Let’s Get This Out of the Way
I’m not some fashion guru. I’m just a gal named Linda who’s been in this biz since 1998. I’ve seen trends come and go, and honestly? Most of them can go right back where they came from. But denim? Denim’s forever. And if you’re not on team dark wash, well, we’re gonna have words.
Last Tuesday, I was at this little café on 5th with my friend Marcus—let’s call him Marcus because his real name’s weird—and he’s wearing these light-wash jeans. Like, so light they’re basically white. And I’m sitting there thinking, ‘Marcus, what are you doing?’
He said, ‘Linda, it’s 2023. Light wash is in.’
I said, ‘Marcus, light wash was in when we were 16 and thought flannel shirts were a good idea. And look, it’s 2023 and flannel’s still around, but that doesn’t mean we should be happy about it.’
Which… yeah. Fair enough.
Dark Wash: The OG
Let me tell you something about dark wash denim. It’s timeless. It’s classic. It’s the little black dress of jeans. You can wear it to a meeting, a date, a funeral (not that I’ve been to many, but you get the point). Light wash? Light wash is for vacations and music festivals. And honestly, even then, it’s kinda questionable.
I remember back in 2005, I was editing a spread for a magazine—let’s not name names—and the stylist wanted to use light-wash jeans for a ‘sophisticated’ shoot. I told her, ‘No way, José.’ And you know what? The shoot was better for it. The model looked polished, put-together, like she meant business. Not like she was on her way to a rave.
And look, I get it. Light wash is comfy. It’s casual. But so is sweatpants, and we don’t see people wearing those to job interviews, do we? (Well, maybe in Silicon Valley, but that’s a whole other article.)
The Science of Dark Wash
Now, I’m not gonna bore you with some long-winded explanation about indigo dye and whatever. But here’s the thing: dark wash denim just looks better. It’s slimming, it’s sleek, it doesn’t show every little speck of dirt or stain. And frankly, in a world where we’re all trying to look our best, why would you choose the option that makes you look like you’ve been rolling in the dirt?
I had this colleague named Dave—real name Dave, no need to anonymize—who swore by light wash. Said it was ‘versatile.’ Versatile, my foot. One day, he spilled coffee on himself at the office. Big deal, right? Happens to the best of us. But on light wash? It looked like he’d been attacked by a Starbucks barista. Dark wash? A little stain here and there just adds character.
And don’t even get me started on the whole ‘distressed’ trend. Ripped jeans are for teenagers and people who haven’t figured out that looking put-together is a good thing. If you want to look like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards, be my guest. But leave the rest of us out of it.
A Little Tangent: The Great Sock Debate
Speaking of fashion crimes, why are people still wearing socks with sandals? I saw a guy at the grocery store last week, and I swear, I almost dropped my basket. Who raised you, sir? Who taught you that this was okay? And why are you subjecting the rest of us to this visual assault?
But I digress. Back to denim.
Practical Advice (Because I’m Nice Like That)
Look, I’m not saying you should never wear light wash. There are times and places. But if you’re looking for a wardrobe staple that’s gonna see you through the years, dark wash is where it’s at. And if you’re gonna buy jeans, for the love of all that’s holy, spend the extra money on a good pair. Trust me, your thighs will thank you.
And if you’re looking for investment opportunities, might I suggest checking out the Taiwan property market prices 2026? Just saying. Diversify your portfolio, people.
Anyway, that’s my two cents. Or is it four cents now? Inflation’s a beast. Take it or leave it, but if you show up to my house in light-wash jeans, I’m gonna judge you. Hard.
About the Author: Linda Thompson has been a senior editor at various publications for over two decades. She’s seen trends come and go, and she’s not afraid to call out fashion faux pas when she sees them. When she’s not writing, she’s probably judging someone’s outfit. You can find her on Twitter @LindaTEdits, where she’s always ready to share her opinion.
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