The Raw Denim Guide
We've gathered everything you need to know, and everything we know about jeans on this page. Here you'll find information about everything you're wondering about fades, cuffing and stacking, sashiko and repairs, washing advice, how denim is made, and much more.
Love your jeans to death! ...then repair them.
What is Raw Denim
Wondering what the deal is with stiff, dark jeans? Raw denim is denim in its purest form.
Raw denim is simply denim that has not been washed or treated after being dyed and woven. While most jeans you buy in regular stores are pre-washed, sandblasted, or chemically treated to look worn, raw denim jeans start as a blank canvas.
How should you wash your jeans?
Have you heard that denim nerds never wash their jeans? Raw denim is unwashed quality jeans, but can they really not be washed?
Forget the freezer! Ditch the vinegar bath with your jeans on. We're debunking the myths and giving you the truth about maintenance, directly from people who actually live in raw denim every single day. Whether you're brand new to the game or a seasoned "fade veteran," this is the only guide you need to wash your jeans correctly without destroying their unique contrasts.
Find the right fit
Are you one of those people who spend a whole day shopping for new jeans? Do you struggle to find the right fit?
We have many years of experience with jeans, and carry jeans that fit different bodies. We are not concerned with the silhouette of the season, but are concerned with which jeans will make you look good. Our fit guide will help you navigate online, but feel free to stop by our store in Grünerløkka when you want your first pair - so it will be perfect!
Guide: what is colored "core" and how does it affect fades?
Have you ever wondered why some jeans get a warm "dirty fade" while others develop stark white honeycombs and whiskers? The answer lies in the color-core, which is the color hidden deep inside the ...
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Guide: What exactly is unsanforized raw denim?
Unsanforized denim – or kibata – is raw denim in its most traditional and untreated form. We explain why twisted pant legs are a sign of quality, how to navigate the 10% "shrinkage trap", and why o...
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Guide: What's the difference between high-contrast fades and vintage fades?
Are you looking for dramatic contrasts or a classic vintage look? We explain how your washing routine determines the fade you get and how to care for your selvedge jeans.
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Guide: How do denim heads wash jeans?
Have you decided to stop machine washing? We'll show you the sacred ritual of hand-washing raw denim. This is how you preserve the color and achieve the perfect contrasts.
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Guide: Why do denim heads cuff their jeans? Why is it stylish?
Should you cuff, stack, or hem your new raw denim? We delve into the secret code language of the denim world: Selvedge ID. Learn how a simple cuff can act as the perfect icebreaker, and why your ch...
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Guide: What is Sashiko and what does it have to do with denim?
If you stack your jeans or wear them hard for several years, holes will eventually appear – either in the crotch or at the bottom by the heel (heel bites). But instead of seeing a hole as the end o...
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