What Makes a Good Pair of Toddler Jeans?

Making jeans for toddlers has made me think about jeans in a slightly different way.

They're not just small versions of adult jeans.

They need to be comfortable, easy to move in, and able to put up with whatever a toddler decides to do in them.

So when I'm making a pair, there are a few things I'm paying particular attention to.

The seams need to be secure. There shouldn't be anything coming loose after a few wears.

The waistband needs to work. Our adjustable elastic needs to stretch, adjust and stay where it's supposed to.

The buttons need to be properly attached. Toddlers are very good at pulling on things, so I don't take that part lightly.

And then there's the denim itself.

It needs to be in good condition, without tears or weak spots, and the finished jeans need to feel like something a toddler can actually play in.

Once a pair is finished, I give it a proper check before it goes anywhere.

And every pair gets washed before it leaves me.

There's actually two reasons for this.

First, it's a final check. I want to make sure the jeans come through the wash cleanly, with the seams, elastic, buttons and everything else still where they should be.

But washing denim is also part of what makes jeans, well... jeans.

Those beautiful little changes in colour, texture and character that we associate with well-loved denim come from wearing and washing it. One wash isn't going to create years of denim patina, but it's the beginning.

From there, every wash and every day of wear will add a little more character.

So when your toddler gets their jeans, they're not quite finished changing.

They're just getting started.