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From gentle hand soaks to ocean adventures — every method has its place in denim care.
There's no single "best" way to wash raw denim. The right method depends on how dirty your jeans are, how established your fades are, and how much control you want over the process.
The universal rules apply to all methods: cold water only, turn inside out, and never use a dryer.
The gentlest and most controlled method. Submerge jeans in a tub of cold water with mild detergent.
Best for: First washes, high-end denim, when you want maximum control
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Convenient but requires care. Use cold water, gentle cycle, and minimal detergent.
Best for: Maintenance washes after fades are established, heavily soiled jeans
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A traditional method where you wear your jeans into the ocean. The salt water cleans and softens.
Best for: Adventurous enthusiasts, creating unique character, softening stiff denim
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Target specific stains without a full wash. Great for extending time between washes.
Best for: Small stains, food spills, extending time between full washes
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The detergent you use matters. Harsh detergents with optical brighteners or bleach will strip indigo faster. Here are recommended options:
Gentle, widely available, good for preserving dark colors
Natural, mild, works well for hand washing
Products from brands like Railcar, 3sixteen designed for raw denim
Some prefer water-only washes to minimize indigo loss
Never use bleach, fabric softener, or detergents with optical brighteners. These will damage the indigo and alter the fabric's hand feel. Also avoid hot water and machine drying.
For your first few washes, we recommend the hand wash method. It gives you the most control and is gentlest on your developing fades. Once your fades are well-established (after 1-2 years), machine washing on gentle is perfectly fine for convenience.