How to Wash Your Raw Selvedge Denim Jeans
How to Wash Your Raw Selvedge Denim Jeans
For the First Time (To Remove Starch)
Important Note:
This first wash is known as "de-sizing." Its primary purpose is to remove the starch applied during manufacturing, allowing the fabric to shrink down to its intended size. This process will set the foundation for your future fades.
What You'll Need:
- Your selvedge jeans
- A washing machine (top-loading without an agitator is ideal, but any will work)
- Cold water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Turn Inside Out
Carefully turn your jeans inside out. This crucial step protects the outer indigo dye from excessive friction and prevents harsh fading lines from forming on the seams and pockets. It also helps preserve the beautiful, colored edge of the selvedge ID.
Prepare the Washing Machine
Place the inside-out jeans into the washing machine drum. Ensure they are not overly crumpled. For this initial wash, do not wash them with any other clothing. The starch and excess indigo dye will bleed, potentially staining other items.
Select Cold Wash Cycle
Set your washing machine to the "Delicate," "Gentle," or "Hand Wash" cycle. The most critical setting is the water temperature: you must use cold water. Hot water will cause significantly more shrinkage and indigo loss than desired.
Start the Cycle
Begin the wash cycle. You do not need to add any detergent for this first de-sizing wash. The agitation and cold water are sufficient to remove the starch.
Air Dry
Once the cycle is complete, remove the jeans. Do not put them in the dryer. The heat from a dryer can cause uncontrollable and extreme shrinkage. Instead, hang them to air dry by the waistband or lay them flat. You can hang them outside, but indirect sunlight is best to prevent unnecessary fading.
Check the Fit
After they are completely dry, try them on. They will have shrunk down to their true size. This is the fit you can expect from now on.
Key Tips to Remember:
- Always turn inside out for future washes to protect the fabric and fades.
- Wash infrequently (only when absolutely necessary) to maintain high-contrast fades.
- Always use cold water and air dry to minimize shrinkage and indigo loss.
