Thrashin' Fashion

The thrashed tee has been around since last summer (with LnA’s version). It’s been around in some form for much longer than that. But lately more designers are working the deconstructed piece into their looks—and Vogue is taking note.

While it’s easy to run the risk of overdoing it, our stylist Michaela and I kind of love the idea of thrashing a tee. The other night I got her advice on distressing a tee as a DIY project...

Pick a soft, solid tee. Super-fine fabrics lend themselves best to the idea that they’ve been worn and torn nearly threadbare. Keep it pattern-free, or else there’s too much going on. Try Lush basic long sleeved tees, available now at Thriving Ink & Co. in Sea Green, Mauve, Eggplant, and Black.

Choose your tools carefully. Scissors cuts are a little too severe for the laid-back vibe of this season’s incarnation of the grungy trend. Michaela recommended trying a seam ripper for smaller holes or even a cheese grater.

Stay away from all-over holes. There’s a fine line between too much and too little ripping. Michaela and I both love pretty much everything Elizabeth and James does, and their Deconstructed Tee is no exception, especially as a model for where to thrash. It has signs of wear around the neck and bottom, where distressing would actually happen naturally over time.