Here we are again for another heated discussion about denim, it's imperative to know these terms, what they mean, and how to choose which denim is right for you. As usual, this will be a war for you to determine which one you should choose for yourself and it's quite easy to tell the difference between the two once you know what you're looking for and how to look for it. It's similar to Rigid vs. Rinse Denim.
Unsanforized Denim: This is a term referred to denim that is UNTREATED and UNTOUCHED after the completed weaving process, it's also known as "Loomstate Denim." Basically if you've ever handled rigid denim you'll learn that unsanforized denim is very similar in touch and texture, the only difference is that unsanforized denim has to be pre-soaked for a certain time in order for it to shrink which is why many manufacturers of unsanforized denim will tell you to size up one or two sizes depending on how you want your jeans to fit. Typically unsanforized jeans will shrink up to 3% but it differs by manufacturers. Yet many people will choose unsanforized denim because it is untouched from the loom which it was created which allows for unique fades every where which are unique to that brand of denim, each brand of denim that creates unsanforized jeans will always have indigo colors and fades associated with that brand. The fades from unsanforized denim will be irregular and a bit slubby in appearance because of the unaltered fabric. Remember, not all unsanforized jeans will shrink the same way according to the instructions, each pair of jeans is as different as each person, it's how it is so just this as a guideline because the temperature of the water you use, how often you agitate the jeans, and what kind of detergent (or none) you use all depend on how much the jeans will shrink. Unsanforized denim will create much better fades between washings as it was never treated to begin with.
Sanforized Denim: This is when unsanforized denim is taken through a mechanical process that heats, stretches, adds moisture, and shrinks the denim off the loom so that it will not shrink with wear or washing. This is denim that is most common with many brands because it ensures that they won't shrink when you wash them. After the denim is pre-shrunk, many manufacturers will singe the hair off of the denim so that it's more uniform in appearance which will result in uniform fades as well. The sanforization process was created by a man named Sanford Lockwood Cluett and it was patented in 1930, six years later (1936) Blue Bell which is now Wrangler used it on their Super Big Ben Overalls to keep them from shrinking in the wash; they became quite popular and the technique is still continued today. Ultimately, sanforized denim is the most common type and purists will not touch it but there's nothing wrong with the denim, it's just been given extra treatment so you don't have to do the work yourself.
Now that the difference has been explained, you're more than welcome to choose a pair denim based on this information. You'll want to be cautious with unsanforized denim because of the shrinking process so you'll want ot know your measurements before hand. This information will help you to chose the proper size for your raw denim desires so that you can get started with a wonderful relationship between you and your chosen pair of jeans. Next time we'll discuss how to take measurements of jeans so that you can choose your proper size.
Unsanforized Denim: This is a term referred to denim that is UNTREATED and UNTOUCHED after the completed weaving process, it's also known as "Loomstate Denim." Basically if you've ever handled rigid denim you'll learn that unsanforized denim is very similar in touch and texture, the only difference is that unsanforized denim has to be pre-soaked for a certain time in order for it to shrink which is why many manufacturers of unsanforized denim will tell you to size up one or two sizes depending on how you want your jeans to fit. Typically unsanforized jeans will shrink up to 3% but it differs by manufacturers. Yet many people will choose unsanforized denim because it is untouched from the loom which it was created which allows for unique fades every where which are unique to that brand of denim, each brand of denim that creates unsanforized jeans will always have indigo colors and fades associated with that brand. The fades from unsanforized denim will be irregular and a bit slubby in appearance because of the unaltered fabric. Remember, not all unsanforized jeans will shrink the same way according to the instructions, each pair of jeans is as different as each person, it's how it is so just this as a guideline because the temperature of the water you use, how often you agitate the jeans, and what kind of detergent (or none) you use all depend on how much the jeans will shrink. Unsanforized denim will create much better fades between washings as it was never treated to begin with.
Sanforized Denim: This is when unsanforized denim is taken through a mechanical process that heats, stretches, adds moisture, and shrinks the denim off the loom so that it will not shrink with wear or washing. This is denim that is most common with many brands because it ensures that they won't shrink when you wash them. After the denim is pre-shrunk, many manufacturers will singe the hair off of the denim so that it's more uniform in appearance which will result in uniform fades as well. The sanforization process was created by a man named Sanford Lockwood Cluett and it was patented in 1930, six years later (1936) Blue Bell which is now Wrangler used it on their Super Big Ben Overalls to keep them from shrinking in the wash; they became quite popular and the technique is still continued today. Ultimately, sanforized denim is the most common type and purists will not touch it but there's nothing wrong with the denim, it's just been given extra treatment so you don't have to do the work yourself.
Now that the difference has been explained, you're more than welcome to choose a pair denim based on this information. You'll want to be cautious with unsanforized denim because of the shrinking process so you'll want ot know your measurements before hand. This information will help you to chose the proper size for your raw denim desires so that you can get started with a wonderful relationship between you and your chosen pair of jeans. Next time we'll discuss how to take measurements of jeans so that you can choose your proper size.