Does Selvedge Denim Shrink? A Guide to Sizing, Soaking, and Fit

Yes, selvedge denim, especially raw types, will shrink when soaked and dried. You should measure carefully—waist, hips, inseam, and rise—to get the right size before soaking in lukewarm water for about 30 to 60 minutes. Avoid hot water and machine drying to prevent excessive shrinkage and fabric damage. With correct care and soaking, your denim will fit better and develop unique wear patterns. Keep exploring to master sizing, fitting, and caring for your selvedge denim perfectly.

Key Takeaways

• Selvedge denim, especially raw types, shrinks primarily due to cotton composition and water exposure during the first wash or soak.
• Soaking selvedge denim in lukewarm water for 30-60 minutes controls shrinkage and fabric weakening effectively.
• Air drying selvedge denim inside out prevents excessive shrinkage, fading, and maintains the garment’s shape.
• Accurate sizing requires measuring waist, hips, inseam, thigh width, and rise before soaking for the best fit.
• Avoid hot water, machine drying, and frequent washing to preserve selvedge denim’s durability and prevent uneven shrinkage.

What Is Selvedge Denim?

Selvedge denim is a type of high-quality denim fabric known for its tightly woven edges that prevent unraveling. When you look closely, you’ll notice a clean, finished edge—often with a colored line—that runs down the outseam of selvedge jeans.

This edge results from the traditional shuttle loom weaving process, which differs from mass-produced denim made on modern projectile looms. Because of this method, selvedge denim tends to be denser, sturdier, and more durable.

You’ll find that selvedge denim often feels heavier and has a unique texture compared to regular denim. Many denim enthusiasts appreciate selvedge for its authenticity and the way it ages beautifully, developing personalized fades over time.

Choosing selvedge means investing in quality and craftsmanship that lasts.

How Selvedge Denim Is Made

Although the process may seem complex, understanding how this denim is made can deepen your appreciation for its quality.

Selvedge denim starts with old-school shuttle looms, which weave the fabric tightly and create clean, finished edges called “selvedges.” These edges prevent unraveling and give the denim its signature self-finished look.

You’ll notice the distinctive colored thread running along the selvedge; it’s a mark of premium craftsmanship. The fabric is typically woven with an indigo-dyed warp and white weft threads, producing that classic blue-and-white appearance.

After weaving, the denim is cut and sewn into jeans or jackets. Because it’s made on shuttle looms, the fabric is narrower but denser than regular denim, contributing to its durability and unique texture.

Factors That Cause Selvedge Denim to Shrink

You’ll notice that the type of fabric your selvedge denim is made from plays a big role in how much it shrinks.

The water temperature you use when washing can also cause significant shrinkage.

Plus, the way you dry your jeans will impact their final fit and size.

Fabric Composition Impact

When you look at the fabric composition of your denim, you’ll notice it plays an essential role in how much it shrinks. Pure cotton selvedge denim tends to shrink more because cotton fibers contract when exposed to moisture and agitation. Blends with synthetic fibers like polyester usually shrink less, as these materials resist contraction. Also, the fabric’s weight influences shrinkage; heavier denim may shrink less overall but can still tighten in specific areas.

Understanding your denim’s composition helps you predict and manage shrinkage better.

Water Temperature Effects

Since water temperature directly influences fiber contraction, it plays an essential role in how much your selvedge denim will shrink.

Hot water causes the cotton fibers to tighten quickly, leading to more noticeable shrinkage, while cold water has a gentler effect.

When you soak or wash your denim, consider these points to control shrinkage effectively:

• Hot water can shrink denim up to 5% or more.
• Cold water minimizes shrinkage and color fading.
• Warm water offers a middle ground for moderate shrinkage.
• Frequent hot water washes can weaken fabric over time.
• Adjust water temperature based on your desired fit changes.

Drying Method Influence

Although washing temperature plays a big role, the way you dry your selvedge denim can considerably impact shrinkage too.

If you toss your jeans into a hot dryer, expect significant shrinkage because the intense heat tightens the fibers rapidly.

On the other hand, air drying your denim slows this process, preserving more of the original fit and shape.

Hanging your jeans to dry flat or on a hanger helps maintain their size and reduces unnecessary stress on the fabric.

Avoid wringing out your denim, as this can distort the fibers and affect fit.

