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.

The Wash Movement often praises pure indigo dyed denim as it fades readily and uniformly compared to indigo and sulfur denim. While some wash directly and as frequently as once a week, the majority lean towards convenience, washing when they perceive their jeans as dirty or during laundry day – truth is that many may be unaware they are even part of the Wash Movement.

Drawbacks of washing early and frequently

• The wearer needs to consider shrinking to a greater extent compared to the not washing.

• Gentle washing and drying are crucial initially.

• The Wash Movement is typically less environmentally friendly than the No Wash Movement.

• Extremely frequent washing can negatively impact the long-term durability of the denim.

Not to Wash
The extreme path that has gained infamy among the public concerning the sanity (and sanitary) condition of dry denim aficionados’ jeans. Refraining from washing ensures three crucial aspects:
Firstly, the jeans undergo unabrupt wear, maximizing the loss of dye where the denim is subjected to abrasions.
Secondly, the jeans remain stiff, retaining creases generated from wearing.
Thirdly, the deepest hue of the dye remains where the denim is not subjected to wear, maximizing the contrast of wear marks.

These aspects are key to the No Wash Movement, aiming for highly contrasting wear often inspired by vintage jeans used as workwear. The movement often praises deep indigo denim for its initial darker shade and resulting higher contrast with wear. While some choose never to wash their jeans, a common approach is to refrain from washing for a specific period; our recommendation is at least 6 months, while it can be much longer.