Proper denim care is essential if you want your jeans to last and develop beautiful, high-contrast fades over time. Whether you’re wearing raw Japanese selvedge or unsanforized shrink-to-fit denim, how you wash and maintain them will make a big difference in their lifespan and appearance.

Denim naturally builds up sweat, oils, and dirt. Left unwashed, this buildup weakens the fibers and can lead to tearing. While some denim heads prefer minimal washing to preserve indigo color and fade patterns, occasional cleaning is necessary to maintain fabric health.

It depends on how frequently you wear them and what your daily routine looks like.

• Light wear (e.g. 2–3 times a week, desk job): Wash every 4–6 months
• Heavy wear (e.g. daily wear, biking, outdoors): Wash every 2–3 months
• Very stiff new denim? Soak in cold or lukewarm water (max 30°C) for 10–20 minutes before the first wear to remove starch and make them more comfortable

• Washing less often = more pronounced fades
• Don’t wait too long — unwashed dirt weakens fabric
• Skip the myths: Freezing your jeans won’t kill bacteria

1. Machine Washing Instructions:
2. Wash at 30°C or lower
3. Use liquid detergent (mild or neutral)
4. Choose a delicate or wool spin cycle
5. Hang to air dry – avoid tumble dryers or heaters

1. Fill a large container with lukewarm water
2. Add mild liquid detergent and mix
3. Turn jeans inside out and gently agitate
4. Soak for 30–45 minutes, then agitate again
5. Rinse with cold water and hang to dry

Bonus tip:
Add 100 ml of white vinegar to the wash to slow fading and soften the fabric naturally.

At Burg & Schild, all of our jeans are made from premium selvedge denim, woven on traditional shuttle looms for superior durability and texture. We offer three types: sanforized, unsanforized, and one-wash denim—each with slightly different care requirements.

• Minimal shrinkage after washing
• Still follow care label instructions
• Ideal for those who want consistent sizing with easier upkeep

• Will shrink about 10% after first soak
• Expect 1 size down in waist and 7–10 cm in length shrinkage (e.g. size 33x36 → approx. 32x34)
• Soak in lukewarm water for 10–20 minutes before first wear

One-wash denim is raw denim that has been rinsed once to remove most of the shrinkage and stiffness, offering a softer feel and true-to-size fit right from the start.

How to care for one-wash denim:

• Treat like sanforized denim in terms of care
• Wash with cold water and neutral liquid detergent
• Always turn inside out before washing
• Wash separately for the first few washes—some indigo bleed may still occur
• Hang dry only, away from direct sunlight
• Fade development still occurs—just slightly more subtle than raw

🛈 One-wash denim is great for first-time raw denim wearers or anyone who wants a head start on the break-in.

Indigo dye is beautiful but sensitive. Here’s how to prevent unwanted discoloration or damage:

• Wash separately, always inside out
• Use only neutral or mild detergent
• Do not tumble dry
• Hang dry inside out, away from direct sunlight
• Moisture can cause indigo to transfer to other garments or surfaces
• Avoid prolonged contact with metal parts (oxidation)
• Chemicals and synthetic soaps can cause discoloration

• Wash according to wear frequency, not a fixed schedule
• Always use cold or lukewarm water
• Air dry only – no heat
• Use white vinegar to slow fading and kill bacteria naturally
• Know your denim: sanforized, unsanforized, or one-wash
• Protect indigo fabrics from light, water, and friction