There are many reasons people bleach their jeans, but the number one reason is fashion. Bleached jeans can be very expensive, which is senseless if you ask me. $30-plus for a pair of bleached out jeans is a bit expensive when you can take a pair of jeans from your closet and create the same effect for free.
Before trying this on a pair of jeans that you still want, try it on a pair that you plan on throwing away. Make sure to measure the amount of bleach that you use so that you can replicate the design and colors easily.
With this “How To” you can create full bleached out effect, splatter bleached out effect, painted bleached out effect, or sponge. Your design is up to you.
Here is what you need:
1. Bleach water.
In your experiment, you should test with half strength and quarter strength. The more bleach you use and the longer you leave it on, the whiter the stain will be.
2. A clothes line or flat grass.
3. Newspaper
4. Rubber gloves
5. Apron to protect your clothes from splash
6. Paint brush, spray bottle, or sponge
7. Fresh, bleach free water to rinse
Here is how you do it.
Depending on the design you decided on, you should decide if you want the same design on front and back of your jeans. If you only want the design on one side of your jeans this is where the news paper comes in.
Make sure to wear your rubber gloves. Bleach can be very harsh on the skin.
Step 1: Get your jeans wet. You do not want them dry for this project.
Step 2: Lay your pants on the grass or hang them on the clothes line.
Step 3: Stuff the area you wish to bleach with news paper.
Step 4: Begin your design. Paint, sponge, or spray your bleach on. This is your chance to create a pair of jeans or a jacket that no one else has, or could ever duplicate. Make sure not to leave the bleach on too long. Remember the timing from your experiment and make sure to stick with it. If time has elapsed before you finish, rinse the area that is finished and continue. The bleach water should not be left on for more than 5 minutes for a bright white appearance. Change your clean water as many times as needed to finish your project.
Step 5: Rinse your jeans with clean water again while they are still in the grass or hanging on the line.
Step 6: Machine wash as usual, with detergent to completely deactivate the bleach.
At this point, what ever bleach water you have left can be used for cleaning around the house or bleaching your whites in the next load of laundry.
Now that you know how to create your own bleach out designs, go for it. This “How To” works with any type of denim material.
