Distressed clothing has become more than just another fashion trend. It’s now a way for people to express their personality, add texture to outfits, and just more generally break away from overly polished looks. That being said, knowing how to wear these kinds of items well can be a bit of a balancing act, and it’s hard to get that act right.
You want to look put-together, not like you’ve crawled down the road on your knees, so with that in mind – here’s how to style distressed pieces without going overboard.
Just add one distressed item at a time
If your jeans are ripped, keep the top simple. Go with clean lines, solid colours, and minimal embellishments. That kind of contrast is what makes the outfit work.
Wearing a distressed jacket? Pair it with tailored trousers or a classic shirt underneath. Too many frayed or torn pieces in one outfit can feel messy fast.
Make sure it fits you well
Fit matters more than people realise. When a distressed item fits right, it looks intentional. Baggy or oversized can work, but there should still be structure somewhere in the outfit.
Try out some ripped bootcut jeans with a personalised white t-shirt from Screen Textiles. Tuck it in. Add clean trainers. With that, you should have yourself an outfit that feels relaxed, not careless.
Don’t go too heavy on accessories
Distressed fabric already has a lot going on. Adding bold jewellery, flashy belts, or patterned shoes can make things feel crowded, so keep your accessories understated.
Try something like one watch, a simple chain, or a plain cap. The texture of the fabric is already doing the talking, and you don’t want to inadvertently overpower whatever else it is you have going on.
Keep the rest of the outfit clean
Balance is the key. If your top is distressed, keep your bottoms neat. If your jeans have tears, wear a smooth tee or jumper. Too many rough elements together can throw off the look.
It’s about giving your outfit space to breathe, and not piling on a single element too hard. While things like Texas tuxedos or all pink outfits can work, they’re generally not the safest bet in town.
Carefully layers
Layering works well with distressed clothing – just be thoughtful about how you do it. A ripped tee under a structured blazer, for example, can look sharp. But layering multiple distressed pieces on top of each other? That usually crosses the line into chaos. Start simple, then build from there.
Make it your own
The best looks feel natural. If you’re trying too hard to follow a trend, it shows. Wear distressed pieces in a way that fits your personal style. Some people lean into grunge. Others balance distressed jeans with preppy or minimal pieces. There’s no one, single formula.
Try different combinations, look in the mirror, and trust your instincts. Ultimately, you’re probably not wearing these kinds of outfits to impress your next employer, so the only person who needs to approve is you.
