RAW DENIM GUIDE
Raw denim is a favourite amongst enthusiasts because it’s durable, develops a unique look over time, and becomes personalized to the wearer. Unlike pre-washed or treated jeans, raw denim is untreated, allowing it to mold to your body and lifestyle. Here’s everything you need to know about raw denim.
Why Choose Raw Denim?
Raw denim, also known as "dry denim," refers to jeans that haven’t been pre-washed or treated after being dyed. The fabric is stiff, dark indigo4 in colour, and rich with potential. As you wear them, they fade and break in according to your body and movements, giving you a one-of-a-kind look.
Raw denim is known for its:
Durability – Built to last for years.
Unique fading – The jeans fade naturally over time, creating patterns like:
Whiskers: Fades near the thighs and crotch.
Honeycombs: Crease fades behind the knees.
Stacking: Fades around the ankles from fabric bunching.
With patience, raw denim becomes more comfortable and looks better the longer you wear it.
Key Raw Denim Terms You Should Know
Selvedge Denim: A higher quality denim made on traditional looms, creating a tight edge that prevents fraying. Often seen with a colored stripe along the seam when cuffs are rolled.
Sanforized vs. Unsanforized:
Sanforized: Treated to prevent shrinkage. The fit remains consistent even after washing.
Unsanforized: Also called "shrink-to-fit." Will shrink after the first wash but molds more closely to your body over time.
Slub: Refers to the irregular thickness of yarn in the fabric. Slubby denim has a textured, uneven surface with visible bumps or streaks in the fabric. This gives the jeans a more rugged and unique look, often leading to more interesting and unpredictable fades over time.
Fade: As the denim wears, it lightens in areas that experience the most friction. Fades are unique to each wearer.
Break-in Period: Raw denim is stiff at first, but softens and molds to your body after a few weeks or months of wear.
Crocking: The indigo dye can transfer onto other fabrics, especially when your jeans are new. Be cautious around light-colored items.
How to Care for Raw Denim
Wear Often, Wash Sparingly: The longer you wear your raw denim without washing, the more distinct your fades will be. Washing too early disrupts the fade process.
When to Wash: Most enthusiasts wait at least 6 months before washing for the first time. The longer you wait, the more the fades will stand out.
How to Wash:
Turn your jeans inside out to protect the dye.
Use cold water and a mild detergent.
Soak in a bathtub or basin to minimize shrinkage, or use a gentle washing machine cycle.
Air Dry: Always air dry your jeans. Heat from a dryer can shrink and damage the denim.
Tips for Wearing Raw Denim
Sizing: Raw denim stretches as you wear it, so start with a snug fit. Over time, they’ll loosen up.
Double Cuffs: Many people roll their selvedge jeans to show off the distinctive selvedge edge. It also helps with longer inseams.
Color Transfer: Be cautious of indigo dye rubbing off onto light shoes, bags, or furniture, especially when your jeans are new. This fades after a while.
Raw denim takes time and commitment, but the result is a pair of jeans that are entirely unique to you. By understanding how to care for and wear raw denim, you’ll enjoy a wardrobe staple that gets better with age.
