Raw denim question

[Chris Benson]

Hey all,

Just bought my first pair of raw denim jeans today (CK). I understand that some people refuse to wash them for a couple months so they develop some character. How many of you have done this?

If I do wash them, will they develop the same character?

Thanks!

 

[morse9443]

Many, many posts on this topic. I'm no professional denim fader, but you'll want to soak first to get the shrinkage out of the way. Then wear without washing until you can't stand your own stench. This will form and break-in the the jeans to your body. When washed, the indigo will fade the most in the areas that your body put the most stress on - thighs, back of knees, wallet + keys areas, etc. This is how the jeans become personalized. Washing the denim first will start fading out the indigo too early, before the jeans have had a chance to break-in.

 

[DBoon]

Err...really? Read through the many many many many existing threads about raw denim, specifically the "I have a Jean..." thread sticked at the top. This question is so broad and naive that it's going to overwhelm you to read that though, so try something like this http://www.honestforum.com/dry-denim...tart-here.html

 

[Half Honky]

You only have to give them an initial soak if they're unsanforized I believe, and I'm pretty sure your CK will be sanforized. The longer you wear them without washing, the more contrast you'll achieve in the fade. Somehow a 6-month rule started about that, but honestly, just wear them until you think they're too dirty and wash.

 

[KitAkira]

You'll still get fades it's just that washing them fades the entire jean whereas wear fades only the wear areas (honeycombs, whiskers, wallet, stacks/cuffs, etc). You could always go with a soak if you want to clean the jeans without losing too much dye (cold if you want to keep the fit, hot if you want to tighten it up again)