FAQ

Yes, all Nudie Jeans are sanforized (pre-shrunk).

Sanforization is the process of treating cotton fabrics to reduce the amount of shrinkage that would otherwise occur after the first wash. During the sanforization process, the fabric is fed into a sanforizing machine where it is treated with water or steam to promote shrinkage, then pressed against a heated rubber band to relax and recontract the fibers.

This ensures the fabric will shrink no more than 5% after it is washed for the first time, as opposed to a potential 10% for unsanforized fabrics.

In 2018 we stopped working with leather patches on our denim as we only want to work with leather where it serves a better purpose (such as for leather jackets). We had been looking for a substitute that could hold the test of the treatment that denim goes through in its lifetime and we finally found the paper-based jacron. Jacron is a material made of cellulosic fibers and acrylic polymers, and the cellulosic fibers in the jacron that we use are FSC-labeled.

The phase-out of the old patches for the new jacron ones started on all jeans from Fall 2018, with the exception of some carry-over styles as the carry-overs were already produced. On each product page, you will find the information whether it's a jacron or leather patch.

We have asked all our suppliers to stop using potential chemicals with animal derivates such as softeners containing animal derivates. We are not vegan certified and are therefore not communicating vegan on our garments, but all our jeans should be made without animal derivatives.

Crotch rips have little to do with poor quality and more to do with wear and tear and how you carry your denim. The better the fit, the lower the friction. A good tip is to avoid wearing your jeans too low on the hip, as that increases the exposure of friction when walking and moving.

When washing black denim, please avoid the below as it can cause white lines, usually referred to as "snake skin", in your denim.

• Tumble drying or washing the jeans not turned outside in. The abrasion from the machine rubs off color from the fabric creating lines

• Leaving jeans in a wet wrinkled state in the washing machine or not flattening the jeans when hung up to dry

• Washing with detergent containing a bleaching agent

• Washing with fabric softener

We say wear your denim for at least six months before you wash them. You've heard that one million and one times, and this is a recommendation for our dry denim. And the part about wearing dry jeans for at least six months is only to be taken as a suggestion if you want your jeans to get patina and a worn-in look. Breaking in a pair of jeans is an arduous task and not for everyone. That's why we also have pre-washed options. If you buy pre-washed denim, they have been washed during production and treated to resemble a worn in pair. So you can wash pre-washed denim whenever needed.

In need of instructions on how to wash your dry pair? Click here.

As stated on the care label the shrinking of dry jeans should be about 3%. However, this may vary depending on factors such as washing temperature, whether the jeans have been stretched, and how long they were worn before the first wash. If you experience that your jeans have shrunk too much you can give them a quick rinse in lukewarm water with a little softener and stretch them thoroughly in every direction several times whilst they dry, this will restore some width and length.

Our belts are measured from the middle hole to the pin on the buckle (in centimeters). So if you are wearing a pair of jeans and measure all the way around the waist (where the belt loops are) then you'll get a good idea of which size you should buy.

Oz is short for ounce per square yard and is the measure of denim weighs. Lightweights are 10-11oz, midweights 11-13oz and heavyweights from there and up.

Dry denim, also referred to as "raw" denim or unwashed denim, refers to a pair of untreated denim, which means they have not been washed or bleached. So instead of creating a worn-in look at the laundry facility you break in these jeans yourself. It's a long-term commitment and the outcome will depend on how much you wear them. With time you'll get a personal pair of jeans with whiskers, honeycombs and fading created by your lifestyle.

Below are some tips and tricks to help you with your dry denim journey.

Prevent Dry Bleeding
Dry denim’s deep indigo dye often transfers onto other surfaces—this is called “bleeding.” To protect your shoes from unsightly stains you can:

1. Cuff your jeans: Roll the hem to create a buffer between your denim and your shoes. This is especially helpful for lighter footwear like sneakers or tan leather boots.

2. Duck Tape: Taping the inside of your jeans is an efficient solution to avoid dry bleeding. Remember to remove tape before washing!
   

The First Wash
One of the defining features of dry denim is the fade pattern that develops over time. To achieve sharp contrasts in high-wear areas (like knees and pockets):

1. Wait at least 6 months before the first wash. This allows the fabric to soften and molds the fades to your unique movements.

2. Spot clean instead of soaking: If your jeans get stained early on, use a damp cloth to dab away dirt without disrupting the indigo.

Read more about washing here.

Size and Fit
Dry denim starts stiff but will stretch over time, molding to your body. When buying a pair, keep the shrinkage in length in mind. They will shrink when you wash them the first few times.

Selvage, or selvedge, often refers to the self-bound edge of a piece of fabric that secures the edge and prevents unravelling. Selvedge denim is woven on old-style shuttle looms with one continuous weft thread passed back and forth across the loom. Selvedge fabrics are narrower than projectile-woven denim and are usually about 80cm wide. The colored thread in the selvedge was a way for manufacturers to tell fabric apart when producing denim for multiple brands. We have our very own orange selvedge ID.

You can find our selection of selvedge here.

Air them outside on a cold dry night. You can also hang them in your bathroom whilst taking a shower so they absorb some moisture, and then air them out. This will freshen them up some.

It is common that all dry jeans fade through either dry bleeding or dry crocking before you have washed them a few times. Dry bleeding can happen if the excess dye rubs off to another fabric. If your jeans get wet during their first time of use for example rain or such, the color can also bleed onto other textile materials such as underwear and shoes.

Have any further questions about dry bleeding? Send us an email, we are always happy to help.