Now, we're not saying that this is likely, or even possible, but let's just consider for one moment that the earth spins off of its axis and somehow distressed jeans go completely out of fashion. Would you ever have thought that an entire whole group of skilled artisans would suddenly be out of work? That's right, there's actually a factory in Kentucky full of specially-trained jean rippers that are responsible for carefully destroying high-end denim for brands like Rock and Republic. It's an art, or at least a craft.

We've always felt slightly weird about paying more for jeans that have been professionally "distressed," not on principle mind you, but just because we feel self-conscious that our designer rips and holes look like we're trying too hard. Now that we know serious craftsmen are on the job, we kinda feel guilty about not liking the pre-worn look. If you've never seen a jean distressing factory, you should definitely check out this photo essay.

If you're one of those who disagrees with paying for designer distressing, you can always go DIY.

[via BoingBoing, DFP:Blog]