Breaking In and Caring for Raw Denim
Breaking In and Caring for Raw Denim
Breaking in raw denim is as much an art as it is a process. Most jeans take 6–12 months of regular wear to fully develop unique fades, with creases forming naturally at stress points like the knees, thighs, and behind the knees. To preserve these patterns, wear your jeans daily and avoid excessive washing early on.
When it comes to washing, the “3-month vs. 6-month rule” is a common guideline: some denim enthusiasts wash after three months, while others wait six months or more. Soaking in cold water is a gentler alternative to machine washing and helps maintain the vibrancy of fades. Contrary to popular belief, raw denim won’t rot or become unbearably smelly if you delay washing—odor myths are largely exaggerated.
Daily wear tips: keep your jeans dry when possible, rotate with another pair if needed, and let natural wear guide the fading process. The combination of patience, careful wear, and minimal washing ensures your jeans age beautifully.
How to Wash Your Jeans: Step-by-Step
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Fill a tub with cool to lukewarm water and add your soap. We recommend a gentle Denim Wash, but mild soaps or detergents also work.
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Dissolve the soap completely before adding your jeans. Place the jeans in the water so they are fully submerged (about 3–4 inches of water).
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Agitate the jeans gently for a few minutes to help the soap penetrate the fabric. Make sure all parts are underwater—use bottles or a weight if your jeans float.
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Soak your jeans for 30–45 minutes. (Or watch a fun video while you wait!)
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Agitate once more after soaking, then drain the tub.
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Rinse thoroughly by refilling the tub with cold water. Let the jeans sit for 5–10 minutes to remove any remaining soap.
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Drain the tub and hang your jeans to dry over the drain or outside. Expect some indigo runoff initially.
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Let them dry completely overnight and enjoy your freshly cleaned, fade-friendly jeans!
source: https://www.heddels.com/2011/03/how-to-wash-and-clean-your-raw-denim-tips-instructions-video/