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 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.
Size and Fit
Dry denim starts stiff but will soften over time, molding to your body. When buying a pair, keep shrinkage in mind. They will shrink when you wash them the first few times, primarily in length but also slightly in width. If you are between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size to allow for this shrinkage and ensure a comfortable fit over time.
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:
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.
Tape: Taping the inside of your jeans is an efficient solution to avoid dry bleeding. Remember to remove tape before washing!
Wear them in
One of the defining features of dry denim is the fade pattern that develops over time. The more you wear them, the better they’ll look and feel. As for washing, there's no right or wrong, some wash them early, some wear them longer before the first wash.
Read more about washing here.
