5 Myths About Raw Denim You Should Ignore

The world of raw denim is full of passionate individuals who see their jeans as more than jeans — they’re a way of life. The fabrics, the fades, the fastidious commitment to consistent wear, it’s a universe full of idiosyncrasies and delights that can be a little overwhelming to newcomers, even frustrating, but those of us who are years into our love affair find the culture’s idiosyncratic twists and turns to be all part of the joy.

But we get the frustrations. Myths and misconceptions abound in this world, misconceptions that aren’t helped by the fact that the majority of reputable brands are sold out of Japan, by companies with little interest in putting out English-language information that could help to dispel the falsehoods and misunderstandings that are so rife. 

Are you meant to wash your jeans at all? How are you supposed to wash them? How do you size them? Do they stretch? Do they shrink? Do I really need to find an antique hemming machine to shorten them or can I just take them to my neighborhood tailor?

Nick from Stridewise stopped by our New York City store to chat with Naked & Famous’ Creative Director, Bahzad Trinos, about all of his frustrations that have pent up with years of wearing raw denim — only to learn that a lot of his complaints are simply misconceptions or flat out incorrect. 

They’re just jeans, and owning them is simpler than you think. Check out the video above or read the full article on Stridewise.com to unravel the most common myths and mysteries surrounding the coolest pants you can own.  

Raw denim can be both fascinating and frustrating and while there may be some annoyances associated with breaking in, caring for, and finding the perfect fit for your denim, the end result can be well worth it for those who appreciate the craftsmanship and timeless style. Happy fading!