Category: Denimopedia
When and how often you wash your dry jeans will influence how they age. We're here to guide you through the two divergent paths passionately debated at Nudie Jeans—almost like it’s politics. Yes, at Nudie Jeans, we don't all agree on the right approach. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference—and isn't that a beautiful thing. To Wash The clean and convenient path where washing is a natural part of wearing dry denim, ironically dubbed the “dad wash” by not washing. However, this path has its extremes too, such as washing directly and very frequently. Regardless of whether this path is taken to the extreme, it relies on three main aspects: Firstly, the gradual removal of starch softens the jeans, reducing sharp creases. Secondly, washing results in slight rearrangements of the yarns, leading to a more textural aging trajectory. Thirdly, frequent washing allows for a more uniform removal of dye, creating a bluer (or greyer) denim. These aspects are key to the Wash Movement, aiming to emphasize denim characteristics while giving jeans a softly washed-out look often inspired by vintage jeans from the '50s and onward when jeans had become a staple garment for everyday use. Drawbacks of refraining from washing Depending on the stiffness of the denim, continued bending at creases can lead to yarn breakage. Extensive wearing without washing accumulates fatty oils and can reduce yarn and fabric durability.
Every pair of Nudie Jeans comes with a promise of free repairs. And that promise is forever, no matter when, where, or how you got them. Buying a pair of premium jeans is an investment, and since we provide the jeans, it’s only right we take care of the repairs. We make your Nudie Jeans with high-quality denim because you should wear them a lot. And when you do, you are rewarded. But at some point, however, your favorite pair of jeans will break. When that happens, you wash your jeans and head on over to your local Repair Shop, and they patch, repair, and make sure you get to enjoy your favorite jeans for longer. Offering free repairs is, of course, a great service, but it also enables us to take care of the jeans people are about to throw away. We either recycle and use them for patching material or sell them second-hand in our Re-use program.
Hickory stripe denim, characterized by its indigo and white striped pattern, stands as one of America's iconic workwear fabrics. It's closely associated with vintage railroad, carpenter, and painter garments, with its origins dating back to the "Old West" era (approximately 1865–1920). Although the precise history of hickory stripe denim remains somewhat elusive, it's believed to have evolved from the use of blue and white striped upholstery fabrics for railroad uniforms. Its practical striped design served to conceal dust and stains, while its aesthetic appeal played a significant role in establishing it as quintessential American workwear, particularly peaking in popularity during the early to mid-20th century.
We are reintroducing the Flare Glenn fit. Born in 2001, Glenn is one of the very first designs created by Maria Levin for Nudie Jeans. Back then, it was a progressive fit that became an icon, instrumental in creating the unique Nudie Jeans aesthetic.
Rinsed A rinse is the simplest of denim washes. It boosts comfort by removing starch and it gently modifies the denim's texture and color. This method results in a more textured denim surface and puckered seams, offering a softer feel with more subtle wear patterns. While our selection of rinsed denim is limited, our dry denim can easily be rinsed at home for a similar effect.
Rinsed A rinse is the simplest of denim washes. It boosts comfort by removing starch and it gently modifies the denim's texture and color. This method results in a more textured denim surface and puckered seams, offering a softer feel with more subtle wear patterns. While our selection of rinsed denim is limited, our dry denim can easily be rinsed at home for a similar effect.
Ace selvage is a Sturdy, 14.2 oz, redcast selvage denim woven by Shinya Mills in Okayama, Japan.
The history of black denim From its origins as rugged workwear fabric, denim has embarked on an unexpected journey from railroads and goldmines to offices and catwalks. When denim gained popularity as a workwear fabric in the late 19th century, it was primarily produced in indigo blue, leading to the creation of what we now know as "indigo denim." Up until the 1940s and 1950s, denim remained predominantly a workwear material. However, the shift towards denim's fashion appeal began post-WWII in America, driven by the influence of Hollywood movies and economic growth. The 1950s and 1960s witnessed the rise of youth culture and fashion. Indigo denim jeans became a popular choice for those seeking to distinguish themselves from older generations. Blue jeans transformed into a symbol of rebellion and counterculture. As Hollywood movies captured the hearts of millions and the economy surged, denim's status shifted. The 1960s and 1970s marked a period of significant social and cultural change, with the civil rights movement, women's liberation movement, and anti-establishment sentiments influencing fashion trends. Blue jeans, previously seen as work pants, became an emblem of non-conformity and non-traditional values. However, perceptions of jeans rapidly changed, and by the late 1970s, they had evolved into fully-fledged fashion garments accepted by the mainstream. It was during this period that black denim jeans began to gain traction. The increased popularity of black jeans was largely driven by rock 'n roll, mod, and counter-culture movements, all of which aimed to differentiate themselves from the norm.
The aging of denim imparts unique stories onto each pair of jeans. As time passes, the jeans adapt and reflect the wear they are subjected to. Yet, this evolution isn't merely a transformation forced upon the fabric by the wearer; it also mirrors the craftsmanship and artistry invested in crafting the denim. In this article, we explore the differences between two of our most notable Japanese selvage denim fabrics – Dry Selvage and Dry Ace Selvage – highlighting their unique attributes and their impact on distinct aging properties.
On a momentous spring day in the year 2000, Maria Erixon Levin, designer and founder of Nudie Jeans (who, at the time, was working for another noteworthy denim brand), had a serendipitous encounter with a fabric sample that would change the course of her career (and the entire world of denim) forever. While attending a fabric week in Brussels, she stumbled across a sample from Kaihara, located in Fukuyama, Japan. She adored it so much, it came home in her bag as a cherished souvenir. Even though the fabric was too expensive for her employer at the time, it sparked a curiosity in Maria's mind. The following year, Nudie Jeans was born. All these years later, it's easy to see why Maria made the "Dry Selvage" our selvage. But at the time, having the foresight to build an entire brand on a single fabric – that took guts. It's credit to Maria's phenomenal talent and great eye for denim that we can still be mesmerized by this iconic fabric today. It's our first love and we'll never let it go.
Japanese artisans craft denim with tradition and precision, using vintage shuttle looms for unmatched quality. 25 years ago, founder Maria Erixon fell for Kaihara Mills’ selvage denim—sparking Nudie Jeans. Today, it remains a staple in every pair labeled “Dry Selvage,” like Tuff Tony Dry Selvage.
Meet Kalle: a Nudie Jeans fan, frequent customer, and friend for many years. When we reopened the refurbished shop in June 2021, Kalle was invited to check out the new digs and try out the new features. But, more importantly, he won a pair of drys of his choice and a feature user story.