The Return of Acid Wash Denim - How to Style & DIY Bleach Biker Shorts

The Rise in Popularity of Acid Wash Biker Shorts

Acid wash biker shorts have become a major fashion trend in recent years. Characterized by their cropped length, high waistline, and distinctive acid washed denim, these shorts are a streetwear staple during the warmer months. So what exactly are acid wash biker shorts and what accounts for their surging popularity? Let's take a closer look.

What Are Acid Wash Biker Shorts?

As the name implies, acid wash biker shorts are shorts made from acid washed denim cut in the classic biker short silhouette. This means they hit mid-thigh and have a high waistband that reaches close to the natural waist. The fabric has been put through a process called acid washing which uses bleach and/or acids to break down the dye on the surface of the denim resulting in a uniquely faded, worn-in look.

Acid washing was popularized in the 1980s punk rock and heavy metal scenes but has seen a major revival in recent years. Modern acid wash biker shorts still carry that iconic 80s grunge attitude but with a contemporary twist. Popular iterations today include distressed details like ripped hems and thigh slits.

The Return of Y2K Fashion

One of the main drivers behind the comeback of acid wash biker shorts is the resurgence of Y2K fashion. Trends from the late 90s and early 2000s have become wildly popular again among Gen Z and young millennials. Biker shorts were a staple in 90s hip hop and pop culture, often worn by stars like Aaliyah and Britney Spears. Their return is part of the cyclical nature of fashion that sees trends come back around every couple decades.

Along with biker shorts, platform shoes, cargo pants, and baby tees are just some of the quintessential Y2K styles making a modern comeback. Contemporary labels are reworking these pieces in a new way while still retaining that nostalgic aesthetic. Acid wash biker shorts strike the perfect balance between retro and current.

Comfort & Versatility

Another reason acid wash biker shorts have become so popular is their comfort and versatility as a wardrobe staple. The cotton denim construction allows for great stretch and mobility while the high waist is figure flattering. Biker shorts are also cropped enough to keep you cool in warm weather but still provide ample coverage.

These shorts can be dressed up or down seamlessly. Pair them with an oversized graphic tee and sneakers for a casual daytime look. Or style them with a satin crop top and heels for a chic night out outfit. Their graphic denim pattern also enables them to make a statement as the focal point of any outfit.

Elevated Athleisure

The athleisure trend has continued to grow in recent years with sportswear and athletic styles dominating everyday fashion. Acid wash biker shorts exemplify the intersection of comfort, style, and sporty edge that defines this trend. They have an athletic look while the acid wash gives them added attitude.

Brands like Fashion Nova, Nasty Gal, and PrettyLittleThing now offer an array of acid wash biker shorts to wear as elevated athleisure pieces. They have a similar vibe to bike shorts worn with oversized sweatshirts or cropped sweatshirts for an on-trend casual outfit. The edgy acid wash makes them feel a little more bold and fashion-forward.

Festival Fashion

Biker shorts and denim cutoffs are practically synonymous with the festival fashion scene. Outfits at popular music festivals like Coachella are dominated by comfortable shorts that can handle being out in the desert heat all day. Acid wash biker shorts are perfect for achieving that laidback bohemian vibe.

High waisted shorts help avoid any wardrobe malfunctions while dancing and their distressed style encapsulates the rock n roll festival aesthetic. Pairing acid wash biker shorts with bandeaus, kimonos, and other indie accessories creates the perfect summer music festival look.

How to Style Acid Wash Biker Shorts

One of the best aspects of acid wash biker shorts is how versatile they are to style. Here are some tips for putting together fashionable outfits featuring this trendy staple:

• Cropped graphic tee + oversized flannel + white sneakers
• Satin crop cami + jean or leather jacket + heels
• Band t-shirt + choker necklace + combat boots
• Tank bodysuit + kimono cardigan + flat sandals
• Mesh crop top + oversized button down + slides

Experiment by mixing feminine and edgy pieces like pairing a bustier style top with the grungy shorts. Accessorize with bags like fanny packs or purses featuring studs and chains. Stacked bracelets, chokers, and hoop earrings also complement the punk rock vibe of acid wash.

For a night out, avoid over accessorizing and let the shorts be the statement. Heels, whether block or stiletto, create a sophisticated contrast against the distressed denim. Just keep the rest of the look more minimal.

Where to Buy Acid Wash Biker Shorts

The revival of acid wash biker shorts in mainstream fashion means they are widely available from various retailers:

• ASOS - Wide selection of acid wash shorts in various washes, fits, and details like raw hemmed or slit styles.
• Revolve - Carries designer acid wash biker shorts from brands like Miaou, Anine Bing, and Lovewave.
• Nasty Gal - Offers several high waisted acid wash biker styles in cropped and bike short lengths.
• Boohoo - Budget-friendly options perfect for trying the acid wash trend without breaking the bank.
• Fashion Nova - One of the most on-trend fast fashion brands with new acid wash shorts every season.

