Why do jeans fade? Causes, solutions, and how to prevent it
If you've ever wondered why jeans fade or noticed your jeans staining other garments, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions among those buying denim for the first time or taking special care of their clothes. In this post, we explain why jeans fade , what causes it, how to prevent it, and how we work sustainably at Captain Denim.
Why do jeans fade?
Jeans fade primarily due to indigo dye , the natural pigment traditionally used to give them their recognizable blue hue. Unlike other dyes that penetrate the fiber, indigo adheres only to the outside of the thread, so with use, rubbing, and washing, the color gradually fades.
This means that fading is not a quality defect , but rather a property of authentic denim.
Is it bad for jeans to bleed?
No. In fact, jeans that fade color tend to age the best. As the color fades, your jeans adapt to you, creating a unique effect known as "fade." These natural wears are highly valued among denim fans and make each pair a one-of-a-kind piece.
How to prevent too much fading
Although some wear and tear is inevitable, you can prevent excessive fading of your jeans by following these tips:
Wash them inside out
This reduces friction and direct rubbing.
Use cold water
Heat accelerates color loss.
Wash them separately
Especially if they are dark jeans, dark blue, or raw blue.
Add white vinegar
Especially in the first wash, it helps to fix the indigo dye.
Avoid aggressive detergents or those with bleach
Of course, avoid any type of degreaser. Use neutral detergent instead.
Don't wash them frequently
Jeans don't need constant washing; wash them when you feel it's necessary, but avoid washing them after every use.
What is the relationship between indigo dye and sustainability?
One of the biggest challenges facing denim is reducing the environmental impact of indigo dye , which traditionally requires large amounts of water, chemicals, and energy.
At Captain Denim, we're clear: making sustainable, quality jeans is possible. That's why we created Greensight , our proprietary technology for producing denim with a low environmental impact.
Greensight: How we reduce the impact of color-fast jeans
Greensight is a technology developed by Captain Denim that reduces water, energy, and chemical use during production. These are some of the techniques we use:
Nebulization
We replace water with air to dye jeans, saving up to 90% of water compared to the traditional process.
Ozone washing
We wash with ozone, a natural oxidant that saves time, water (up to 54% less) and reduces the use of chemicals.
Laser finish
We create distressed effects using laser technology, without sandpaper or sand, protecting the health of those who create them.
Use of biomass
We generate energy from local agricultural waste such as almond shells and olive pits. It's a renewable, local, and carbon-neutral source.
All of this allows us to offer you sustainable jeans that fade just right , without compromising design, durability, or the positive impact on the planet.