Marco Sumayao

Raw Denim Tips: 1. When purchasing raw denim, always check to see if it’s sanforized first. In a nutshell, sanforization is process that minimizes the shrinking of fabrics after the first wash. If the denim is unsanforized, buy a pair of jeans that are about 2 inches larger than your normal size – denim shrinks significantly. 2. Whether or not your jeans are sanforized, you’ll want to give them a good soak before wearing them, just to play safe with the fit. Soaking shrinks the denim into its wearable size. Here’s how to give your raw denim jeans a proper soak: Fill a bathtub with a few inches of hot, but not boiling, water – the hotter the water is, the more color will fade from your jeans. Spread your jeans down flat onto the bottom of the tub, with the fabric turned inside-out. Weigh them down with a few items to minimize floating and movement, which could cause even more dye to fade. The dye will find its way into the other items, so weigh your jeans down with something you don’t mind getting ruined! Keep the jeans submerged for about 2 hours, and then hang them upside-down until completely dry. They’re now ready to wear! If you want to be hardcore about the fit, do the soak while wearing your jeans. The denim will constrict around the shape of your body, giving you a more customized fit. Keep the jeans on until they’re more or less dry – the torture will be worth it! 3. Once they’re ready to wear, resist the powerful urge to wash your jeans. In fact, many raw denim enthusiasts recommend that you go for at least six straight months without washing. This helps bring out the wonderful contrast in fades a well-broken in pair of jeans has. In the event of spillage, dab – don’t rub! – the affected area. Avoid using cleaning agents as much as possible. If you must, you can pick out more solid dirt with a small knife. Worried your jeans are starting to get a little funky? Fold them into an airtight plastic bag and keep them in the freezer for a few hours. The cold will kill the bacteria causing the smell, while the plastic bag keeps moisture away. 4. Wear them as much as you can! Your signature fades and creases develop as you use your jeans. Every action you take in them will contribute to their design, making every single pair of raw denim jeans unique. 5. When you absolutely must wash your jeans, soak them in relatively cool water mixed in with a detergent formulated for keeping dark colors vibrant. As with the initial soak, they need to be laid out flat and inside-out at the bottom of your tub (or on your legs). The wash should last for about 45 minutes. After the soak, rinse out the remaining detergent with cool water, and then hang your raw denim upside-down to dry. 6. Stay away from whites while breaking in your jeans! The dye will get on them. 7. Raw denim jeans look noticeably better after the six-month mark, but that doesn’t mean their upkeep can be lax afterwards. With proper and continuous care, raw denim jeans can last for more than 15 years!