What Is The Lifespan Of Selvedge Denim?

Selvedge denim, a type of denim woven on shuttle looms, is known for its tightly woven self-edge (or selvage) and high-quality cotton yarns. It is said to be sturdier than other denim types and can last several years or even up to a decade. Selvedge denim is now available in stretch, which is one of modern denim’s most promising developments.

Caring for selvedge denim requires proper care, whether it’s looking to repair, wash, or wear them. The rule of thumb for raw denim care is that they should be worn for at least 200 days throughout the year, with at least 100 days before washing. When washing them correctly, they can last 5-10 years or more. However, raw denim doesn’t fade or wear out, so they should be soaked and hung to dry every four to six months.

A quality pair of raw/selvedge jeans, properly taken care of, can last anywhere from a few years to a decade. However, selvedge denim isn’t significantly better than non-selvedge denim in terms of durability. To ensure the best fit, wear your jeans for at least a full week, preferably two to three weeks before the first soak or wash.

In summary, selvedge denim is an investment piece that can last several years or even up to a decade when properly cared for.

Should you iron selvedge denim?

To iron selvedge denim, set your iron to a high heat setting using steam, ensuring the selvedge has any stretch. Use a tea towel cloth between the iron and jeans to protect them. Iron pocket bags first, then lay one leg flat on the ironing board matching the seams. Iron the selvedge seams, then the inside of the leg, swap the leg over, and repeat the process for the second leg. Finally, iron the waistband. Your washing machine offers numerous options and sophistication.

Can jeans last 10 years?

The lifespan of a well-maintained pair of jeans can range from two to ten years or longer, contingent upon factors such as the quality of the fabric and the care taken to preserve the jeans. The longevity of high-quality jeans, such as raw selvedge denim, is contingent upon the implementation of appropriate care and maintenance practices, including the minimization of washing frequency.

Does selvedge denim loosen over time?

Denim, particularly raw selvedge denim, is a unique and comfortable garment that can be shaped and adapted to fit the wearer’s body. However, improper washing can lead to shrinkage and a lack of distressing. Denim enthusiasts often resort to various strategies to avoid shrinkage and achieve the perfect distressing, such as wearing jeans in salt water and drying them with sand, or storing them in the freezer to kill bacteria.

To ensure proper care for denim, it is essential to follow the basic care guidelines provided by denim experts. This includes avoiding excessive washing, avoiding shrinkage, and ensuring proper drying and drying time.

What is the average lifespan of denim?

The average lifespan of jeans is between two and five years, depending on the frequency of wear and the activities performed. If jeans are worn daily and frequently moved, they will last about two years, while those worn once in a while can last much longer. The reason jeans wear out after a few years is due to the breakdown of the denim itself, weakening fibers, and fading color. The fabric also starts to stretch more over time, making it fit differently.

Additionally, stress points, where most abrasion occurs, can be rubbed away faster than other areas of the garment. To extend the life of your jeans, avoid rubbing them against surfaces like car doors or door jambs, as this helps preserve stress points.

How quickly does raw denim fade?

Individuals who engage in a vigorous lifestyle may expect to observe the emergence of fades within a period of three to four months. In contrast, those who adhere to a more relaxed lifestyle may experience a longer duration for the manifestation of these changes. It is recommended that readers select the items that they consider to be essential and indispensable, and that they support the author financially when making their purchases, as a small commission will be paid to the author by the merchants with whom they transact.

Will selvedge denim fade?

Selvedge and non-selvedge denim are both raw denim, and their fade depends on various factors. Selvedge is primarily produced in Japan, where vintage shuttle looms are prevalent, using rope dyed yarns. These yarns are white cotton yarns that undergo a series of indigo baths, resulting in a white center core yarn with layers of indigo on top. As jeans are worn, these indigo layers shed away, revealing different shades of blue underneath. This process causes jeans to fade from blue to white, highlighting the unique characteristics of selvedge denim.

When did Levi’s stop using selvedge denim?

The global popularity of Levi’s® 501® jeans precipitated a transformation in the denim manufacturing industry. In 1984, Cone Mills implemented a contemporary, cost-effective wide loom, effectively doubling the width of its denim production and eliminating the necessity for selvedge. The reintroduction of selvedge was limited to select products, including Levi’s® Vintage Clothing reproductions and premium denim jeans.

Why is selvedge denim so expensive?

Selvedge denim is more expensive due to its slower weaving process using smaller, older looms. It takes longer to weave than non-selvedge denim, which uses faster, larger looms. To determine if jeans are selvedge, turn up the cuff and look at the seams on the inside and outside of the leg. If the edges look finished and like cut fabric, or if a sewing machine covered the edges with thread, it’s not selvedge.

Should you soak new selvedge denim?

To soften jeans, fill a clean tub with enough water to ensure they are fully submerged. Fasten all buttons on the jeans and turn them inside out to reduce stress and ensure even shrinkage. Place the jeans in the bath and watch them do their thing, allowing oxygen to escape from the fabric. Use old coffee cups to weigh down the denim in the water. Leave them in the bath for up to an hour.

Be careful not to tumble dry the jeans, as this can damage the fabric and create ugly white lines. Instead, let them dry naturally, either outside or on the head of your shower. Consult with anyone you live with before embarking on this process to be considerate.

Tumble drying the jeans will damage the fabric and create ugly white lines that break through the surface of the indigo. If weather or space don’t allow for outdoor drying, place them on the head of your shower to let the blue water drain out.

Is selvedge denim durable?

Regular denim, also known as “non-selvedge” or “wide goods”, is made using a cost-effective and efficient weaving process, lacking the finished edges found in selvedge denim. Although it is more affordable, it may not have the same level of durability and longevity. Selvedge denim, historically the gold standard for workwear, has experienced a resurgence in popularity among denim enthusiasts and workwear connoisseurs due to its superior craftsmanship and quality.

Its roots date back to the early 1900s when Levis made hard-wearing pants for California workers. The popularity of selvedge denim increased in the 1950s, with celebrities like James Dean and Marlon Brando bringing denim into mainstream culture. To meet this demand, manufacturers had to abandon the lengthy process of selvedge denim production and create jeans more quickly.

How often should you wash selvedge denim?

Selvedge denim is a more durable and less susceptible to shrinkage, but it should be washed as often as possible to maintain its indigo color. For softer, more even fading, wash as often as every few months, while for more striking fades, wash as little as possible. Machine washing can be done according to the care tag, but hand washing in lukewarm water with a gentle cleaner is recommended. Rinse the cleaner out before hanging the jeans up to dry.

There are two myths about washing jeans without washing: 1) keeping them in the freezer, which is believed to kill odor-causing bacteria, but many bacteria can survive freezing temperatures and repopulate the garment. 2) Raw or selvedge denim is not always necessary, as they get soiled over time due to food, dirt, and skin oils. At some point, you will have to wash your jeans or risk smoky odors at every party.

In conclusion, washing selvedge denim is essential for maintaining its indigo color and preventing odor-causing bacteria.