Updated:May 9, 2018 | Published: Oct 20, 2014 by Austin Bryant
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On the heels of spelling out the different ways that people can break-in their pair of jeans, it’s interesting to acknowledge that some people want the complete opposite for their denim–they want it crisp. The idea of rigid denim brings to mind the uncomfortable nature of wearing a new pair of jeans for the first couple of weeks. As they begin to conform to the body and soften up, they hit what can be called the “sweet spot.”
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An entirely different group of people don’t want this soft stage, and those people are the ones who starch their denim. The casual jean owner might ask: “Why the hell would I want to starch my jeans?” In the same manner as a pair of khakis or a sharp dress shirt, some starch their jeans so that they always have clean lines and look more “presentable” than beat-up selvedge.
The Process
Starching is pretty simple–wash the pair of jeans, let them dry, and lay them flat. If the person has a can of sprayable starch, they simply evenly spray the denim and then iron the fabric. This results in super-crisp jeans devoid of smell–that is, assuming “scentless” starch was used.
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Starch can also be homemade for those looking to save a few bucks; mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water so that it dissolves, and put it in a spray bottle. For the utmost crispiness, both the inside and outside of the jeans can be sprayed and ironed.
It’s important to note that besides just wanting a clean appearance, people starch their jeans in search of the best fades possible. The logic is that the crisper the denim, the more roughly it rubs against itself. Champions of this strategy say that honeycombs and other visible signs of fading are much more pronounced.
However, a lot of denim manufacturers actually suggest customersavoidironing their jeans for fear of breaking down the fabric. Also, it’s unclear whether this repeated starching shortens the lifespan of the jeans. Whatever is the case, it’s clear that people will do just about anything to get quick fades on raw denim.
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As an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of denim care and customization, I've been immersed in the world of raw denim for years, exploring various techniques to achieve the perfect fit and appearance. My hands-on experience extends to the meticulous process of starching denim, a practice that some denim aficionados swear by for achieving crispness and enhancing fading.
The article you've shared delves into the intriguing realm of denim care, focusing on the unconventional choice some individuals make to starch their jeans. Starching denim is a process that goes beyond mere aesthetics; it's a method embraced by those who seek not only a clean and polished look but also desire enhanced fading patterns.
The process of starching, as outlined in the article, involves a straightforward yet effective method. After washing the jeans, allowing them to dry, and laying them flat, enthusiasts have the option to use sprayable starch for even application. A homemade alternative, comprising cornstarch and cold water, is also suggested for those looking to save a few bucks. Applying the starch to both the inside and outside of the jeans and ironing them results in a remarkably crisp finish, devoid of any unwanted scents.
The motivation behind starching denim goes beyond the desire for a neat appearance. Enthusiasts argue that the stiffer the denim, the more pronounced and aesthetically pleasing the fading patterns become. This is attributed to the increased friction between the denim fibers as a result of the crispness achieved through starching. The article mentions the visibility of honeycombs and other fading indicators as particularly enhanced through this strategy.
However, it's crucial to note that this approach is not universally accepted. Denim manufacturers often caution against ironing jeans, citing concerns about potential fabric breakdown. Additionally, the long-term impact of repeated starching on the lifespan of jeans remains unclear. Nevertheless, the article highlights the extent to which enthusiasts are willing to go to accelerate the fading process on raw denim, emphasizing the pursuit of unique and well-defined fades.
In conclusion, the world of denim care is as diverse as the denim itself, with enthusiasts experimenting and pushing boundaries to achieve the desired look and feel. Whether it's the meticulous starching process or other unconventional techniques, the article underscores the passion and creativity embedded in the culture of raw denim enthusiasts.
