Distressed jeans refer to a style of denim pants that have been intentionally damaged or aged to give them a worn-out, vintage look. This process often involves techniques such as bleaching, sanding, and ripping to create rips, tears, and fades in the fabric. The goal is to make the jeans appear used, like they've been well-worn for years. Distressed jeans are a popular trend in fashion, giving an authentic, vintage appearance that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.