Distressed Jeans That Will Actually Keep You Warm

Raw denim can be nice, but sometimes a little distressing just adds some flair and that comfy, lived-in feel. But whether you buy your jeans distressed or distress them yourself, one of the struggles of winter is finding (or making) a pair of distressed jeans that will actually keep you warm. The key of course, is to avoid jeans that are distressed to the point of having holes. That winter chill on bare patches of leg? Brrr. Instead, look for jeans that still have a layer of fibers (weft fibers) across areas where holes might be. If the frayed look isn't really your thing though, find some interesting patchwork, paint splatters, or even some unique acid-washing (remember that anything besides fresh, unwashed denim counts as distressing).

And if you prefer to distress your own denim? Try using sandpaper instead of scissors to carefully wear away some of the material instead of creating holes. If you still prefer rips in your jeans, sew in patches of cloth behind the holes to reinstate some warmth. So whether you're on the hunt, or want to exercise your DIY skills, here are 10 pairs of distressed denim to try (or inspire you!) this winter. And don't worry; these styles won't leave you in the cold.

1. The Slightly-Distressed Boyfriend

Slight distressing adds the perfect touch without exposing extra skin.

Madewell Slim Boyfriend Jeans, $128, nordstrom.com

2. The Patchwork Cuffed

Hidden patchwork blocks out the cold and is such a fun surprise.

Treasure&Bond Plaid Patch Destroyed Skinny Jeans, $110, nordstrom.com

3. The Pocket-Distressed High-Waist

Pocket distressing + high-waist = cold weather staple.

ASOS CURVE Highwaist Skinny Jean In Distressed Rip, $58, asos.com

4. The Patchwork Cropped

Fun patchwork gives a totally unique look. Just add boots to keep ankles warm too.

MOTHER Skinny Not Skinny Frayed Ankle Crop Jeans, $275, nordstrom.com

5. The Frayed Boyfriend

When fraying perfectly covers holes, you won't have to sacrifice distressing for warmth.

Treasure&Bond Destroyed Boyfriend Jeans, $110, nordstrom.com

6. The Subtly-Distressed Skinnies

Subtle distressing and whiskering gives dimension, especially to black jeans.

Carmakoma Black Distressed Skinny Jeans, $176, asos.com

7. Patchwork Skinnies

Have a little bit of everything with paint splatters, fraying, and patchwork.

Distressed Low-Rise Skinny Jeans, $35, forever21.com

8. Acid-Wash Skinnies

Striated acid-washing is such a fun and unique look.

City Chic X-Ray Apple Distressed Skinny Jeans, $90, nordstrom.com

8. The Acid-Wash High-Waist

Perfect go-to jeans for chilly days, or perfect go-to jeans for chilly days?

Exposed Button High-Waisted Skinny Jeans, $30, forever21.com

9. The Knee-Patch Boyfriend

Just add a leather jacket for a biker-chic look with these knee-patch jeans.

Lovers + Friends Ezra Cropped Slim Boyfriend Jean, $188, revolveclothing.com

Don't let the cold weather distress you; instead distress jeans that will still keep you warm.

Images: kaboompics/Pixabay; Courtesy of Brands