Raw denim.

Buy it, wear it, and talk about it and you’ll gain the respect of most denim aficionados.

Why? Well, first off it takes a commitment. Raw (or unwashed, generally Japanese) denim is not known for being comfortable or soft. It is by definition, hard, thick, and stiff. Those who go raw don’t do so on a whim; they take their denim very very seriously.

This is because raw, unwashed denim has transcended traditional denim classification. It has become a culture. Or, probably more accurately, a cult. And those raw evangelists are a force to be reckoned with.

They buy their raw denim with the express purpose of wearing them in. The idea of the factory or anyone else washing, sanding, ripping, scratching or otherwise tainting the jeans will make any raw devotee shudder and/or cry in agony. The beauty of raw jeans is to watch as your daily life artfully wears and tears the jean.

And artfully wear and tear they do. Proud raw denim owners will boast only washing their denim 5 times in 2 years. Despite being a statistic that makes most clean people cringe, in the raw community, that’ll get you mad props.

And while that’s cool and all, we’re not sure what it will do for the rest of your social life…

...that being said, we think raw is pretty rad, and we’re considering offering it in the fall—so stay tuned for updates. Who knows, raw custom jeans may be in your future.

posted by: Julien on August 5, 2009 at 3:42 pm
filed under:Denim 101
TAGS: custom jeans, japanese denim, raw denim

  Add a comment