Trends in Jeans

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When it comes to seasonal fashion trends, it seems that jeans never go out of style. Of course, there are different styles of jeans. Not long ago, slim-fit pants or skinny jeans were considered trendy. But that may have changed as we find out in today’s close up.

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It seems like there are no constraints on time or place for this fashion item. As a staples in any wardrobe, they can make you look comfortable and fashionable at the same time if you choose the right pair. We're talking about denim jeans.

[Soundbite] Prof. Park Joo-hee(Dep. of Fashion Design, Kookmin University) : "Denim was favored by miners who were working in gold mines in the U.S. in the 1850s. In Korea, blue jeans were introduced and became a fashion time in the 1970s, as young people began to prefer them."

Skinny jeans have been popular since 2000. But the latest trend is not the slim-fit style. What style is in vogue this year?

[Soundbite] Park Min-sook(Denim Designer) : "As retro styles from the 1970s and 1980s are making a comeback, designs have changed a lot and various styles are available."

The legs are clearly wider. This is the popular style this spring It is a pair of straight-fit jeans. You'll look stylish of you roll up the hems of the legs a little and tuck the shirt into the pants. This is a pair of boot-cut flared jeans. Models with frayed hems are also popular in this spring. Baggy styles are also regaining popularity. Colorful socks and white sneakers are a good match with baggy jeans. Jean makers are busy with the return of old styles.

[Soundbite] Kim Gwang-soo(Denim Company Owner) : "The most important part in processing and washing denim is to dye and soften the fabric. Washing determines the color of jeans. So we pay special attention to it."

The process of washing is a must to soften stiff denim. Stone washed jeans are growing in popularity this spring. Jeans are processed together with pumice stones in a washing machine to get the desired color. More delicate processes remain. First, sand is used to give the jeans a natural color.

[Soundbite] Seo Kyung-beom(Denim Company Employee) : "Pressured air and sand are sprayed together to give natural shades to denim."

Emery powder is sprayed to fade the color of the jeans. The next step called cat washing is to add natural wrinkles to jeans, which resemble cats' whiskers. A pair of jeans is placed on the cat washing board. Then, it's rubbed with sandpaper and whisker-like patterns are created on the jeans. A laser machine is also used to make various patterns on jeans. Jeans go well with shirts or tops in any style. Try out one of this spring's hot fashion items and stay trendy.