looks. They definitely are one of my favorite trends right now,” says junior Sarah Janke.

Ripped jeans may seem unclassy and unladylike to some and or even old fashion, but they’ve made their way to the halls of Arrowhead.

Whether it’s a casual Friday at school, or a dinner date night with friends, the trendy lounge ripped jeans are fashionable and comfortable. They are versatile and can be matched with multiple outfits. You could choose an edgy look and pair black, ripped skinny jeans with a sleek leather jacket. Or you could go for a look that’s r more laid back, matching  a pair of light ripped jeans with a white T and a flannel.   

What was once a “poor man’s pant,” now sells for anywhere between $50 to $300, depending on style, type and where you buy them. American Eagle sells ripped jeans for around $30 to $65. Pacsun sells ripped jeans for $35 to $52. Urban Outfitters sells them for $55 to $85.

According to Girl.com’s article, “The History Of Ripped Jeans,” the ripped jeans is the most organic of clothing style origins. However, what is now considered a trend and sold in stores was once viewed as the complete opposite. Prior to the 1970’s, ripped jeans were associated with the less fortunate or people of the working class who could not afford a new pair of jeans. Rather than tossing the ripped bottoms away, people wore them until they became more and more distressed.

This might be why when you were a child and wanted to wear ripped jeans, your mom got upset and would say no because it looked bad.

According to Monmouth University’s student online magazine, in their article called “Ripped Jeans: An Iconic Fashion Staple,” they stated ripped jeans used to be a more punky dark vibe and trend since the early 1970’s when the Ramone’s and Iggy Pop began the slashed craze. But now, they are bringing forth a different style, one where teens show them off in a more casual, everyday look.

According to HistoryOfJeans.com, now, people are not looked down upon for wearing ripped jeans. The trendy blue jeans have become an increasingly popular article of casual dress. They are worn in business, government, professional offices, educational institutions, and most public places. Jeans are one of the most simple, versatile, and enduring garments in modern society because they make no distinction between classes, sexes, and age groups.

According to Girl.com’s article, “The History Of Ripped Jeans,” the shredded (another word to describe the style of the ripped jeans) denim is no longer associated with social outcasts or rebels. Additionally, they are no longer a sign of poverty. Many people think quite the opposite, actually.

Senior, Lauren Goetz, says, “My mom always yells at me for buying jeans with holes in them because she thinks [I] could just [rip them] by [myself]. I totally see where she’s coming from, but who wants to mess up a brand new pair of jeans by accidentally cutting into the wrong place? I wear ripped jeans all the time. My favorite pair is from Freepeople. Although they were somewhat expensive, they’ve lasted for a really long time.”

For people who do want a project or for people who find ripped jean  prices too, many teens have found ways to DIY their own pair to try to save some extra money. Stylecaster.com’s article, “how-to-make-ripped-jeans,” has five easy yet simple steps to follow on how to rip your jeans.

Step one: Choose your jeans. Step two: Gather your supplies to distress and rip. Step 3: Put your jeans on to mark. Step 4:  Start distressing. Step 5: Start making your holes. These steps go further in depth at http://stylecaster.com/how-to-make-ripped-jeans/
Cassidy Valade, a senior, says, “I’ve tried ripping my jeans once and it didn’t really work to well. If I ever tried it again I would definitely recommend to people to watch a youtube tutorial or look up online how to rip your jeans, before you ruin a perfectly good pair of jeans. I would also recommend buying a cheap pair of jeans from Goodwill just to do a test trial on before actually doing the real thing.”