WAIT 6 MONTHS BEFORE WASHING
We know that sounds extreme—but it is worth the wait. Raw denim is just that: raw. It hasn’t been chemically treated or distressed by a machine—it’s right off the loom and indigo-dyed. So you have to train your jeans and bring them up to speed with your life. Let them mold and crease to your body. By walking around, sitting, putting your hands in your pockets, you’ll end up with naturally distressed creases that fit the way you live. Wash them too early, and the indigo might fade too uniformly and you won’t be able to establish the custom wear marks. So hang in there.
Wait before you wash. By walking around, sitting, putting your hands in your pockets, you’ll end up with naturally distressed creases that fit the way you live.
THE FIRST WASH
By hand:
- Turn your jeans inside out. Soak them in cool to room temp water for 45 minutes. (Bathtubs are great for this.) You’ll notice some of the indigo dye pulling out—but if you give it a hearty wait before the first wash, this will be minimal.
- Turn jeans right-side-out and let air dry.
- Stretch out the inseam a bit while the seams are still damp.
By machine:
- Washing by hand is always best. But if a machine feels like your only option, skip detergent—or at least use one that doesn’t contain bleach. We recommend 3×1 Denim Solution.
The First Wash. Turn your jeans inside out. Soak them in cool to room temp water for 45 minutes. [read more]
TIPS FOR KEEPING THEM FRESH WHILE YOU WAIT
Rub out spills and stains with some cool water. Avoid soap or detergent. Put them outside in the fresh air. Let them breathe. Try putting them in the freezer overnight; this kills most bacteria. If you’re in a bind, use gentle odor removal spray.
Rub out spills and stains with some cool water. Avoid soap or detergent.
DRYING
Avoid putting your jeans in a dryer if you can help it. Heat will increase the shrinkage. Drying out in open air is always best—using clothespins, binder clips or laying them out flat (so you don’t get a crease).
Drying. Avoid putting your jeans in the dryer, putting them out in open air is always the best.