The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : They're more than just wardrobe staples

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 08, 2011
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

They're more than just wardrobe staples

James Prashanth Lobo

Just about everybody owns a pair of denims

—FILE PHOTO: AP

NEVER OUT OF FASHION:Women usually buy darker shades of blue, as it makes them look thinner, according to an industry insider.

BANGALORE: From embodying the American working class to being a universal fashion statement now, the rugged denim has come a long way. Today, it is a must-have in any young person's wardrobe — from the straight cuts to boot cuts and flared jeans (bell bottoms) to skinny fits. An original branded pair was a prized possession when our economy was closed. Today, of course, a walk down on any street in the city will make one realise how jeans has become an integral part of our lives. If for some it is a fashion statement, for others it is the sheer comfort.

Trendy daily wear

Evita Maria Louis, who just graduated from Christ College, explained: “Jeans are part of my daily wear: they're trendy. These days I wear skinny jeans, they're really nice.”

There are others though who are not carried away by trends, but stick to the comfort factor. Ainsley Boye, a student of St. Joseph's College of Arts and Science, said: “I prefer jeans as they're very comfortable. They save a lot of [bother] too. I don't have to iron them like other trousers nor do they have to be washed every time I wear them. They can be used for casual wear and rough use. In fact, I have very few [ordinary] trousers.”

In keeping with seasonal trends, denim outlets update their stocks accordingly, stacking up the ‘in' designs while phasing out those that are ‘out'. As for this season, slim fits appear to be in demand.

Those jeggings

Vashi Lakhani, owner of Vashi's Jean Shack on Commercial Street, pointed out that skinny jeans fly off the shelves. “Skinny fit jeans and jeggings (leggings made of denim) are going really strong in the market today. Slightly flared jeans are also picking up, but jeggings have taken over the market for some time now.”

Shades of black and blue are as popular today as they were in the past. “Women usually buy darker shades of blue, as it makes them look thinner,” Mr. Lakhani said, and added that straight fit and drainpipes (narrow legs) are popular among men and sell in big numbers.

Constantly evolving

The denim industry is also constantly evolving itself. Ogus Aksovy, designer for LNJ Denim, explained about the different designs popular in the market.

“Stretch fabrics are popular these days with different washes. They have caught on because of the skinny jeans that women wear.”

He further added that stitch lines on the jeans too were less prominent and were made less distracting these days.

The latest in the denim evolution is the anti-bacterial, fire-retardant denim, water-resistant denim and organic (recycled) denim.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka