Two of the most frequently asked questions our Stylists get week to week are "What is raw denim?" and "How do you take care of raw denim?"

What is raw denim?

Raw denim, a.k.a., dry denim, is simply denim that is untreated and unprocessed after dying. It hasn't been washed. You can find raw denim easily these days. Most jean companies, from A.P.C. and Acne Jeans to Ksubi and all the hard to find Japanese denim brands, offer raw denim styles. One thing first timers should know is that raw denim starts off pretty stiff and can feel abrasive against your skin. But, the reason enthusiasts endure the breaking in process is the reason you should try it, you end up with the most personalized pair of jeans you will ever own. They'll stretch to contour to your movement, applying fading and whiskering wherever your activity puts it. Instead of pre-applied distressing and simulated fading, all the character of worn raw denim is put there by you.

How do you take care of raw denim?

Easy. Wear them as much as possible and don't wash them! This latter sounds counterintuitive, and likely unrealistic for most of us, but the raw denim styles that come with care tags always suggest avoiding the wash as long as possible (at least 6 months). The longer you wait, and the more you wear them, the more ingrained your personal signature is (with stretch, whiskering and fading). If you're worried about odor, stick 'em in the freezer. If you absolutely must wash them because of dirt, dry clean them. Whatever you do, try not to machine wash before that 6 month mark, and when you do, turn 'em inside out.

Also, keep in mind some raw styles will bleed dye. To test how dramatic the bleed will be, rub your thumb down the thigh of the jeans and see how much blue ends up on your finger. If it's a lot, just avoid white shoes and expensive couches for a few weeks.