Raw Denim 101

Raw denim is defined as a denim fabric that has not been washed at the end of production. This means that raw denim is stiff and has no distressing. Over time the dye will wear naturally in the raw denim and you will get a unique pair of jeans reflecting your lifestyle and daily activities. The most common places raw denim fades is the upper thigh, where “whiskers” form, and behind the knees. Raw denim is considered by denim enthusiasts to be a more unique look than pre-worn, factory denim.

Another key to raw denim is not washing them for at least the first six months (some committed denim heads go even longer!). The reasoning behind not washing your raw denim is that you want to keep the unwashed starchiness of the jeans for as long as possible, so your creases and distressing continue to set. Once you wash your raw denim, it will take longer for the creasing and abrasion to become permanent.

Also, washing will cause the raw denim to be more uniform in color, as opposed to having very distinct distressing. In addition, raw denim shrinks drastically if not washed and dried properly (up to two sizes!), so keep this in mind when cleaning your raw denim. Since raw denim is not washed very often, some tricks to keeping them fresh include putting them in the freezer over night or hanging them up in the bathroom when you shower, to steam the raw denim without affecting the color.This may sound a little extreme for one pair of jeans but raw denim wearers will tell you that it’s worth it.

And once you think you’ve accumulated enough time (lots of it) and achieved fading in all the right places (or you can no longer bear the smell that comes from not washing your raw denim) then by all means, wash with caution. Soaking your raw denim inside out with a tub full of lukewarm water and a splash of laundry detergent then letting them air dry will do just fine.

Raw denim jeans will fit you perfectly and reflect your daily life; they will be uniquely yours. At indi, we are excited to now offer raw denim as a fabric option for men. Get a perfect fitting pair of raw denim at indi, then watch them become even more uniquely yours with each wear.

posted by: Bonnie Coombs on January 12, 2011 at 11:07 am
filed under: Happenings at INDi | Add a comment
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