Burning holes in jeans was common back at the plating bath company. The trendy young kids found their distinctively damaged pants in high demand at the trendiest night spots. People really wanted to know where they bought the distressed jeans, where they could purchase the distressed jeans, or even, just wanted that pair, right now, for trade or cash. Or perhaps, just wanted them out of their jeans.
If you believe you're a suitable model for distressed jeans, I heartily recommend you start in to this home-grown business for yourself. Me? I wore the company provided Scotchgaurded cotton coveralls. They were pretty resistant. In part because of the Scotchguarding, but also the grade of cotton is different, and a quick dab with water prevents damage.