You’ve got a new pair of dark jeans and you love the look. But after a few wears, you notice the color isn't quite as deep. Maybe a little blue or black dye has rubbed off on your sneakers or that new white tee. You might even ask yourself, "Why is the color running out of my jeans?"
This isn't a flaw. In the world of denim, it's a feature. This process of fading and dye transfer is a completely normal part of owning quality denim, especially raw or dark-washed styles. It’s what gives them character over time, making them uniquely yours. At mnml, our denim is designed to wear in, not wear out, with every fade and crease telling its own story.
Why Denim Fades or Bleeds Color
It helps to understand what’s going on at the fabric level.
It’s All About the Dye
Most high-quality denim jeans for men are dyed with indigo, a unique dye that doesn’t fully soak into the cotton fibers. Instead, it coats the surface. This is by design, as it's what allows the fabric to fade over time with every wash and wear, creating natural-looking lines and worn-in areas. The color loss you're seeing isn’t a sign of cheap material; it’s a hallmark of authentic, long-lasting denim.
Raw and Dark Denim Fades Faster
Raw or dark-wash jeans are especially prone to bleeding because they are minimally processed. They haven’t been pre-washed or treated to soften the fabric or lock in the dye. This is exactly what denim purists love about them. It gives you a blank canvas to create your own unique wear patterns.
When Does Color Transfer Happen?
This dye transfer, or "crocking," is most noticeable in a few common scenarios:
- During the first few wears and washes, when the most excess dye is present.
- When your jeans rub against light-colored items, like white sneakers, upholstered chairs, or a canvas bag.
- When your jeans get wet or damp from a sudden rain shower or sweat on a hot day, the moisture can loosen the dye and cause it to rub off.
How to Prevent or Minimize Dye Transfer
You're probably asking yourself, "How do you stop jeans from bleeding" or “how to keep black jeans from fading?” While you can't stop it entirely, you can definitely slow it down and manage it with a few simple steps.
- Wash Smart: Always turn your jeans inside out before washing to protect the outer surface. Use a cold water cycle, and wash them separately or with other dark-colored clothes or garments.
- Skip the Dryer: Air dry your jeans whenever possible. High heat from a dryer can speed up the fading process dramatically and shrink the fabric. Hang them up or lay them flat to dry.
- Go Easy on the Washing: Over-washing is the number one cause of premature fading. Try to spot clean smaller stains with a damp cloth instead of throwing them in the machine after every wear.
- Patience is Key: Wear your new dark denim a few times before the first wash. This helps the dye and fibers settle in, reducing the amount of excess color that will bleed out later.
How to Wash New Jeans Without Losing Color
When the time comes for that first wash, follow these steps for the best results.
- Turn them inside out.
- Use cold water and a mild, color-safe detergent. Avoid any detergent with bleach or brightening agents.
- Wash by hand in a sink or use a machine's gentle or "delicate" cycle.
- Skip the fabric softener. Softeners can break down the fibers and dyes in denim, leading to faster fading.
- Air dry them flat or hang them up.
For more detailed tips, our full guide on how to wash jeans is a great resource.
Is Fading a Bad Thing?
Absolutely not. Fading is what gives denim its soul. Those unique whiskers behind your knees, the "honeycomb" creases that form from sitting, and the subtle fades on the thighs are all signs of a well-loved pair of jeans. They tell a story of your movements and habits.
This is why true denim enthusiasts cherish raw or unwashed jeans. They love being the ones to break them in, knowing that the resulting fades are a direct reflection of their lifestyle. Fading isn't a sign of something wearing out; it’s a sign of a piece wearing in.
Why mnml Denim Fades with Style
At mnml, we use premium fabrics and authentic indigo dye to create jeans that are designed to age well. We don't just want them to last; we want them to get better over time.
Our design details, from raw hems and distressing to stacked silhouettes, are made to work in harmony with the fading process. They add a layer of texture and style that is enhanced, not hidden, by the natural wear of the fabric. The result is a pair of jeans that looks just as good brand-new as it does after a year of wear.
The fading you see is a sign that your denim is becoming an original, and that's something to celebrate. To understand more about the fabric itself, be sure to read our guide, what is denim.
