Imagine for a moment a world without denim. How would we seem to survive in a world without jeans? Regardless of your race, class, age or gender, most anyone owns at least one pair of jeans. But of course just one pair doesn’t seem feasible to complete a wardrobe. In actuality, the average American has seven pairs of jeans. People not only own multiple pairs of jeans, but they enjoy them as well. According to Cotton Inc., 77 percent of consumers reported that they both love and enjoy wearing their denim. In addition to some fashion pointers, this week we have a suggestion for what you can do to help others with your used denim.
The denim industry has come a long way from its 1853 beginning with Levi Strauss. No longer are jeans simply a light-fade wash and 100 percent denim. There are many different finishes and dyes that are applied to denim today such as spandex, glitter and paint. Cotton Inc. now has Storm Denim that is water repellent. Despite the Levi trademark being one of the most recognized in the world, many other denim brands are not far behind. Brands such as Diesel, Lucky, True Religion and 7 for all Mankind are also doing well in the consumer market.
Because denim is so widely used among consumers, it is necessary for it to be able to accommodate the needs and looks of the consumer as well. Manufacturers try to accomplish this by making many different styles available such as flare, wide-leg, low-rise, mid-rise and skinny leg. However, just because a style is popular at the moment (the popular style now being the skinny leg) doesn’t mean it’s the best style to compliment your body. Every woman’s body type is different but can be placed in one of four body type categories. Within each category there are certain fits and styles of jeans that compliment your body best.
For those with the “inverted triangle†body type, which consists of shoulders that are wider than the hips, it is suggested to wear flare, trouser and boot-cut styles. Also, lighter or distressed styles help to balance shoulders with lower body
People with rectangle or straight body types have little difference between waist and hips and should consider wearing jeans with flaps on the back pockets and styles with flare or boot cut legs. This will enhance the appearance of curves and a rounder bottom.
For denim wearers with a pear shaped body where the hips are wider than the shoulders with round thighs, dark washes are slimming, and straight leg jeans make the legs appear longer. Avoid rear flap pockets and designs or rhinestones on back pockets.
For those with the hourglass bodies with proportional upper and lower halves that are curvy with a well-defined waist, skinny jeans and low-rise waist styles look best.
As much as we may love our jeans, there eventually comes a point where we no longer wear them for whatever reason. This fall the MAT club will be holding a denim drive, collecting all unwanted denim items. All denim items will be accepted. This denim drive is sponsored by Cotton Inc., and UK is one of eight schools participating in this event. Some other schools involved in the drive include Butler University, University of Memphis and Kansas State University. The purpose of this drive is to help families in need. The denim collected will be recycled into Ultra Touch natural cotton insulation. This insulation will be used when building new homes for families in need.
In 2007, with the help of Habitat for Humanity in Baton Rouge, over 30 homes were built for families displaced in Hurricane Katrina. A total of 500 pieces of denim are needed to insulate one house. Thus far, the MAT club has collected over 1,600 pieces of denim with the help of Girl Scouts and local high school challenges. Collection bins have been placed on all three floors of Erikson Hall and in campus sorority houses.
Denim will become more and more prevelant as the weather gets cooler, and your used denim can help keep a family warm. Be sure to help families in need by donating your unwanted denim.
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