20/06/2014
Care for your Denims !!!
Denim: Prewashed vs. unwashed
There are two general categories of denim blue jeans: prewashed and unwashed denim. Prewashed denim, also known as preshrunk or distressed denim, is achieved through bleaching or several mechanical treatments like stonewashes, sandblasting and scraping. Unwashed denim is stronger and most durable but is also much stiffer.
Reducing fading and shrinkage in Prewashed Denim
Even if your jeans are prewashed, they can still fade and shrink over time, especially if you do not follow the care label instructions. There are certain precautions that one can take to maintain color and fit:
• Always turn the jeans inside out for laundering.
• Wash in cold water with a cold water detergent.
• Never use bleach.
• If the care label instructions recommend drying in a dryer, be sure not to use hotter than recommended dryer temperatures and take the jeans out of the dryer while they are still slightly damp. Then lay your jeans on a towel to dry or, if possible, hang them so that no part of the jean is folded over.
Caring for unwashed denim:
Wear your unwashed jeans as much as possible before the first wash. (They will have a tough surface, almost like they are water resistant.)
• Do not try to clean local stains, as rubbing can remove the indigo and you may get a bleach spot.
• When you absolutely have to wash them, a steam wash cycle is preferable. If your washer doesn't have one, turn them inside out so they have some resistance to unwanted crinkles from the machine.
• To encourage fading and natural worn-in effects, wash in warmer temperatures.
• To help prevent fading, wash in cold water using cold water detergent.
• Once out of the dryer, turn them back to normal and shake them flat, otherwise they might get an unwanted crease or fold. When they are still damp, you can stretch the inseam as much as needed. Let them dry naturally by hanging, not folded.
