EDITORIAL | 7 Denim Tips You May Not Know About
#1: UNDERSTANDING RAW DENIM
Raw Denim (stiff, no fade, no wash, etc.) can take up to 6 months to break in and should not be washed until they are completely broken in. Raw denim is generally 100% cotton, therefore has very little to no stretch. All jeans conform to our bodies – especially raw denim. Washing them (especially in the machine) will force them to lose shape and cause significant fading in colour.
#2: UNDERSTANDING NON-RAW DENIM
Non-Raw (treated, pre-washed, pre-faded) do not need to be broken in. This type of denim generally has 2-3% elastane or more so you can wash them more often. HOWEVER you really do not need to wash them until they absolutely need it (i.e. when they’re stained or start to smell). Washing jeans too frequently will deteriorate the fabric quicker and again cause significant fading in the colour
#3: WASH INSIDE OUT HELPS AVOID FADING
Another important step in caring for your denim is washing them inside out and in cold water. Almost every pair of denim will say it directly inside on one of the labels. Washing your denim by hand is probably the best method but people may not have the time to do that, understandably so!
#4: HOT WATER CAUSES FADING
If you want to fade your denim, wash them in hot water. If you want to maintain the wash of darker denim, try adding ½ a cup of white vinegar to the final cycle.
#5: HANG DRYING JEANS PROLONGS THEIR LIFE ON YOUR BODY
Try to always hang dry your denim. Try to avoid machine drying them at all times. If you do decide to put them in the dryer do it on a very low heat. Try to remove them before they’re completely dry, then hang them upside down or lay them flat.
#6: FOLDING JEANS PREVENTS WRINKLING
Fold your jeans like an expert. Make them flat enough to stack them, like you would see in a denim store. If they are kept neatly in your cupboard it will prevent them from creasing or stretching out.
#7: HEM YOUR JEANS!
Over the Rainbow offers a free hem with any denim purchase over $175. Unless you are investing in a pair of raw denim, it is recommended that you wash your jeans before having them altered. Denim tends to shrink about half an inch in length after the initial wash so it’s better to be safe than sorry. We can always add that quarter to half-an-inch for you to save you a trip. Don’t let your jeans stay too long; extra bunching ruins the look of a jean!
