Recipe: Dip Dye Jeans

At this point, we can confidently say we've experimented (at least once!) with just about every kind of processed denim trend out there. Whether it's ripping holes into our favorite jeans to give them that perfectly distressed look, splattering them with paint, or dying them bright colors, we're constantly on the lookout for intriguing ways to update this hardworking fabric. Doused almost completely in bleach, the resulting look is incredibly cool and exudes a laidback, beachy vibe that's hard to resist. The dying technique is super simple to do, making it the perfect subject for today's D.I.Y story!

The idea for this D.I.Y. adventure comes from the Dries van Noten S/S 11 runway, specifically, the dip-dye pieces like the pair of wide-leg jeans shown above. Inspired by Belgian painter Jef Verheyen's ability to capture light, Noten turned out a number of visually striking separates that featured an ombre effect of bright colors and gorgeous ceramic floral prints fading into white. The wide-leg jeans are a statement-making piece, true, yet they're also completely wearable, and can be styled casually with a t-shirt and sandals or dressed up with a ladylike jacket and heels.

Now for the good news: you don't have to invest in designer pieces to get the look! In fact, with just a few household items and some easy-to-follow instructions, you can make your very own iteration in no time. Seeing as we're headed into the sizzling summer months, we thought it would be awesome to create a pair of dip-dyed cutoffs, since they're the perfect piece for afternoon barbecues and music festivals alike! Excited to get started?
INGREDIENTS:
-1 x old denim shorts/ jeans
-1 x Bucket
-1 x Clorox Bleach
-12" ruler
-1 pair  of Gloves
-Heinz Distilled White Vinegar
DIRECTIONS:
Before you begin: make sure to wear plastic gloves before you begin working to protect your hands.

1. To create bleach solution, mix two parts water and one part bleach in a plastic bucket.

2. Prepare your shorts by threading a ruler though all of the belt loops. The ruler will serve as a weight to balance the shorts while they are soaking in the bleach solution.

3. Dip the shorts into the liquid to the desired depth. Rest the ruler on the top of the bucket to allow the shorts to hang in the bleach solution without being completely covered. Leave the shorts soaking for approx 30 minutes. (Note: the bleach will run slightly, so we recommend leaving an additional inch out of the solution.)

4. After the bleach has turned the shorts the desired white shade (may take a few dips), remove shorts from bleach solution and soak in a sink or bathtub with two parts water and one part vinegar for approximately five to ten minutes to stop the bleaching process.

5. Let the shorts dry out completely, and then cut them to your desired length. Gently pull along the edges of the shorts to create a more distressed and ragged look.

Please note: Wash and dry the shorts alone for the first time. After that, you will be able to put into regular loads for future washes.


Source: whowhatwear