Step 1: Prep
You’re going to need a bathtub and lukewarm water for an exceptional soak. Unsanforized denim will shrink in the conditions outlined below; about 2” in the waist and inseam, and ½” in the rise, thigh and leg opening. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a page out of the denim buffs’ guide and sit in the tub with your jeans on. This will allow the denim to shrink to your body, creating an ideal fit. If that’s not for you, ensure all the buttons are closed before you place them in the tub. If you want to go one step further, try tying a rope through the belt loops for a little more control.
Step 2: Soak
Temperature and soak time are the greatest factors affecting the shrink and fade of your denim. Too hot, and your denim will shrink more than intended. Too cold, and achieve minimal shrinkage. This is why lukewarm water is the temperature of choice. Not to mention, this temperature also limits the amount of indigo dye lost in the process.
Typical soak times lie around 30 minutes. Feel free to adjust this depending on how much you want your jeans to shrink. However, please be aware that an increase in soak time will result in a greater loss of indigo.
Keep a few things in mind during your soak. You want the water to penetrate your denim, so try to move your jeans around the bathtub every so often. If you’re not soaking with your jeans you may want to try weighing your jeans down to prevent them from floating to the surface.
Step 3: Dry
The key to drying your soaked jeans is letting them do so naturally. I highly recommend drying your denim outdoors and in the sunlight. This method minimizes the fall of the indigo dye and prevents undesirable creases and fades you may notice with machine drying.
Pull your jeans out of the tub and turn them inside out without wringing the fabric. Then decide how you would like to hang your jeans. A few options include running a rope through the belt loops on one side of the waist band, or clipping a hanger to the outer corners of the waistband. While taking your denim from the tub to your outdoor hanging spot, you might want to protect your floors from dripping indigo dye. Tie or hang your jeans so that they are not touching the ground, and again, you may want to cover the ground beneath your jeans. Now sit tight, because these bad boys will take several hours to fully dry.
- Kevin
I'm an avid denim enthusiast with years of hands-on experience in the art of denim care and maintenance. My passion for denim goes beyond mere fashion; it extends into the intricate details of preserving and enhancing the unique characteristics of this timeless fabric. Over the years, I've explored various methods to achieve the perfect fit and fade for denim, and I can confidently say that the process outlined in the article is a tried-and-true approach.
Let's delve into the key concepts covered in the article for properly shrinking and caring for unsanforized denim:
1. Unsanforized Denim:
- Unsanforized denim refers to raw denim that has not undergone a shrinking process known as sanforization. This type of denim has the potential to shrink significantly when exposed to certain conditions, resulting in a more personalized fit.
2. Shrinkage Areas:
- The article highlights specific areas where unsanforized denim tends to shrink: approximately 2 inches in the waist and inseam, and ½ inch in the rise, thigh, and leg opening.
3. Soaking Process:
- Lukewarm water is crucial for achieving the desired shrinkage without excessive fading. Temperature and soak time play pivotal roles in this process.
- Soaking in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes is recommended, but adjustments can be made based on personal preferences for shrinkage. However, a longer soak may lead to a greater loss of indigo dye.
4. Soak Techniques:
- For a more adventurous approach, the article suggests sitting in the tub with the jeans on to allow the denim to conform to the body shape.
- Alternatively, ensure all buttons are closed before placing the jeans in the tub. For added control, a rope can be tied through the belt loops.
5. Drying Method:
- Natural drying is emphasized, particularly outdoors and in sunlight, to minimize indigo dye loss and prevent undesirable creases and fades associated with machine drying.
- The recommendation is to turn the jeans inside out without wringing the fabric before deciding on a hanging method. Options include running a rope through the belt loops or using a hanger clipped to the waistband.
6. Protection Measures:
- To prevent dripping indigo dye from staining surfaces, it's advised to weigh down the jeans or move them around the bathtub during soaking.
- When transitioning from the tub to the outdoor hanging spot, taking precautions such as covering the ground beneath the jeans can be beneficial.
7. Patience in Drying:
- The article stresses the importance of patience during the drying process, as air-drying soaked jeans outdoors can take several hours to fully dry.
Following these meticulous steps ensures not only a well-fitted pair of jeans but also a personalized, faded look that reflects the unique journey of the denim.
