Denim is famous name in the current fashion world. Fashion Trend changes frequently where denim is playing major role because of it's diversified wash and look. People of all ages can wear denim as a most comfortable and casual cloth.
In the mid of Twentieth Century Denim was produced first as worker wear because of it's durability. Later it became so popular among teenagers and now for all sorts of people. Initially the concept of denim production was to give longevity in wearing a cloth by the coal mine workers as they go though tough messy job.
The style makes by the denim fabric is commonly known as Jeans. Levi and Straus first started the Jeans making which turns to a big fashion brand Levi's and now currently selling huge number of denims in USA. This pioneer company has some unique design and logo that are patented to be used by Levi's only.
The name "Denim" came from a city name of France "Surs De Nimes". Usually Denim fabrics are too heavy with strong twill line on the surface. They are made by following twill weave and mostly 3/1 and 2/1 twill are very common. We found most Left Hand Twill (LHT) in denim production but still some Right Hand Twill(RHT) are produced. Apart the twill weave now Denim manufacturers also producing this high demand fabric in sateen weave, dobby weave as well as same as knit construction. Sometimes, the fabric is produced as fake knit denim is called as Jogger Denim.
Raw Denim fabrics can't use directly so some sort of washes are required to make it wearable. The concept of Denim washing is to give the cloth a faded worn look. Beside the wet process of denim washing some dry processes are also implemented to provide natural look.
Raw Denim or Rinse Wash: Some good Brands take Raw Denim which is basically a rinse wash. Rinse means to wash a denim with cold water at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Basically it helps to come out the unfix dyes from the surface of the fabric and the garment becomes compact due to absorb water. Some softening agents are used in Rinse Washing to achieve better hand feel of the garment. To meet the wet rubbing criteria is difficult in Rinse Wash.
Enzyme Wash: Enzymes are living particle that allows to cut the color during washing. Enzymes are used to produce dark to medium shade denim. Depending on it's concentration and wash time the faded looks are achieved. Desizing is very common step for denim washing which is also done by using Enzymes. It gives a even look on the surface of the garment. pH level and temperature are to be maintained in Enzyme wash because they work only at certain level. As wash experts says, almost all kinds of heavy wash have to go under enzymatic treatment.
Bleach Wash: Bleaching is done to provide the garment more faded and worn in look. Before going for bleaching some previous steps are to be done such as desizing and enzymatic treatment. Though per oxide bleaching is good for environment and the social workers always encourage this to use in washing but natural bleaching look can only achieve by chlorine bleaching. It provides medium to lighter shade based on the concentration and wash run time. The major difficulties are faced by the wash technician in case of bleach wash is to maintain required Tearing and Tensile Strength.
Acid Wash Or Random Bleach Wash: Garments are to be treated with chemically soaked stone that gives random acid effect on the garment which is normally known as Acid wash or Random wash. Only pumice stones are used here and they are soaked in bleaching agent like Hydrogen Peroxide or Calcium Hypochlorite and then garments are washed along with the stones. Stones rub the garment at different places where it gives faded look. The most common feature of this wash is the uneven look of fading and each garment will be unique in terms of effect.
Wash With Resin: To make more dark and similar to Raw Denim resins are used in washing. First the garments are dipped in resin and then treated with other chemicals to achieve required shade. Resin here helps to retain the raw look of the garment and keep good rubbing properties. The main challenge of this kind of wash is to maintain Tearing Strength as resin makes the garment a bit harsh that leads low property of Tearing.
Tinting: Tint is a kind of dye that may be any kind of color. To achieve required shade wash experts use tint. It gives some aesthetic look and increase beauty of denim. The main challenge of tinting is to maintain Color Fastness to Washing and Appearance after Washing properties because tint might be removed fully after one or two home laundry wash with detergent.
Since Denim Washes have some dry processes also which is well described in Textile Aid.
