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Chris D.
04-02-2008, 08:26 PM
http://www.kitmeout.com/img_assets/g-star-jeans.jpg

Raw denim is basically denim that hasn't been washed after it has been made. The result is a much deeper blue, and the fabric is much stiffer and thicker. Brands that use raw denim range anywhere from H&M, Diesel, Levis, Acme, G-STAR, etc. Most pairs of raw denim jeans will have some kind of tag stating that it's raw denim.

I love this kind of denim because the quality is off the hook, but there are a few things you should know if you purchase a pair of raw denim jeans, which is almost an investment, will run you anywhere from $60-$300 or even more. I will go over them.

1. DO NOT wash your jeans for at-least 6 months. Yes, I said it. The point of this is that you want the denim to mold to your body. In months time, they will start to develop nice creases at the bends of your legs. In fact, a lot of jeans you see with the fake creases are there to replicate the natural effects of raw denim over time. I wear one pair of raw denim jeans at a time, and you only need on pair. Wear them as often as you can to get them worn out and adjusted to your body.


2. But won't they get gross after awhile? Sometimes. And theres a simple solution for that besides washing them. Buy yourself a can of FeBreeze Fabric Freshener, or something of the like and also get a spray can of Fabric Starch. Every two weeks, Spray both on your pants and let them dry for a day/overnight, and they will smell great and regain that stiffness again so you can wear them out.

3. MAKE SURE you get the right size. Most places will offer to tailor them for you, considering you're spending a lot of money on a pair of jeans. Be picky, it's an investment, and you will be wearing these for a long time.

4. Beware, white surfaces. Especially when they are brand new, raw denim can stain white couches and other white fabric surfaces, it's not that bad, but just be aware of the possibility.

There are a bunch of other resources you can find for more information about raw denim, and to be honest, these are just the best jeans you could ever spend money on, and they look amazing after a few months. They fit to your every crease and fold, and it's HUGE to get compliments on your jeans from the girls.

-JP


I found this post over at pickuppodcast.com forums and it got me into the raw denim culture which I find to be rather fun and fashionable. I own one nice pair of jeans that I wear constantly and I get compliments on them regularly and as time goes on they will only get better and better. And no they never ever develop a smell. If they did that's what the freezer is for (FYI you can also put stinky shoes in the freezer and it will kill the bacteria thus killing the smell.)

slmshady827
04-03-2008, 02:33 AM
Your post here piqued my interest. It sounds like something I'd like to try. Where did you pick up your pair at? If they sell them at the mall, I don't think I've ever run across a pair. And did you get yours tailored, like it mentions in the article?

Chris D.
04-03-2008, 04:00 PM
I got mine from a place called denim bar in DC metro area. If your looking to stay on the cheap side H&M have them for $40, Levis also has some but price is unknown. I spent $160 on mine (nudies), didn't need to get them tailored since they had tons for me to try and I found the one that fit perfect. Also, it's a good idea to get ones that a little tight since denim will stretch and expand in all the areas it needs to over time. Washing undoes this, but since your not suppose to wash them for awhile this makes your jeans into the perfect fit. If the price seems high, remember I wear mine 24/7, tossing them in the freezer when I shower. They never smell and are already getting some nice fading.

Remember when asking for them ask for "raw", "dry", or "unwashed" as these are all terms used.

If I can get a friend to take a picture for me, I'll post a picture soon showing there "progress". As of now they are still a really deep rich blue, with nice light highlights where the fades are happening.

slmshady827
04-03-2008, 05:10 PM
Sounds good--thanks for the info. I'll look into getting a pair.

Punk Rock
04-19-2008, 10:28 PM
Yea raw denim are cool as shit

aeltoppe
05-01-2008, 10:31 AM
Nice.

TheOutshined
08-28-2008, 03:49 AM
I have noticed that Gap has recently started carrying some raw and Japanese denim under their 1969 label. I have a nice pair of black/gray wash ones (low rise boot cut) with yellow stitching that have gotten A LOT of compliments and they are super comfortable.

tuablkain
08-31-2008, 12:23 PM
Many good jeans brands out there but if you're not built like a model one brand that always makes you look great is G Star. Not cheap but worth it and all their stuff is good, rugged urban casual style, kinda what Abercrombie wants to be but without the A&F fluff. Diesel and Replay, 2 very popular brands, don't come near G Star. Armani Jeans is also OK though usually more elegant than casual. A pair of Evisu is also nice to have.

I wonder if you guys wear a satchel, you know, man purse. I was like, no way am I ever wearing this, but then I saw all these cool macho guys in Italy have them and very cool models by Armani came out and it's a great accessory. Not just because it looks cool but it's very useful, where r u gonna put your phone, wallet, iPod, sunglasses, keys, lighter,chewing gum, valium, condoms etc.

Just make sure to wear it right, not by the side but strap over the head so it's diagonally across your chest on your right and the satchel is within easy reach and doesn't inhibit arm movement when walking. Most good models have a special pocket for the phone and if you wear it like this the phone is on your ribs.

Intrinsic
09-05-2008, 03:14 AM
Haha yea, I've always wanted to get a pair of Nudies...

menacel
09-17-2008, 04:07 AM
i'm looking to buy a pear and A.P.C and Nudies are around all i'm willing to pay, anyone have good experiences with either?

Georgiy
09-17-2008, 06:03 AM
this was in GQ 2 years ago =)

real cool stuff, "made" myself some jeans

Dr.Pepper
09-17-2008, 10:14 PM
I looked at some armani jeans today and they were definitely raw denim, but they were also pretty soft. I think they maybe even had some percentage of elastan in them, so they can stretch. Would you buy something like this, or would you stick to normal denim? They are pretty much at my price range, about 150$


Btw, what kind of normal jeans cost 600$?!?!

Dr.Pepper
09-18-2008, 01:29 AM
Found this (http://supertalk.superfuture.com/showthread.php?t=12729). All kind of topic related information you probably want.

Kahuna Cowboy
10-27-2008, 09:07 AM
Funny, in Texas we used to call them Wranglers 13MWZ.

Fluoxetine
12-06-2008, 06:26 PM
Awesome, denim thread. I have a pair of dark blue (9 months ago, anyway) Nudie Slim-Jims. Washed once, awesome wear and tear. Perfect for the hipster/indie look, which works well for my age group.
If the girl knows anything about jeans (which, judging by what brands most girls wear, they don't) Nudies are an ok choice. It doesn't scream "K-Mart Denim", which you would probably have a hard time finding raw, but an actual brand that you paid more than $150 for says that at least you know a bit about it.

Fantastic conversation if you can learn enough, and works even better for the one that knows her denim. Just don't mention the no-wash thing unless she has raw denim too!