The uber-unfinished, hand-cut bottom of jeans look has evolved from a bohemian tendency to a new fashion trend.

So why would you want to cut off the bottom of your favorite jeans and show off your mankles?

Because these days, cutting off the bottom of your jeans is to distressed denim what bleach splattered Ed Hardy’s were to the mid 2000s.


Here’s how to do it:

1. Purchase cheap jeans that you don’t mind experimenting on or make use of a washing machine casualty that already shrank 2-3 inches in length.


2. Grab a ruler, fabric scissors, tweezers and optional sandpaper.

If the denim isn’t pre-shrunk in length, you’ll want to measure about 2-3 inches from the bottom to get the correct ankle skimming length.

Measuring things out may seem overly precise but to appear effortless, you’ve got to apply a little effort or else you could end up looking like Pee-Wee Herman.


3. Use your scissors to cut straight across to form a new, raw edge.


4. You’ll want to examine the fabric for loose threads and edges.

You can manipulate and exaggerate this fringe by ripping at the threads with tweezers.

To further distress the jeans, scrape sandpaper along the bottom of the fringe or on the knees and pockets for a more worn-in appearance.


So now that you’ve renewed your jeans with unfinished edges, how do you rock the look?

Dress up black distressed denim with boots and a black blazer.

The boots and jeans will give you some edge while a more serious blazer ties the look together with cool contrast.


In a more casual setting, distressed bottoms can add much needed personality to the standard bro summer uniform.

T-shirt and shorts, tank top and shorts. Used to living in a polo and boat shoes?

Hey man, don’t change for nobody! But rough edges are good. Loosen up.


You can embrace the latest fashion rage and save a buck by repurposing what you already own.

Just don't go scissor happy and end up looking like Wolverine is your stylist.