What is Raw Denim?

What is Raw Denim?

Most Denim Jeans you buy today have been pre-washed to soften up the fabric, reduce shrinkage, and prevent indigo dye from rubbing off. Raw denim (sometimes called [dry denim") jeans are simply jeans made from denim that hasn`t gone through this pre-wash process.

Because the fabric hasn`t been pre-washed, raw denim jeans are pretty stiff when you put them on the first time. It takes a few weeks of regular wear to break-in and loosen up a pair. The indigo dye in the fabric can rub off as well. We`ll talk more about this when we go over the pros and cons of raw denim below.

Raw denim (all denim actually) comes in two types: sanforized or unsanforized. Sanforized denim has undergone a chemical treatment that prevents shrinkage after you wash your jeans. Most mass-produced jeans are sanforized, and many raw and Selvedge Denim Jeans are too. Unsanforized denim hasn`t been treated with that shrink-preventing chemical, so when you do end up washing or soaking your jeans, they`ll shrink by 5%-10%.

Keyword: Selvedge Denim jeans, Selvedge Denim Fabric, Denim Fabric, Denim Jacket