Q: I was wondering if heavily starched jeans with a distinct crease down each leg is appropriate casual wear. A friend of mine uses what appears to be a whole can of starch on one pair, and it looks to be somewhat uncomfortable. I think the military-creased, heavily-starched jeans look is sort of a southern/cowboy thing. If starched jeans are acceptable, I think a non-faded solid-color pair would be most appropriate. What’s your opinion, please?

A: I am not familiar with this aberrant trend. It doesn’t sound like a cowboy look to me. I wouldn’t want to spend time in the saddle after fortifying my dungarees with a whole can of starch. Maybe it’s a NASCAR thing, as that starchiness might afford some protection in the event the General Lee crashes. I once had to go to anger management so as not to fire a housekeeper for creasing my jeans. Ironing them was bad enough. Jeans should not be creased—and starching them is overkill. Dressing down should stay down.

May 2005

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