Fabric & Washing Instructions

Raw Denim Care Guide

Unlike regular denim, we use shuttle looms to weave selvedge denim fabric at a slow and tight pace. This makes the fabric more durable and gives it a distinct vintage texture.

Denim thickness is typically measured in oz/yd², with higher numbers indicating thicker fabric:

• 11-14oz: Standard denim weight, suitable for all seasons.
• 15-18oz: Stiffer texture, ideal for autumn with some wind resistance.
• 19-23oz: Starts off rigid but gradually softens and molds to the body. Great for winter, offering excellent warmth.
• 24oz+: Initially feels like armor, but its extreme durability ensures it will break in and become comfortable over time.

Raw denim is known for its unique ability to age beautifully and conform to the wearer’s body over time, creating personalized fades and whiskers. To preserve these characteristics and maximize the lifespan of your 121-Jeans, please follow these care instructions:

Initial Wear (Break-in Period):

Wear Often, Wash Rarely: For the best fades, wear your raw denim jeans for at least 6 months (or longer!) before the first wash. This allows the creases and wear patterns to set in naturally.

• Most of the denim fabrics in our store have not undergone pre-shrinking treatment. The shrinkage rate can be referenced on the individual product pages. When you first receive the jeans, you can choose to soak them in cold water to shrink, which will help the jeans fit your shape better. Of course, you can also choose not to shrink them directly.
• Try to wash less and wear more. For dirty spots, you can wash them locally. We recommend doing a quick cold water hand wash every 3-6 months. When washing, please turn the pants/clothes inside out. Hang them to dry in a place without direct sunlight.
• You can frequently hang your clothes in a well-ventilated area to keep the surface dry and fresh.

First Wash & Subsequent Washes:

When it’s time for the first wash, or for any subsequent washes:

• Cold Water Only: Always wash in cold water to minimize shrinkage and indigo bleed.
• Hand Wash (Recommended):
  1. Fill a tub or basin with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent (e.g., Woolite Dark or a specialty denim wash).
  2. Turn jeans inside out and submerge them. Gently agitate for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Let soak for 30-60 minutes.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with cold water until no suds remain.
• Machine Wash (Gentle Cycle):
  1. Turn jeans inside out.
  2. Wash separately or with similar dark colors in cold water on a delicate/gentle cycle.
  3. Use a small amount of mild detergent.
  4. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals.
• Minimize Shrinkage: If shrinkage is a concern, consider a cold soak in the bathtub for 1-2 hours instead of a full wash.

Drying:

• Hang Dry (Recommended): Hang your jeans to air dry, preferably in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. This prevents further shrinkage and maintains fabric integrity.
• Avoid Machine Dryers: High heat from machine dryers can cause excessive shrinkage, damage the fabric, and distort the fit. If absolutely necessary, use the lowest heat setting for a very short period, then hang to finish drying.

General Tips:

• Indigo Bleed: Raw denim may bleed indigo onto lighter fabrics or surfaces, especially when new. Be mindful of this.
• Storage: Store your jeans folded or hung in a cool, dry place.

Following these instructions will help you get the most out of your 121-Jeans and enjoy their evolving character for years to come!