Jean Manufacturers: Why Fit and Wash Matter More Than You Think

All Jean manufacturers are aware that the right fit is only “half the story the wash can totally alter the way a jean looks and feels”.

A pair of jeans may look perfect on a fitting model, but change significantly after wash. The shade of the color may alter from that of the sample. The feel of the fabric may seem different (softer or stiffer) or the fit on the body may alter.

This is precisely what sets the denim industry apart from most other apparel industries.

The Pattern Comes First, But It Doesn’t Finish the Job

The design for a pair of jeans begins with the pattern.

The elements of the final silhouette are Rise, hip, thigh, knee, leg opening and inseam.

A straight-leg jean requires a different balance. The relaxed fit requires more width in different areas and the wide-leg relies significantly on proportion control.

Small changes can make a huge difference.

Hence rather than checking the dimension on paper, it should be checked by fitting on a real body.

Denim Fabric Changes the Whole Fit

Another part of the design is the cloth.

A denser denim will give a more defined shape (may stay where it is placed). A lighter fabric will provide better fallof. Stretch denims may alter fit and inuse of feel.

Different fabric weights, constructions, hand and recovery can occur even though two fabrics are similar in composition.

If you put the same pattern into a different denim you may end up with a completely different looking pair of jeans.

The fabric should work with the pattern not be selected after the pattern.

Then the Wash Changes Everything Again

There is where all the fun stuff about denim begin.

Washing has more extensive effects than just altering the color.

Any one of the processes (stone washing, enzyme tweeking, bleaching, fading, whisking, and distressing) can alter the characters of the purchase.

The very same jeans can look fresh, up-to-date, and slim with one wash, but dirt-ridden, faded, dingy and much too vintage with another.

Wash itself may also influence the hand, final specifications.

For a denim brand, this is therefore a finish that must be considered as part of the product and not something that can be added to the product after its construction.

A Sample Can Look Right and Still Need Work

Rarely is the first sample the end of the development process.

This is where problems start to appear.

Perhaps the increase needs to be normalized.

Perhaps the thigh is too narrow.

Perhaps the denim could use some more recovery.

Perhaps the solvent is being washed out.

Perhaps the unpleasants are not correctly placed.

Changes are common in product development.

The key is to find this them before mass production, when it is a matter of some simple adjustments.

Consistency Is Harder Than Making One Good Pair

It‘s one thing for a sustainable company to produce one great pair of jeans.

Another is to make hundreds or thousands that mimic as closely as possible its taste and texture.

This is especially difficult when it comes to washed denim.

Small variations in wash can affect the fading, color, distressing or overall look.

Measure and build concomitantly.

A clothing brand in particular, knows that consistency. If someone‘s purchasing the same basic style, they shouldn‘t experience a different product the second time, according to.:

That is one of the most important things to look for when selecting jean makers.

What Brands Should Ask Before Production

Prior to full-scale production, it is good that brands are aware about how the manufacturer manages these aspects of denim production that are critical to their product.

Is the wash reproducible?

Is the measurement checked for after washing?

Is the same can be obtained?

What procedures are carried out to approve the wash samples?

Can the pattern be changed after 1 st fitting?

Questions like these inform you far more than easily asking “how many units can you produce per month?”

When a Jeans Supplier Becomes a Manufacturing Partner

There comes a time when purchasing pre-made pair of jeans simply isn‘t going to cut it.

Brand Image/Purpose: The brand might want certain fit, a specific wash, custom hardware, branded labels or a totally unique design.

By this point the dynamics are as follows.

The seller is not just selling a product:

5. They‘re in the process of developing one.

That can also give a brand far more control over the finished garment and make it much more difficult for competitors to offer exactly the same product.

Developing Jeans With JiuvelWear

JiuvelWear has a lot of experience in the production of denim.

We collaborate with clothing brands on custom jeans, OEM and ODM projects, as well as private label services. Our range of services include fabric selection, new design pattern creation, washing and branding services, and bulk production.

A project can originate with a completed design or pattern, a reference garment or an initial concept for a product.

What we are trying to do is to take those details through iteration and sampling until the fit., fabric & washwork as a single garment.

Because with denims, those three may not quite cut it.

The above can look great with a good wash. Styling these jeans with the wrong wash can totally alter the entire impact.

The right manufacturer has to understand all three.