Selvedge denim is renowned for its quality and beautiful color. It is the premier type of denim and at one point, it was the only way that jeans were made. Selvedge, also commonly referred to as selvage, denim is known for its resilience and ability to withstand and last for an incredibly long time. If you’ve invested in your first pair of selvedge jeans and you’re looking for instructions on how to care for them and how often they need to be washed, you’ve come to the right place!
Selvedge jeans can last for a really long time if they are cared for properly. Though they are more of an upfront investment than cheaply made jeans, they save you money in the long run because you won’t have to buy another pair for a long time!
What is Raw Denim?
The words “raw” and “selvedge” are often paired together in the denim world, but they are not the same thing.
If someone says that their jeans are selvedge, they’re referring to the edge that runs along the denim.
Selvedge denim is a specific type of denim that is created using a shuttle loom. The shuttle loom winds the denim tightly, creating high-quality jeans that are far more resilient and long-lasting than fast fashion jeans. The difference is in the entire process. When selvedge jeans are created, they are done individually and with great care. There is no way to mass-produce selvedge jeans, so if you own a pair then you know that someone was sitting with your jeans at one point working on them and inspecting them by hand.
Selvedge jeans are jeans that have a specific, narrow band on both edges of the denim. The word selvedge refers to this edge, which is created during the production process and is known as selvedge because it is a self-edge or self-finishing edge.
Raw denim is different because it has nothing to do with the edge of the fabric and though you may frequently find raw selvedge jeans, these two words do not mean the same thing.
Raw denim is unwashed denim. During the production process, washing denim too quickly can result in less color and problems when it comes to fading. Raw denim eliminates this by allowing the fabric time to really soak in the dyes and in turn, it results in a great fade. People around the world buy raw denim specifically for the way that it fades, as it is created so that it only gets better with time.
Raw selvedge denim is the best of both worlds, combining specially crafted and meticulously created denim that is produced with great care so that there is no loss of quality. When you’re looking for a high-quality pair of jeans that will last for years to come, raw selvedge denim is the way to go.
How Often Should I Wash My Raw Jeans?
Raw selvedge denim jeans can last a lifetime with the proper care and maintenance. While there are many misconceptions floating around about these jeans being difficult to care for, I’m here to tell you that the care instructions are even less than other pairs of jeans you may own!
Because raw selvedge jeans are constructed so well, not washing them actually preserves a lot of their integrity. These jeans mold to your body and once you wash raw denim, it can actually shrink up to 10% with consistent washing. The first wash is the most crucial, as they can shrink up to 3% with this.
How do you prevent shrinkage and increase their longevity? You don’t wash them! It’s as easy as that. The longer you wear your jeans before the first wash, the better they will fit in the long run. That is because when you are washing them, the tiny fibers within the denim are stretching and molding to you perfectly. Unworn raw selvedge denim can be stiff and a little tighter, so if you wash it as soon as you come home you’re risking it shrinking to a level that is uncomfortable. If you wear them for a while before washing, you’re giving the denim time to expand and mold to you perfectly. This way, when they’re washed the shrinkage is minimal to none!
Experts say that it is best to wait for three to six months of consistent wear before washing your raw selvedge denim jeans. This gives them the time they need to truly become yours. If you can’t stand the idea of not washing your jeans for that long, that’s okay too! While it won’t be quite the same and they may fit a little tighter after the wash, it’s okay to wash your new jeans after a full week of consistent wear (this means every day wear), or after about two to three weeks of inconsistent wear. Waiting longer to wash them will make them shrink back to their original size when you put them on but if you need to wash them sooner, they’ll still stretch with wear!
How to Wash Selvedge Jeans for the Best Fit
Selvedge jeans enthusiasts swear by a specific method of washing their jeans to ensure that they get the perfect fit every time. While it may seem weird at first, the results you get are unmatched!
For the perfect fit for your raw jeans, wash them like normal, allow them to air dry until they are damp, and then wear them around! By putting them on your body and allowing them to finish drying the rest of the way while sculpted to you, your jeans are going to fit perfectly every time. This allows them to expand just enough to be perfect, and you’ll never have to worry about putting on jeans that are too tight again!
Even if you aren’t keen on this idea, remember to always air dry your selvedge jeans! Heat shrinks things and as shrinking is already a concern, you want to minimize this as much as possible. By allowing them to air dry, you’re giving the fibers within the denim a chance to breathe and dry naturally while reducing and in many cases, eliminating shrinkage.
Washing Selvedge Jeans After Buying Them
One of the worst things you can do for your selvedge or raw jeans is to wash or soak them as soon as you get them home!
Many people are used to washing clothes that they buy immediately and certainly before wearing them. This is a common practice in a lot of households, but if you do this with selvedge jeans then you are running the risk of them never fitting you properly!
The jeans and the denim within the jeans need time to mold to your body to ensure the perfect fit. If you soak or wash your selvedge jeans before wearing them, they’ll certainly shrink smaller and they may never fit the way that you want them to.
What To Do if Selvedge Jeans Are Too Big
If you’ve bought a pair of selvedge jeans that are too big, ignore all of the above advice! In this situation, washing or soaking your raw denim before wearing it will help shrink it so that it fits you properly. This only applies if the jeans are at least one size too big. If they’re just a little loose, proceed with standard care instructions and they will eventually mold perfectly to your body.
Raw Denim Washing Methods
There are many different methods out there for washing selvedge and raw denim. The most important thing to remember is to avoid commercial detergents. These detergents typically have stain remover built into them which is great for everyday clothing, but not great for high quality denim when you are trying to preserve their dye stain.
Similarly, commercial washing machines can be the enemy of selvedge jeans as they reduce their color significantly. If you don’t want to deal with washing them by hand or soaking them, it is okay to use your washing machine only if you remove the jeans before the spin cycle goes into effect. This aggressive cycle can strip color from your jeans and is the reason many jeans have streaks along them.
The best way to wash raw selvedge denim is by hand. Some enthusiasts go as far as wearing them while they’re in the shower to ensure that they are both washed and form fitting. If you’re this serious about denim preservation, go for it! If not, a simple hand wash will be okay. Just invest in a nice detergent that is all natural. One that is specifically made for raw denim works best!
Cold or warm water is best, as hot water causes the fiber to shrink.
How to Dry Selvedge Jeans
When drying your selvedge jeans, remember to never put them in a dryer. We only air dry selvedge and raw denim!
Place them in a shady area to dry, as the sun may cause them to fade. If for some reason you have to put them in the dryer, tumble dry on the absolute lowest setting possible and on the lowest heat possible. Take them out when they are damp and wear them around while they finish drying.
Properly Caring for Selvedge Denim
You are now ready to properly care for your selvedge jeans! By utilizing the above advice, you can ensure that your denim lasts for years to come.