Patchwork jeans are a time capsule of Western style.
Synonymous with the hippies of 1960s California, the patchwork trend was an economical, sustainable way of crafting clothing well before the phrase became a Gen Z buzzword. While patchworking had been incorporated into clothing as a means of mending since the beginning of the 20th century, it was the dawn of flower power that bolstered patchwork up the style ranks.
During this time, an appreciation for DIY handicrafts blossomed. The Sixties became a melting pot of styles, dramatically contrasting the clean-cut, sculpted look the 1950s favoured. Space Age design dominated the decade in reaction to the Cold War and was marked by metallic tones, futuristic pieces and the ubiquity of silver lamé and gleaming PVC. Bohemian, mismatched sartorial themes such as patchwork offered a welcome alternative to the squeaky-clean trend championed by the likes of Paco Rabanne, Pierre Cardin and Thierry Mugler.
You would be hard-pressed to sift through the Getty archives of 1960s music festivals without being confronted by a wave of patchwork jeans. From the sun-drenched valleys of Laurel Canyon to the mud-spattered trenches of Woodstock, musicians, models and fad-followers all donned handmade denim which symbolised a total rejection of Western commercialism.
The list of notable patchwork enthusiasts is endless. Pop icons such as Cher, ABBA and The 5th Dimension glamorised the juxtaposition of different fabrics as a celebrity-approved trend. Legitimate hippies (including the infamous Manson Family), who had ‘dropped out’ of society, remained its original pioneers.
Taking the cyclical nature of fashion into account, it was only a matter of time before patchwork resurfaced. We'll breeze over the resurgence in the Nineties that saw R&B stars sporting garish printed jeans on the red carpet.
In the wake of the current obsession with recycling, mending and upcycling, patchwork denim is back and better than ever. Contrary to their initial inexpensive appeal, patchwork jeans have become a luxury due to the craftsmanship involved in constructing the garments. Brands including Chanel, Chloe, Marine Serre and Marni have all created high-end patchwork pieces with price tags to match. Emerging European labels have followed suit, with Rave Review, Masha Popova and Ahluwalia incorporating deconstructed, androgynous denim designs into their collection.
However, there are still a handful of denim brands leading the way for affordable patchwork designs imbued with flair. Esther Knight, founder of sustainable brand Fanfare Label, says: “Customisation and personalisation are what mainstream fashion is missing. Having a garment that is exclusive to you creates a sense of value meaning you cherish that item more, it tells a story and allows clothing to have multiple life cycles.”
The place of patchwork jeans in society has moved on since the 1960s. Despite no longer representing the anti-capitalist style, the jeans are still inherently anti-trend at heart, exuding personality with every step.
Discover the best patchwork jeans and tap into a historically rich trend reminiscent of a time of peace and love.
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Chloe Patchwork Wide Leg Jeans
Chloe reigns supreme when it comes to patchwork jeans. The brand has multiple patchworked designs on show, such as these wid-leg renditions featuring a checkerboard-style patchwork in alternative shades of denim blue.
Buy now £648.00, Net-A-Porter
Mango Patchwork Straight Leg Jeans
A rare affordable option, Mango’s patchwork jeans blend decidedly modern sensibilities with Sixties-Seventies style. Pair yours with a simple white tee or a cosy turtleneck and let the jeans speak for themselves.
Buy now £50.00, ASOS
Marques Almeida ReM'Ade Patchwork Boyfriend Jeans
Ensure your denim collection is of the highest quality. Known for the creative use of denim in their kaleidoscopic collections, Marques Almeida is no stranger to pathworking. These jeans hail from the Spanish brand’s ReM’Ade collection, which upcycles fabrics left over from past collections.
Buy now £192.00, Net-A-Porter
Loewe Patchwork High-Rise Jeans
There’s never a dull day with these Loewe jeans in tow. Showcasing unmissable pops of cherry red, sunshine yellow, satsuma orange and forest green, these patchwork trousers offer a striking distinctive trompe l'oeil effect and a sweeping silhouette.
Buy now £520.00, Net-A-Porter
Levi’s 501 90'S Jeans
Every entrance will turn heads when wearing a great pair of Levi’s. The iconic denim brand has explored the world of patchworking to create these colourful 501s. A testament to their versatility, you can wear yours from the office to the festival fields at Glastonbury to show off your nostalgic style.
Buy now £60.00, Levi’s
RE/DONE Amina Patchwork Jeans
A smarter take on the hippie slacks, RE/DONE’s Amina Patchwork Jeans promise the perfect straight-leg fit for those wanting to branch out of their comfort zone. These are a repurposed pair of vintage Levi's - a style beloved by stars such as Bella Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio.
Buy now £383.00, The Outnet
Fanfare High Waisted Melt Patch Blue Jeans
Shop sustainably and browse Fanfare’s playful collection of patchwork jeans. Cut from mid-wash blue denim, these high-waisted mom jeans feature casual rolled hems and patchwork comprised of deadstock fabric and old curtains.
Buy now £195.00, Liberty
Breyer & Eliot The Goldie Jeans
When in need of boho pieces, head to Free People. The brand stocks a variety of emerging labels, including Bryer & Eliot. For these jeans, the designers took inspiration from the silhouettes of the Sixties, by reconstructing a pair of Levi’s into a luxury rendition to wear every day.
Buy now £600.00, Free People
Andersson Bell Blue Mahina Jeans
Andersson Bell is another blossoming brand offering affordable patchwork jeans that boast meticulous construction. Contrasting tones, fringed detailing and belt loops add a sprinkling of edgy detail to these maximalist trousers.
Buy now £114.00, SSENSE
Whistles Limited Edition Patchwork Vertical Stripe Jean
Vertical stripes were a style adored by icons such as George Harrison back in the day. Treat yourself to a striking pair of patchwork jeans constructed from responsibly sourced cotton and punctuated with a statement print.
Buy now £89.00, Whistles
