Raw denim is unwashed, so it is very dark (appears almost black) and a bit tougher. The difference between raw and washed denim is mainly in the processing and appearance.
Raw Denim:
- Processing: Raw denim is unprocessed and has not been washed or processed after dyeing. It is essentially in its most natural state.
- Appearance: It looks dark blue or indigo and feels stiff or stiff. Over time, it will often develop unique fading patterns depending on how it is worn, resulting in a customized look.
- Care: Great care must be taken to avoid unwanted stains and odors. It is usually recommended to wear it for a while before washing so that the fabric can adapt to your body and the natural color gradation can emerge.
Washed denim:
- Processing: Washed denim is pre-washed or treated through various processes (stone wash, acid wash, enzyme wash, etc.) to soften the fabric and give it a more worn-in look.
- Appearance: It is often lighter and has a softer feel than raw denim. Pre-washing can also create additional structure and color gradation.
- Care: It is generally easier to care for than raw denim, shrinks less in the wash, and is more comfortable from the get-go, so it requires less maintenance.
You can wear blue jeans while gardening or at the rodeo with your friends. Whatever the occasion, you're always looking for the right denim style. If you're not familiar with the different denim washes and how they're made, read our helpful explanation on how to find the denim you're looking for.
The different types of denim washes are explained below :
Raw denim washes
Raw denim is also called dry denim or real denim. It is a denim style that has not been pre-washed or pre-shrunk. These days, it's becoming more common to see pre-washed and pre-shrunk denim in stores. With classic raw denim, what you buy is what you get.
Rather than using multiple methods to achieve different washes, raw denim fades naturally over time. Washes start out dark and lighten with wear. It's an incredibly durable choice that always provides the perfect fit. People love this style of jeans because it has a structured fit that stays on your body even with frequent wear.
Rinse wash
As mentioned above, most manufacturers wash their denim before shipping it to stores. Jeans that are washed in dark colors may have some dye left in the fabric. They may feel stiffer than regular jeans. Manufacturers tend to put dark jeans in the washing machine to remove excess dye and make them more comfortable for buyers to wear. This process does not change the physical properties of the material. The jeans become slightly lighter in color, but a softer material is created and dirt and chemicals are removed.
Stone wash
Stonewash is a denim look that has a rustic or vintage look. The faded and worn-in style of jeans is most often achieved by stonewashing.
Stonewashing is one of the most common ways to give denim products a worn-in look. Pumice stones with multiple holes and sharp edges are used. The sharp edges wear the denim significantly, creating a faded look that is loved by many.
Enzyme Wash
You can create the stonewashed denim you want in an environmentally friendly way. In an enzyme wash, an enzyme called cellulase is applied to the denim.
Stonewashing is an intensive process that uses a lot of water and reduces the amount of clothes you put in the washing machine. Since enzyme washing does not require space for pumice stones, you can fit more denim products in the washing machine, minimizing the amount of water used. This improves the quality of the water discarded at the end of the process, leaving the denim fabric softer and with a great finish.
Acid Wash
The process of acid washing denim is very similar to stone washing. But there's one simple change that makes a big difference: instead of simply adding pumice to the wash, you first soak the pumice in sodium hypochlorite or potassium permanganate.
Women's Western Flare Jeans are available in one of these great washes. With a more detailed explanation of the different denim washes, you will be better able to choose the denim wash that will suit your western style.
In summary, raw denim will age more distinctively and feel stiffer at first, while washed denim will quickly become more comfortable and have a more casual look.








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