How to Wash Your Favorite Raw Denim
All photos by Shay Stifelman, courtesy of Raleigh Denim Workshop
We recently partnered with Raleigh Denim Workshop to bring you our favorite everyday jeans, designed and crafted one-by-one in either Raleigh, North Carolina or Los Angeles, California. Founders Sarah Yarborough and Victor Lytvinenko began their venture with a goal of making the ideal pair of jeans — taking apart their favorites to understand how they’re made, messing around with old sewing machines from shut-down factories, and learning from experts who used to work at these facilities.
Today, their impeccable jeans are designed to get more beautiful over time, thanks to carefully sourced materials that radiate character and texture — including some of the best raw denim. Because this material allows you to personally break in your jeans to fit your body and lifestyle, you'll really want to embrace that perfectly worn-in fit and finish that'll just keep getting better and better. So, follow the simple steps below on how to wash raw denim, straight from the experts at Raleigh Denim Workshop.
First thing's first: It's suggested to wait three to six months before first washing your denim. This is because the shape of your body, what you do on a daily basis, and even what you put in your pockets will determine the fade of your jeans. So, live in them awhile to allow them to form to you. But don't worry, nothing bad will happen if you can't wait that long.
Option 1: River Rinse
Start your raw denim snug, but not too tight — they stretch out a bit over time. Then, wear them as much as possible before washing. This sets the creases and the wear pattern.
Option 2: Jump in a River (for experienced swimmers only!)
The indigo dye adheres to the outside of the yarn, but the center of the yarn is still white. This is why denim fades the way it does. The longer you wear jeans before that first wash, the higher the contrast will be on your fade.
Option 3: Tub Wash
If you’re going this route, cover your jeans with cold water in the tub and show 'em a little love. Swish them around with your hands, walk on them, and give them a flip once in a while.
Option 4 - Machine Wash
Don’t be scared to wash your jeans — they’re just jeans and need to be washed. Any normal washing machine is fine. Just make sure to turn them inside out and wash them by themselves with cold water.
Hang to Dry
Learn more below about what makes their denim so special. Video by Raleigh Denim Workshop.
PT. 1 - OUR SELVAGE DENIM from RALEIGH DENIM WORKSHOP on Vimeo.
Shop all Raleigh Denim Workshop pants for both men and women here.
///
All photos by Shay Stifelman, courtesy of Raleigh Denim Workshop
Instructions courtesy of Raleigh Denim Workshop
Introduction by Paige Alexus Yau
We donate 1% of Kaufmann Mercantile shop sales to charities or entities that promote social justice and reform or provide relief. Read the Kaufmann Mercantile Mission for our commitment to donations, diversity, equity, and anti-racism action.