Vintage and secondhand stores are also great spots to find unique acid wash pieces with that truly authentic 80s bleached look. Or give an old pair of jeans new life by DIY acid washing them at home!

How to Acid Wash Jeans

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To DIY acid wash a pair of jeans, first gather the following supplies:

• The pair of jeans you want to acid wash
• Rubber gloves
• A large plastic tub or basin
• Bleach
• Spray bottle filled with water
• Acids like white vinegar, lemon juice, or RIT dye
• Metal hangers
• Plastic bags

Make sure to wear clothes you don't mind getting messy. Work in a well-ventilated area and lay down plastic or Newspaper to protect surfaces from drips.

Step 2: Prepare the Jeans

Once you have all your supplies, prepare your jeans for acid washing by:

• Turning them inside out
• Soaking them in warm water to dampen the material
• Wringing out any excess water
• Hanging them on metal hangers suspended over the plastic tub

This will help control splattering once the bleach makes contact with the wet denim.

Step 3: Apply the Bleach

Now comes the fun part - bleaching! Start by putting on your gloves for protection. Carefully sprinkle bleach all over the front and back of the damp jeans, ensuring it's distributed evenly.

Feel free to add more bleach to areas you really want to lighten up and make white, like the pockets or thighs. Splatter, pour, and sprinkle the bleach until you've achieved your desired acid washed effect.

Step 4: Neutralize with Acid

After a couple minutes, the bleach will have chemically reacted with the denim to create that iconic acid wash fading. Stop the reaction and neutralize the bleach by spraying or pouring your acid of choice all over the jeans.

White vinegar is the most common acid used. Lemon juice adds a nice fragrance. For darker results, try RIT dye in charcoal or black mixed with vinegar. Make sure every inch of the jeans is saturated to fully neutralize.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Give the jeans a thorough rinse under running water to wash off all the bleach and acids. Afterwards, place them inside plastic bags and put them in the dryer to dry as the spin cycle can cause splatters.

Once dry, turn them right side out and try them on to see your finished DIY acid washed jeans! Distress them further by cutting slits, fraying edges, or creating ripped holes if desired.

FAQs About Acid Wash Biker Shorts

Are acid wash shorts in style?

Absolutely! Acid wash shorts, especially biker shorts, are hugely popular right now as part of the Y2K fashion revival. Their grunge aesthetic and nostalgic vibe make them a stylish statement piece.

How do you wear high waisted acid wash shorts??

High waisted acid wash shorts look cute paired with cropped tops and tees. Balance the distressed denim with feminine pieces like camis or corset styles. Chunky sneakers, slides, and combat boots work well. Throw on an oversized button down or flannel for a '90s inspired outfit.

How do you soften acid washed jeans?

If your acid washed jeans come out feeling too stiff and coarse, soften them up by giving them a vinegar wash. Soak the jeans in equal parts vinegar and water for 30-60 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly and wash as normal. The vinegar helps restore softness to the fibers.

Can you reverse acid washed jeans?

Unfortunately no, there is no way to reverse the effects of acid washing and restore jeans to their original indigo color once bleached. The high concentration of chemicals breaks down the dye molecules permanently. Your only option is to dye over the acid washed jeans in a new color.

Should acid wash jeans be tight or loose?

It depends on personal preference! Acid wash jeans look great in both tight and loose fits. Skinny jeans show off the faded details well. But an oversized slouchy acid wash denim is comfy and stylish for a relaxed vibe. Choose whatever fit you find most flattering.

Conclusion

Acid wash biker shorts are back in a big way as fashion continues to cyclically draw inspiration from past decades. The bleached, distressed denim and bike short silhouette embody the carefree attitude of the 80s and 90s. Both flattering and edgy, these shorts are the perfect addition to any summer wardrobe.

Elevate basic outfits by throwing on an acid wash pair with graphic tees, sweaters, tanks, or blouses. Keep them casual with sneakers and sandals or dress them up with heels. And feel free to get creative DIY bleaching a favorite vintage pair for truly unique acid wash biker shorts.

FAQs

How do you bleach jeans at home?

Start by dampening your jeans then hanging them to dry partially. In a well-ventilated area, sprinkle bleach all over the jeans until you get the acid washed fading you want. Next, neutralize the bleach with white vinegar or lemon juice to stop the chemical reaction. Rinse thoroughly before putting in the dryer.

What shoes go best with acid wash shorts?

White sneakers or chunky dad shoes pair great with the grungy acid wash look. For sandals, try slides or Birkenstocks. Ankle and calf-height boots also complement the cropped fit of biker shorts nicely.

What top is best with high waisted acid wash shorts?

Cropped, tucked-in tops balance the high waistline best. Try graphic tees, bustier styles, cami tanks, or mesh crop tops. Oversized button downs or flannels tied at the waist create a relaxed '90s vibe.