The bleached jeans How To

Since I first posted the Mosshart-inspired jeans there have been numerous requests for a detailed tutorial on exactly how to make them. To be honest, the process is so incredibly simple that it barely needs explaining, but hopefully this will answer any questions which some of you may have.

You need...

The pair of jeans you want to bleach - I used a blue/black pair, but I think that most dark colours would work well. Obviously don't use your favourite most expensive pair of jeans, as though this process is very simple it's also quite unpredictable.

The bleach. I think this is the area that has been confusing everyone and it took me a while to figure it out too. Unfortunately I can only speak for British branding, but I used 'household bleach' when making my acid wash t-shirt for a more subtle effect and 'thick bleach' for making these jeans. Basically, use the strongest stuff you can find. It may mention on the bottle that it can be diluted and used to bleach clothing. But we won't be diluting, oh no!

You also need glove to protect your hands. It's strong stuff.

What to do...

Take your jeans and completely soak them with water so they are wet through. Place them in the bath - or another suitable place - and squirt beach on all the parts you want bleached out. Be liberal in the amount but remember that any part that touches the bleach will lose colour. There's no going back.

Flip the jeans over - using gloves - and repeat the process on the back. Remember that the bleach is likely to soak through to some extent.

How the jeans looked after about five minutes...

Leave your jeans in the bath until the colour has almost faded to white. Don't worry if they look a bit yellow, the bleached parts will lighten further when you wash. You should leave them for up about ten minutes... any more and your denim may start to disintegrate.

When sufficently lightened, chuck them in the washing machine for a normal cycle.

Remove, dry, finished!

Now we can all look like Alison. I love the thought that she probably makes her own too.