I have created my own jeans for over 20 years. Every year, I make at least one new pair with a slightly different design from previous years. The changes I make vary from year to year. It can be the fit, the length, the back pocket location, front pocket lining shape, waist band width, or anything else.
These four pairs in the below picture are mainly the only pairs I have been wearing in rotation for the past five years. From left to right: I made the navy pair in 2016, the black twill pair in 2017, the grayish washed black denim in 2015, and the black denim farthest to the right in 2018.
High-waist navy jeans
This navy pair is made with one-way stretch denim. The waist line is true to the waist, and it has the highest waist line out of all four pairs. I have not used any belts for over 10 years. I also I like to keep the design around my waist clean to emphasize small waist. So I have not placed belt loops on any pairs of high-waist jeans I have made for the past few years. A plain pair of navy jeans is a must have item for sure.
Casual black twill jeans
This black twill fabric only stretches moderately and it’s more suitable for a looser fit. Therefore, I made it into a low waist casual pair. With this type of jeans, I only wear flats, and never high heels.
Two pairs of two-way stretch black denim jeans
The last two pairs on the right in the first picture are made with exactly the same fabric. They are made with two-way stretch denim. It’s just that one made in 2015 has been washed repeatedly and that it looks older than the one made in 2018. The washed black denim pair from 2015 is so old that it got ripped at the crotch as any beloved old pairs usually get. Every time this happens, I usually make another pair to replace them. So I did. I made another pair with a slight design change in 2018.
The new pair is used for going out to somewhat fancy places, window shopping, and going to a café. The new pair is dressier than the old pair since it still has a darker pigment. This pair also hugs my body tightly since it has not been stretched out.
As much as I love the new pair, I still love my old pair for other reasons. The old pair has been stretched out where it needs to be and it fits like a glove. The new pair has not gotten there yet nor has it gotten softer. The old pair is as comfy as leggings, so I can wear them when I ride my bike too. I can also do the splits while I’m wearing the old pair.
I usually get rid of old jeans after I make a replacement, but I fixed where it’s ripped because I wanted to wear it a few more years. Two pairs of jeans seemingly the same are each used for completely different occasions.