One of the core principles behind the invention of this denim pant by Célestin Tuffery and other 19th-century tailors was to create a practical, durable, and easy-to-maintain garment . The jean has stood the test of time, remaining a solid and practical everyday clothing item . But to keep your jeans in perfect condition for as long as possible, there are some essential rules to follow.

We often say: “What damages jeans is not wearing them, but washing them ...” Indeed, the less you wash your jeans, the longer they will maintain their beauty. Why is that? The reason lies in the dyeing techniques .

In jeans, half of the threads, known as warp threads, are dyed with indigo (either natural or synthetic) using an ancient dyeing technique that involves multiple indigo baths. During the dyeing process, the blue dye coats the outer layer of the thread, while the core remains white. Over time, the blue fibers wear off slightly, revealing the white core. This is what gives jeans their renowned fading quality . A pair of jeans will develop its unique patina over time.

What about washing? During washing, jeans are tumbled around in the washing machine, causing the fabric to rub against itself or other garments. This process accelerates the wear on the warp threads, which is why jeans that are washed too often will fade faster than others.

In reality, there are two kinds of raw denim . At Atelier TUFFERY , as with many other brands, the term “raw denim” can have two meanings.

Definition 1: A raw denim can refer to a pair of dark jeans sold without any washing or distressing treatments. This type of jean usually undergoes a rinsing process between the manufacturing workshop and your wardrobe. The purpose of this rinsing is to eliminate shrinkage that could occur during its first wash and to remove excess indigo, as well as the fabric's starch (used by weavers to create a more rigid and workable fabric).

Definition 2: Raw denim can also refer to jeans that have never been washed ; we call them "just-off-the-workshop" jeans. This is often the case for high-end selvedge jeans made for connoisseurs. When choosing these jeans, it's best to opt for a comfortable size, as the jeans will shrink slightly after the first wash (the infamous shrink ). This unwashed denim is saturated with indigo, which will develop a beautiful patina over time. Purists often choose to never wash their jeans to maintain the indigo's richness and achieve a unique aging effect.

Have you heard the rumor that jeans enthusiasts never wash their jeans? Well, it’s true! Many denim aficionados avoid washing their jeans, or wash them very infrequently, to preserve the fabric and maintain a naturally aged patina .

What about hygiene? A study by CBC Canada found that jeans worn for 15 months without washing were not significantly dirtier than those worn for just a few days. Clothing gets dirty within the first few hours, but bacterial populations stabilize over time. That said, if you spill mayonnaise on your jeans, it’s bad luck, and they’ll need a wash.

In practice, how does it work? If you want to avoid washing your jeans, it’s best to rotate your jeans . Alternate the jeans you wear daily, and when not in use, hang them up to air out without letting them touch clean laundry.

The freezer alternative: Some denim purists occasionally place their jeans in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer for a few days. Exposing them to negative temperatures is said to sanitize the jeans through the cold. Myth or reality? It’s worth trying—it doesn’t cost much.

An occasional soak? Despite everything we've mentioned, it's still recommended, for the love of denim, to occasionally soak your jeans in water. This washing will remove dust that can damage the fabric over time, and it will also allow the cotton to regain its flexibility.

Rest assured, you can still wash your jeans—they won’t deteriorate overnight. But remember: as little as possible. These purist tips mainly apply to our tailored jeans. For other jeans, it’s much simpler and with no risk.