How to Care for Heritage Denim: A Complete Guide

Heritage denim is built to last, but it does require different care than the fast-fashion alternatives. The good news: caring for it properly is simpler, not harder.

Wash less, not more Denim does not need to be washed after every wear. The fibres are robust and the fabric breathes. Most pairs can go four to six wears between washes, and with raw denim, considerably longer. Airing your denim between wears — hanging it outside or near a window — removes odour without stressing the fabric.

Temperature matters Always wash in cold water. Hot water shrinks denim and degrades the indigo dye more rapidly. The fibres in selvedge and ring-spun cotton have been twisted more tightly than in standard denim, which means they respond more dramatically to heat.

Turn them inside out This protects the outer face of the denim from friction during the wash cycle, which is the primary cause of uneven fading. It also prevents indigo from transferring onto other garments.

Dry flat or hang Tumble drying is the enemy of heritage denim. The heat shrinks the fabric and the tumbling action stresses the seams. Hang your denim by the waistband — it will retain its shape and dry to a better fit.

Storage Fold your denim along the leg seam and store flat, or hang by the belt loops. Never store denim compressed — the creases set permanently.