Raw denim is denim found in its natural state, untreated and unwashed. This is what gives it that "stiff" look at first; it will gradually fade as you age your jeans.
These are some of the characteristics that make raw denim so special:
- This type of denim is much better for the environment. Industrially washed denim is one of the most polluting in the life cycle of a pair of jeans. Most "soft" jeans are that way because they've been pre-washed.
- Raw denim lasts much longer. Any type of treatment or washing weakens the cotton fibers. Because it has no treatment, raw denim is much more durable.
- The relationship between cotton, indigo, and the natural wear and tear of denim will produce, over time, the most incredible and unique creases in your jeans. This is because the indigo used to give denim its color is a "living" color. The dye doesn't penetrate 100% of the cotton yarn; it only penetrates the outer layers, allowing a unique color to gradually emerge in the creases and folds where you move or bend the most. The general rule is that you should wear your jeans daily for a period of 6 months, with the possibility of washing them once every 4 months (see "Care" section). Want to learn more? Check out this video:
Why are my jeans “hard”?
We hear this question all the time. Much of the denim we work with at Casa Denim is Japanese. This means it's still made on shuttle looms, and aside from dyeing the cotton with indigo, the fabric doesn't go through any industrial processes. It's in its natural state. This "hardness" means your jeans are much more durable than other jeans, and we promise they'll soften as soon as you start wearing them.