Ultimately, if you want to minimize shrinkage, opt for air drying in a well-ventilated area rather than using a machine dryer, especially on high heat settings.

Differences Between Raw and Washed Selvedge Denim

You’ll notice raw selvedge denim feels stiff and hasn’t been pre-washed, so it shrinks more after your first wash.

Washed selvedge denim, on the other hand, is softer and has already undergone shrinkage, meaning it won’t change size as much.

Understanding these differences helps you manage how your jeans fit over time.

Key Characteristics Comparison

Understanding the key differences between raw and washed selvedge denim can help you choose the right pair for your style and care preferences.

Raw denim is untreated, giving it a stiff feel and a deep, rich indigo color that fades uniquely with wear. Washed denim, on the other hand, is pre-washed for softness and reduced shrinkage, offering a more comfortable fit out of the box.

Here’s a quick comparison:

• Raw denim: Stiffer, darker, and develops personalized fades
• Washed denim: Softer, lighter, and less prone to shrinkage
• Raw denim: Requires breaking in and careful care
• Washed denim: Ready to wear immediately
• Raw denim: Shrinks more if soaked or washed

This clarity helps you pick denim that fits both your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.

Impact on Shrinkage

When you soak or wash selvedge denim, raw and washed varieties respond very differently regarding shrinkage.

Raw selvedge denim hasn’t been pre-washed or treated, so it shrinks considerably the first time you soak or wash it. You can expect up to 5-10% shrinkage, mainly in length and width, which affects the overall fit.

On the other hand, washed selvedge denim has already undergone a controlled wash process, so it has minimal shrinkage afterward.

If you want your denim to maintain its size and shape, washed selvedge is a safer bet. But if you prefer a custom fit that molds perfectly after a soak, raw denim offers that unique advantage.

Understanding these differences helps you choose the right denim for your sizing and fit preferences.

How Much Does Selvedge Denim Typically Shrink?

Selvedge denim typically shrinks between 2% and 10% after the first wash, depending on factors like fabric weight and washing method.

You’ll notice the most shrinkage occurs in length and waist size, but it varies based on how tightly the denim is woven and whether it’s raw or pre-washed.

Here’s what influences how much your selvedge denim will shrink:

• Fabric weight: Heavier denim shrinks less than lighter denim.
• Raw vs. pre-washed: Raw denim shrinks more since it hasn’t been treated.
• Washing temperature: Hot water causes more shrinkage than cold.
• Drying method: Air drying shrinks less than machine drying.
• Fit and cut: Slimmer fits may feel tighter after shrinking.

Understanding these will help you anticipate how your jeans will change after washing.

Best Practices for Soaking Selvedge Denim

When soaking your selvedge denim, you’ll want to control the water temperature carefully to avoid excessive shrinkage.

Keep an eye on how long you soak them, since too much time can alter the fit more than you want.

Also, the way you dry your jeans plays a big role in how much they shrink, so choose your drying method wisely.

Water Temperature Tips

Although it might be tempting to use hot water for a quicker soak, you’ll get better results by sticking to lukewarm or cool water when soaking your denim.

Hot water can cause uneven shrinkage and damage the fabric’s integrity. Cool water helps maintain the denim’s color and texture while still shrinking it effectively.

Keep these tips in mind for water temperature:

• Use water around 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) for best soaking.
• Avoid boiling or very hot water to prevent fabric weakening.
• Lukewarm water guarantees gradual, controlled shrinkage.
• Cool water preserves indigo dye and reduces fading.
• Always test a small area first if unsure about temperature effects.

Following these guidelines aids your selvedge denim shrink evenly without compromising quality.

Soaking Duration Guidelines

Choosing the right water temperature sets the stage, but how long you soak your denim plays an equally important role in achieving the perfect fit.

Typically, soaking your selvedge denim for 30 to 60 minutes is ideal. This timeframe allows the fibers to relax and shrink evenly without over-saturating the fabric. If you soak for less than 30 minutes, you may not achieve significant shrinkage, leaving your jeans too loose.

On the other hand, soaking beyond an hour could weaken the fabric or cause unwanted distortions. Keep the denim fully submerged and avoid agitation during soaking to guarantee uniform results.

Drying Methods Impact

Since drying methods directly affect the final fit and longevity of your selvedge denim, you’ll want to handle this step with care.

