Beginner's Guide to Denim
From the material’s origins to the many different styles of denim, an overview of the iconic cotton twill fabric.
Does raw denim stretch?
Raw denim tends to be stiffer and more rigid than normal denim. However, the material should loosen up and mold to the body with time.
How to break in raw denim?
The best way to break in raw denim is simply by wearing it. Some people like to wash their raw denim jeans to remove excess starch and indigo bleeding, and make the fabric more pliable.
How to wash raw denim?
Some people prefer to hand-wash denim while others prefer to machine wash. It is a myth that raw denim can be washed by freezing as this does nothing to kill the bacteria.
How to shrink denim?
Most denim jeans are pre-shrunk, making them difficult to shrink further. A hot wash and dry might shrink them slightly, but it is unlikely they will shrink down an entire size or two. Denim that is not pre-shrunk—called unsanforized or “shrink-to-fit” denim—can be shrunk through hot-water washing and high-heat drying.
How to soften denim?
The best way to soften denim is to be patient. It will eventually loosen up with wear and time. Washing and soaking denim can also relax the material.
Is denim cotton?
Yes, denim is a sturdy cotton twill fabric woven with an indigo, grey or mottled white yarn.