Rockworn Denims

It only seems silly that you can buy a fresh new pair of jeans for under $20 while jeans that are pre-faded and tattered by stone washing cost $45 to $60. Time is money, remember. And getting those pristine denims fashionably faded would take months--maybe years--of hard work.

Now, however, you can buy a cheap, unfaded pair of jeans and stone wash them yourself for only a few dollars and a little elbow grease. The Authentic Stone, introduced to Southern California last month by the Broadway, is a piece of the same kind of rock--pumice--that jeans makers use to pre-age their products. Only this rock is dressed up for the public in a clever little package that looks like a miniature washing machine and is stuffed with shreds of beat-up denim.

The Authentic Stone has become quite a hot rock in the last few weeks. So much so, according to Cira Roblos of the Broadway in Sherman Oaks, that more than 60% of the stock has already been sold. “You can use it on a pair of $19.99 Levis,” said Roblos. “It’s basically like getting a $45 to $55 pair of pants for only $6 more.”

Here’s how it works: You soak the jeans in hot water for at least an hour, then rub the stone all over them (concentrating on the knees, seat and waistband for authenticity) for 15 to 30 minutes. Don’t try to shorten the process by using the washing machine. You’ll be sorry.

The Authentic Stone costs $6 and is good for several pairs of pants. Or you can buy an unauthentic, generic stone at most beauty supply stores. Hoffman Beauty Supply in the Northridge Mall, for instance, sells a variety of pumice for $2 and up. The packaging isn’t as cute, but the price is closer to rock bottom.