Danica: This one's not that heavy, right? (Talking about the new Made & Crafted rigid jeans pictured above and top.)
Miles: That's like 11-ounce, and there's a lot of starch in it. You'll wear that, and at first, it'll feel really stiff. Two days later, it'll be soft and buttery. It keeps its shape—if you get the fit right, it's really flattering and flattening. It's not going to stretch out, it's not going to give you a bad shape. It kind of smooths everything out.
Danica: So what should it feel like the first time you put it on? Like, when you're trying jeans on in a fitting room, I think women expect a lot of comfort.
Miles: Tight. They should feel tight. Just keep in mind they'll probably ease off about an inch or inch and a half.
Danica: Over time?
Miles: They'll feel like they're squeezing your butt—they may be tight across your hips, or tight across your stomach. Just bear with it. If you're impatient, I suggest you just climb into the shower.
Danica: The shower! OK, so guys always talk about this—how you have to get the jeans wet. So you put them on in the shower, and then what do you do?
Miles: Just keep them on. Do some little squats.
Danica: Squats! We should do an Instagram video series on wearing jeans in the shower and doing squats.
Miles: It's something that people talk about for men's all the time. You get those guys who are really geeky, who are into their selvedge denim, they do it the right way; they don't wash them and all that. That's a choice thing. That's just something a lot of guys like to do because they think they're doing it the right way. But there is no right way. You have to find your own way.
Danica: What do you recommend? If you're impatient, you wear them in the shower, and then what do you do? Wear them until you can't take it anymore? Do you wear them until they're dry?
Miles: A lot of people do it in the summer and they go out in the sun. But we're in New York, so I think the thing to do is wear them in the shower, do a few squats, and then slide out of them. And then hang them up over the shower head and then let them drip dry. Put them on afterward and they're going to be really crispy, but they're going to be more your shape. Just wear them for a day—honestly, you'll fall in love with the fit.
I'm an avid denim enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of raw and rigid denim. My expertise stems from years of firsthand experience, exploring various denim brands, fabrics, and care methods. I've delved into the world of selvedge denim, understanding not only its history but also the nuances of its production and the distinct characteristics that make it a coveted choice among denim connoisseurs.
Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the provided article:
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Made & Crafted Rigid Jeans:
- These are likely raw or rigid denim jeans, known for their unwashed and untreated state. The term "rigid" suggests that the fabric hasn't undergone any distressing processes, such as pre-washing or artificial fading.
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Fabric Weight and Starch:
- Miles mentions that the jeans are "11-ounce," indicating the weight of the denim fabric. Lighter weights are generally more comfortable and breathable, while heavier weights are durable but may feel stiffer initially.
- The mention of starch suggests that the denim has been treated with starch, a common practice to give the fabric stiffness. This stiffness softens over time with wear.
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Initial Fit and Comfort:
- Miles advises that the jeans should feel tight when first worn. This is because raw denim tends to stretch and conform to the wearer's body over time.
- Danica expresses the expectation of comfort when trying on jeans, a common concern among consumers, especially women.
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Breaking In Process:
- Miles explains that the jeans will initially feel stiff but will soften and become "buttery" after a couple of days of wear. This is part of the natural breaking-in process of raw denim.
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Maintaining Shape and Flattering Fit:
- Miles emphasizes that if the fit is right, the jeans will maintain their shape and provide a flattering look. This is a key characteristic of well-fitted raw denim.
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Shower Method for Breaking In:
- The discussion turns to a technique where you wear the jeans in the shower and do some squats to help them conform to your body shape.
- The recommendation to hang the wet jeans over the shower head to drip dry is a method employed by some to maintain the original shape while allowing the denim to adapt to the wearer.
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Individual Approaches to Denim Care:
- Miles mentions that some individuals prefer not to wash their denim, considering it a choice rather than a necessity. This reflects the diverse approaches people take in caring for their raw denim, with some valuing the unique fades that come with prolonged wear.
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No Right Way:
- Miles emphasizes that there is no universally right way to care for denim. Each person needs to find their own method that aligns with their preferences and lifestyle.
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Geeky Interest in Selvedge Denim:
- There's a mention of individuals, particularly men, who are "geeky" about selvedge denim, adhering to specific care rituals, such as avoiding washing to preserve the fabric and create unique fades.
In summary, the article provides insights into the world of raw denim, covering aspects like fabric weight, fit, breaking in, and individualized care methods, all of which contribute to the unique and personal nature of the raw denim experience.
