The jeans you never wash...

We are often asked about why we advice not to wash your pair of raw denim jeans as long as possible. We understand the trouble you will get at home if we not properly explain this, so off we go:

When or how to wash your pair of Grivec Bros jeans

As our slogan says ‘Dry till you die’, you can tell our passion for raw denim. And indeed we advice not too wash these at least the first 6 to 12 months. Why? Simply because when you wash your jeans too quickly you will ‘disturb’ the magical aging process. And that’s exactly what raw denim is all about. 

The true denim aficionados for example like heavy wear patterns, heavy contrasts on their pairs, so they decide to wear their jeans for at least 6 months before their first wash. Others prefer to rinse their jeans before they start to wear them. This is a method where they put their jeans in a bathtub with cold water for around 15 – 20 minutes so the jeans will be less stiff, so easier to ‘break in’. Anyway, there’s nothing cooler on earth to experience and see that slowly but surely the indigo chips off your jeans so you will get the most beautiful fades. The result is that your jeans will truly become your personal pair of jeans, reflecting your lifestyle. The only thing you need is patience!

So, if you do wash your jeans too quick the indigo of your pair will ‘bleed’, and the outcome will be less interesting to our opinion. So, wear it as long as possible to get the coolest pair you have ever seen!

Having that said, it is a matter of taste. It is of course not really a case of good or bad. It’s all up to you. You wash it whenever you think your pair is ready for it.  

How about hygene?

The Canadian student project

Some people ask us if it isn’t disgusting to wear your jeans for such a long time. Though we understand the question, we dare to say this is not the case. Luckily we can always share the story of the Canadian student. Around ten years ago, a student did an experiment for school where he was wearing the same pair of jeans without washing or fresh-up treatment for 15 months. He wanted to know how many bacteria would end up on his pair after such a long time of wear. So, he wore his jeans for 15 months straight, and yes, he spilled sometimes a bit of his beer or burger on it, but nothing to worry about. After 15 months he swapped the jeans before washing them to see the number of bacteria. Then he washed the jeans and wore his fresh pair for 13 days, and tested them again. 

The outcome was that there was no difference in the bacterial carriage depending on whether the jeans had been worn for 15 months or only 13 days. And, most of the bacteria present on the jeans came from his skin and was not harmful at all.  

Wash your jeans when they’re ready for it!

To wash your jeans, or clothes in general, regularly is something that became a new standard in these modern times. But, back in the days, they didn’t wash their clothes after one or two days. They washed them when they were dirty. The same you’re doing nowadays with your Winter jacket for example. And, that’s exactly what we recommend people when they question us about this topic. Wash it when you think your jeans need it.

The basics to fresh-up your jeans

As said, there’s no good or bad in how to treat your jeans. But, to avoid tears and rips in your worn-in jeans we recommend washing them now and then as the water strength the fibers of your pair. So, here are 5 ways which you can use when you think your beloved pair of Grivec Bros jeans is ready for it.

Machine wash

The most common is to wash your jeans in a washing machine. First, turn your jeans inside out, this will help to preserve the original color. Then, add detergent (not too much) without bleach. Use a simple short washing program, gentle cycle (or delicate cycle, depending on your machine), and choose the coldest water option. When it’s ready, hang (air) dry the jeans afterward, so skip the dryer.

Handwash

Jeans can also be washed by hand. This will clean the jeans, and it will strengthen the fibers too. You can easily do this in a bathtub or sink. Turn your jeans inside out, and use lukewarm water (this to avoid shrinking), and add a small amount of detergent without bleach. Gently agitate the jeans to remove dirt and let them soak for at least 60 minutes. Wring it out, and hang dry the jeans afterward.

Rinse

Fill your bathtub or sink with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of detergent without bleach. Flip your jeans inside out, and leave them there for around 15 to 20 minutes. Wring it out, and hang dry the jeans afterward.

Freezer

Some denim heads put their jeans in the freezer to get rid of the bacteria, and the smell. But, this theory is more a myth that it should work. Sure, the jeans will emerge from the deep freeze odorless, but as soon as you put them on and your body heat makes contact with the material, all the bacteria and odors will be reactivated again.

Airing Outside

This last method is one of our favorites. It is freshening your jeans between wearings. We like to air our jeans outside when we’re in bed, yes, this is the only time we don’t wear jeans ; ) Airing outside will keep the jeans sort of fresh naturally, and you don’t disturb the aging process. When you wake up, they’re ready for another wear day.

And, sometimes we hang our pair in our bathroom while we’re taking a shower, the steam will give the jeans a ‘dry clean’ treatment too.