Bleeding is a common problem with raw denim jeans. When wearing, as well as washing, a pair of raw denim jeans, you may discover that some of the dye bleeds out of the fabric and onto your other garments. A phenomenon known as bleeding, it can occur with all jeans. Bleeding, however, is more common with raw denim jeans because they are made of unwashed denim. Fortunately, there are a few precautions you can take to prevent your raw denim jeans from bleeding.
Choose a Lighter Color
Choosing raw denim jeans in a lighter color can protect them from bleeding. Indigo is the most popular color for raw denim jeans. Consisting of a dark and deep blue color, it’s become synonymous with raw denim jeans. Indigo, however, is more likely to bleed than other, lighter colors.
To prevent bleeding, consider choosing raw denim jeans in a lighter color. Rather than indigo, for instance, you may want to choose light blue. Light blue isn’t as popular as indigo, but you can still find raw denim jeans in this color. Along with light blue, other colors in which raw denim jeans are made include white, yellow, beige and olive. Choosing a pair of raw denim jeans in one of these light colors will lower their risk of bleeding.
Wash Before Wearing
It’s a good idea to wash your raw denim jeans before wearing them, especially if you’re worried that they’ll bleed. Washing will inevitably force some of the loose dye out of the fabric. When you wash a pair of raw denim jeans, some of the dye will be removed. It won’t be a substantial amount; the jeans will still retain most of their original color. Nonetheless, washing will remove the excess and loose dye within the denim so that the jeans are less likely to bleed.
Keep in mind that you should avoid turning your raw denim jeans inside out when washing out. Some people prefer to turn their jeans inside out so that they are better protected against fading. In doing so, less dye is removed from the denim fabric. You’ll have an easier time stopping your raw denim jeans from bleeding if you don’t turn them inside out when washing them.
Here are some other tips to follow when washing raw denim jeans:
- Empty the pockets.
- Set washing machine to cold water.
- When washing for the first time, wash your raw denim jeans alone and without any other clothes.
- Use liquid detergent rather than powder detergent.
- Use the delicate or gentle cycle setting.
Get the Right Length
Make sure your raw denim jeans are sized to fit your body. If they are too long, they may extend over the top of your shoes or boots. Why is this a problem? Well, when your raw denim jeans touch your shoes or boots, they may bleed some of their dye onto your footwear. A simple solution is to choose a pair of raw denim jeans in the correct length.
Avoid choosing raw denim jeans that extend over the top of your shoes or boots. Instead, choose a pair that stop right around your ankles. As long as they don’t touch your shoes or boots, they won’t bleed dye onto your footwear. You can order a pair of raw denim jeans in the right length here at MakeYourOwnJeans. All of our jeans come with custom sizing at no additional charge. When ordering a pair of raw denim jeans, specify your leg measurements, at which point you can rest assured knowing that they will fit perfectly. Along with the other tips listed here, choosing raw denim jeans in the right length will protect them from bleeding.
Set the Dye With Vinegar
A neat little trick to stop raw denim jeans from bleeding is to set the dye with vinegar. Vinegar consists primarily of acetic acid, which has been shown to discourage dye from leaking out of fabrics. When exposed to vinegar, the dye in your raw denim jeans will set. As a result, the jeans shouldn’t bleed when you wear them.
You can set the dye with vinegar by either washing your raw denim jeans in vinegar or by submerging them in a bowl or tub filled with vinegar. After allowing them to soak, your raw denim jeans will be better protected against bleeding.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use just any vinegar to set the dye. There are different types of vinegar. Unfiltered vinegar, for example, contains organic matter, whereas unfiltered vinegar doesn’t contain organic matter. Many health experts claim that drinking unfiltered vinegar is good for your health because it provides gut bacteria that aids in digestion. When setting the dye in raw denim jeans, though, it’s best to use filtered vinegar.
Air Dry
Another tip to protect your raw denim jeans from bleeding is to air dry them. Air drying is a gentler, safer way to dry jeans when compared to using a traditional clothes dryer. It won’t expose your jeans to extreme heat, nor will expose them to mechanical stress. As such, air drying is a better choice. It will keep the dye locked into your raw denim jeans so that it’s less likely to bleed.
You can air dry your raw denim jeans either indoors or outdoors. With that said, many people prefer to air dry their jeans, as well as other clothes, outdoors. Air drying your raw denim jeans outdoors will make them smell fresh.
In Conclusion
Raw denim jeans are more likely to bleed than other types of jeans because they are made of unwashed denim. Other jeans are typically made of washed denim. The denim is literally washed before the jeans are made and sold. Even with raw denim jeans, however, there are ways to prevent bleeding. Choosing a light color, washing before wearing, getting the right length, setting the dye with vinegar and air drying can all minimize the risk of bleeding.
