As every denim lover knows, jeans they are not all the same. Not only can you choose from different cuts and silhouettes, but washes can range from deep indigo to pale light blue. When shopping for jeans, it’s important to know the subtle differences between various designs so you get something you love (and don’t accidentally shrink it during the wash).

Dark indigo tones are trending this year, shedding raw denim in a new light in the fashion cycle. But if this term raises your eyebrows, don’t worry. Raw denim refers to the material in its purest form, meaning it has not been washed or treated during production. Whether you want raw denim baggy jeans or a classic straight leg pairThis denim type While it adapts to everything, it also provides an assertive look.

If you’re new to the concept of raw denim, you may be wondering if it’s worth adding to your wardrobe. That’s why we turned to global designer Taj Garmon. Lee For men, we cover the ins and outs of raw denim in detail, including care tips and overall fit.

What is Raw Denim?

“Raw denim means the denim fabric has not been washed or contacted with water during the production cycle, making them stiffer,” says Garmon. “Over time, this rigidity will soften and mold to the user’s unique body shape.” While raw denim starts with a deep indigo hue, the dye will fade over time, leading to “a one-of-a-kind mustache pattern and unique wear” for a personalized pair of jeans, he says.

Raw denim can also be divided into two types: sanforized and unsanforized. Garmon explains that sanforized raw denim goes through “a chemical process to reduce its ability to shrink,” while unsanforized raw denim receives no treatment to prevent shrinkage.

How Long Does It Take for Raw Denim to Break?

All denim takes a few wears to break in, but raw denim takes a little longer to go through this process due to its harder structure. “Depending on the number of wears, raw denim can take one to several months to completely break down,” Garmon explains. “The longer the break-in period, the better raw denim can relax, allowing the fabric to develop its distinctive wear patterns.”

If you want your raw denim to conform better to your body, Garmon recommends wearing your garment beforehand. put it in the wash. However, if you prefer to pre-wash, he says to wear your jeans in a warm shower. This will help remove excess indigo dye from your raw denim; because, says Garmon, “even wetting can cause re-precipitation.”

How to Care for Raw Denim?

There are a few important steps to follow when it comes to caring for raw denim. You can wash most jeans after just a few wears, but Garmon recommends washing your raw jeans every two to six months. “When you wash your raw jeans for the first time, first soak them in warm water with a teaspoon of mild detergent for 30 to 60 minutes,” she says. “After that, air dry it until it feels slightly damp.”

Before you put on your freshly washed raw denim, Garmon says you want your jeans to still be slightly damp so they can finish air-drying while they’re on your body. All future cleaning should be done using this tool. hand washing method To preserve the quality of your jeans, lay the raw denim out to dry flat or hang it outside.

You should also be careful about color transfer on raw denim because excess indigo dye can end up on the surface of your garment. Garmon recommends placing a blanket on light-colored furniture before sitting down and rolling up your jeans if you’re wearing trousers. white shoes. “Indigo does not penetrate the center of the thread; “It sits on top,” he says. “The darker the denim, the greater the chance of it cracking. “After a few washes you’ll be fine, but I always err on the side of caution.”

How to Mold Raw Denim?

Don’t panic if you feel a little uncomfortable when wearing raw denim for the first time, this is the nature of the tough fabric. “Raw denim should fit snugly, leaving a small amount of room at the waist to account for shrinkage,” says Garmon. “It feels hard because it hasn’t gone through any processes that provide a soft touch.”

He says that as you wear and wash your raw jeans, they will shrink and soften, shaping themselves according to your body over time and providing a more comfortable fit. Just be patient.

Benefits of Shopping for Raw Denim

According to Garmon, there are a few reasons you might want to shop for raw denim instead of other types. “One benefit of raw denim is knowing that with consistent wear, you will have a pair of jeans that fits your sense of style and feels authentic,” says Garmon. Another benefit? Raw denim is meticulously produced. “The machines that produce raw edge denim are old,” explains Garmon. “They require constant attention and are staffed by skilled craftsmen who have been working in this industry for a long time.”

The only downside to investing in a pair of raw jeans is that it can take a few months to get the cut you want. But Garmon says, “Even if the process is long, it will result in a result.” jeans “It is truly something unique that you can enjoy for years to come.”