How you dry your jeans can either preserve their shape or cause unwanted shrinkage and damage. To keep your denim looking sharp and fitting just right, follow these best practices:

• Avoid high heat; air dry your jeans to prevent excessive shrinkage.
• Hang them inside out to minimize fading and maintain color.
• Lay flat if you want to reduce creasing and maintain shape.
• Don’t use a dryer—it can break down fibers and shrink the fabric unevenly.
• Give them plenty of space for good airflow to speed up drying naturally.

How to Measure Your Selvedge Denim for the Ideal Fit

Before you buy your selvedge denim, you’ll want to take accurate measurements to confirm the perfect fit. Start by measuring your waist at the narrowest point, usually just above your belly button. Use a flexible tape measure and keep it snug but not tight.

Next, measure your hips at their widest part. For inseam length, measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of your ankle or where you want the jeans to end.

Don’t forget to check thigh width by measuring around the fullest part of your upper thigh. Finally, measure the rise from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband to confirm comfort.

Comparing these measurements with the brand’s size chart helps you pick the right size before soaking or wearing your selvedge jeans.

Tips for Breaking In Your Selvedge Jeans

Wondering how to make your selvedge jeans feel truly yours? Breaking them in properly enhances comfort and develops unique fades. Start slow to avoid discomfort and damage.

Breaking in selvedge jeans carefully creates comfort and unique fades that reflect your personal style.

• Wear them often, but not all day initially, to let the fabric soften gradually.
• Avoid washing too soon; the natural creases and fades form best with wear.
• Move actively in your jeans—sit, squat, and walk to shape the denim.
• Consider soaking them in cold water before the first wear to reduce excessive shrinkage.
• Patience is key; the denim molds to your body over weeks, gaining character and softness.

Common Mistakes When Washing and Caring for Selvedge Denim

Although selvedge denim is known for its durability, many people unintentionally damage their jeans by washing them incorrectly. One common mistake is washing them too frequently, which breaks down the fabric and fades the color faster.

Avoid using hot water or harsh detergents, as these can cause excessive shrinking and weaken the fibers. Another error is machine drying; the heat can distort the fit and shrink your jeans unevenly. Instead, air dry them flat or hang them to preserve their shape.

Don’t forget to turn your jeans inside out before washing to protect the indigo dye. Finally, skipping gentle hand washes or cold water washes can lead to premature wear.

Being mindful of these mistakes helps your selvedge denim last longer and look better.

How to Maintain the Shape and Size of Your Selvedge Denim Over Time

Caring for selvedge denim properly goes beyond just washing techniques; maintaining its shape and size over time takes consistent attention.

To keep your jeans fitting perfectly and looking sharp, follow these tips:

Keep your jeans fitting perfectly and looking sharp with these essential care tips.

• Avoid frequent washing; spot clean when possible to preserve fabric integrity.
• Always air dry your denim flat or hang them by the waistband to prevent distortion.
• Store your jeans folded or hung properly to maintain their natural shape.
• Wear your denim regularly to allow the fibers to mold to your body without overstretching.
• Use a denim-specific conditioner or fabric spray to keep fibers supple and reduce stiffness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Selvedge Denim Be Tailored After Purchase?

You can absolutely tailor selvedge denim after purchase. Since it’s sturdy and woven tightly, a skilled tailor can adjust the fit without damaging the fabric. Just avoid overly aggressive alterations to maintain durability and appearance.

What Brands Are Known for High-Quality Selvedge Denim?

When you wear selvedge denim, think of brands like Levi’s Vintage, Naked & Famous, and A.P.C.—they’re the artisans crafting strong threads that weave your story with quality, fit, and timeless style you’ll trust and cherish.

Is Selvedge Denim More Expensive Than Regular Denim?

You’ll find selvedge denim usually costs more than regular denim because it’s made with premium materials and traditional weaving techniques. Its durability and unique finish justify the higher price, making it a smart investment for quality jeans.

How Do Climate and Humidity Affect Selvedge Denim Wear?

You’ll notice selvedge denim reacts to climate and humidity by expanding or contracting slightly. High humidity softens fibers, while dry conditions can stiffen them, affecting fit and wear comfort over time.

Are There Eco-Friendly Options Available for Selvedge Denim?

You can find eco-friendly selvedge denim made from organic cotton or recycled fibers. Brands often use natural dyes and sustainable production methods, so you’ll reduce your environmental impact while enjoying durable, stylish jeans.