FASHION

How To Wear Acid Wash Jeans

This '80s denim trend is back

Undoubtedly, acid wash denim was the most popular trend of the 1980s with everyone from Cindy Crawford to Madonna stepping out high rise mom jeans. Acid wash denim was first introduced by the iconic American clothing brand Guess in 1982. They coined the term ‘acid wash’ due to the process of treating or ‘acid washing’ denim – using a chemical to distress the material and create a retro faded look. After this revolution stonewash was everywhere; from stonewash denim jackets; to jumpsuits and even blazers. 

Samantha Fox in acid wash denim in 1989
Samantha Fox in acid wash denim in 1989
Save by the Bell in 1987
Save by the Bell 1987

The light blue signature wash remains popular to this day and is a mainstay when it comes to high waisted and skinny leg jeans. Meanwhile, Designers such as Isabel Marant and Balmain featured acid wash styles in their 2019 / 2020 collections.

Isabel Marant S/S 2019
Isabel Marant S/S 2019
Isabel Marant S/S 2019
Isabel Marant S/S 2019
Balmain womenswear S/S 2019
Balmain womenswear S/S 2019
Balmain Menswear Spring/Summer 2020
Balmain Menswear Spring/Summer 2020

What’s more? Street style stars such as Kendall Jenner, Charlize Theron and Katy Perry have recently stepped out in acid wash jeans making them an it-girl must-have. 

Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron 

Kate Perry

Katy Perry in head to toe denim.

How To Wear Acid Wash Jeans? 

To help you work your acid wash denim items, here are a few handy style notes to remember. 

Sofia Richie in boyfriend jeans

Pair oversized boyfriend jeans together with cute cropped top and pair of strap heels to make to look more feminine.

denim on denim

When opting for denim head-to-toe (hello, Canadian Tuxedo) team an oversized denim shirt with baggy jeans and complete the look with statement accessories such as a big sunnies and a big coat.

denim jacket

Mix it up by matching a floral summer dress with an oversized denim jacket and with colorful accessories.

acid wash

Embrace the trend with an acid wash jumpsuit – match it with simple white sneakers and white bag.

Layer up

Straight leg styles are ideal for a layered look. Case in point: loose ankle-length jeans with layering matching polo and an oversized jumper.

denim shorts

Swap short shorts to denim biker shorts, pair them with simple heels and statement blazer.

denim skirt

This contemporary street style look consists of a tie-dye denim skirt made from a denim jacket, match it with boots and puffer jacket.

denim dress

Denim jacket inspired dress. Wear a long denim jacket as a dress, wrap a belt around the waist to make more fitted look.

denim on denim

Men’s head to toe denim, match jeans and denim jacket a hoodie and a bag.

denim and tshirt

Pair jeans with white t-shirt, hat and colorful sneakers.

RELATED: BEST JEANS FOR WOMEN

acid wash

AGOLDE Carrie denim shorts, $210, net-a-porter.com.au

acid wash

BALENCIAGA asymmetric frayed denim skirt, $1450, net-a-porter.com.au

acid wash

TOTEME flair high-rise wide-leg jeans, $309, net-a-porter.com.au

acid wash

KSUBI oversized distressed denim jacket, $200, net-a-porter.com.au

acid wash

VICTORIA, VICTORIA BECKHAM high-rise skinny jeans, $298, net-a-porter.com.au

If you have a pair of old denim laying around, you can create your own pair of acid washed denim at home with just few steps.

Related stories