https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:55:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project/page/2#post-2371205 Mon, 30 Sep 2024 03:16:13 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2371205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's good to know!&nbsp; &nbsp;Thank you so much for your knowledge </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project/page/2#post-2371101 Fri, 27 Sep 2024 22:49:55 +0000 Brooklyn 2371101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no! I’ve never had any problems like that! One of our lounge chairs is white so I think I would notice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project/page/2#post-2371082 Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:56:02 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2371082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great info, and thanks! &nbsp;I wasn’t specific enough in my question… have you had any issues with color transfer while wearing the garment? &nbsp; &nbsp;I’ve purchased overdyed black and blue denim that’s come off onto my fingernails, tucked shirts, and suede shoes, even after multiple washings. &nbsp;Ann Taylor and LOFT have been the worst culprits. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project/page/2#post-2371043 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 23:18:01 +0000 Brooklyn 2371043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Mary Beth</p> <p>I’m not sure about the fixative. Sometimes I use it and on the first rinse virtually no colour come out (success) but sometimes lots of colour still comes out. I can’t pick it. I generally use it if the colour is really saturated and it’s an item that’s going to get a lot of wash and wear. I do notice even with the fixative dyed items will bleed a little in the wash (and quite a lot in the first wash), so definitely wash with like colours.</p> <p>I have been wearing the wine denim skirt a lot in the last couple of months and I’ve washed it maybe 3 or 4 times. The colour still looks good to me. It still bleeds a little in the wash. And I would expect some fading to occur because of sunlight (I wear it a lot outdoors, walking my dog). </p> <p>The light plum coloured skirt did fade noticeably after its second wash. I didn’t use dye fixative in that case so I think that could be a contributor. Also, it’s a light colour so I didn’t use as much dye. I may end up redoing it with fixative.</p> <p>My machine is a front loader. RIT say not to dye too many items at once in a front loader but I’ve dyed 3 items no problems. Sometimes lately I pause the cycle to check for tangles. It uses very little water so that can help to give a saturated result.</p> <p>But I would reiterate that the dye tends to hang around in the machine for at least a couple of washes afterwards. This is especially noticeable if it’s a saturated red or purple. For some reason blue and green seem to linger less. I use one or 2 colour catchers in the wash for several cycles after dyeing. Be really careful if you are washing whites afterwards! </p> <p>I also clean the front door of the machine and the detergent dispenser after dyeing. And give the drum and rubber seal a good wiping. I just use detergent but I think bleach would be more effective if you want to avoid stains on the rubber seal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project/page/2#post-2371005 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:08:40 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2371005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Having just looked at your photos on your Big Bag post, I had some follow-up questions about this denim dye-ing process…</p> <p>1. &nbsp;Has the fixative worked long-term on your blue or very dark colors?&nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div>2. &nbsp;How has the overall saturation held up over time? &nbsp;Did anything fade quickly?</div><div><br /></div><div>3. &nbsp; Is your machine a top-, or front-load? &nbsp;(If you’ve mentioned it already, I missed it)</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project/page/2#post-2366344 Fri, 26 Jul 2024 05:05:52 +0000 Brooklyn 2366344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Joy. I am loving the wine skirt. It feels like a different way to wear denim. </p> <p>Thanks Karie. I understand! It can be an issue, especially if you wear a lot of white. You can use the stove top method but I am personally more fearful of that. I like my white kitchen without dye marks! I think some people just use a bucket of hot water outside, which is pretty safe but a little harder to get a deep, saturated result. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project/page/2#post-2366328 Thu, 25 Jul 2024 17:50:17 +0000 Anonymous 2366328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this!,,, and am inspired to dye my long denim skirts that are modern this year but may be dated next year. &nbsp;The white one needs help now. &nbsp;It got washed with a new very dark blue denim skirt and it is now partly light blue due to fading. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project/page/2#post-2366300 Thu, 25 Jul 2024 02:44:19 +0000 Karie 2366300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW! These are all ultra fantastic. I especially love, love, love the teal ones. So unique! I have always been afraid to attempt dying anything in the washing machine for fear of not getting all the dye out of the machine and ruining other clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project/page/2#post-2366289 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 23:14:41 +0000 Brooklyn 2366289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks cat2. Teal cords sound great! I love cords too. So nice for cool weather. I found a dark green pair of cords this year and I love them too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project/page/2#post-2366252 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:21:42 +0000 cat2 2366252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As always love your color palette and bravery. I actually found burgundy chino fabric “jeans” and teal cords last year. Late in the season, so like new for this fall. Filling my jean gaps without any denim made me very happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project/page/2#post-2366207 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 03:16:55 +0000 Brooklyn 2366207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Mary Beth. I think denim overdyes really well if you want a reddish or purplish result, or just a different shade of blue. I’ve had a lot of success with overdyeing blue items lately to burgundy or plum tones. I think it gets a bit more complicated with overdyeing in yellowish colours because the denim can start to look dirty. Of course, dirty denim is a trend in itself so that may be a good result, depending on what you are after. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project/page/2#post-2366124 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:26:26 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2366124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I <b>LOVE </b>this!!!!&nbsp; &nbsp;Your outfits are incredible, and wow, those jeans look like something you'd see on pret-a-porter.&nbsp; &nbsp;My favorite lewks are the teal.&nbsp; &nbsp;You look like a rockstar!</p> <p>I am wondering how this will work on my favorite dark wash denim dress.&nbsp; I love the style and fit, but never loved the color.&nbsp; &nbsp;I am going to thrift some cheap dark wash denim in the same fabrication (100% cotton), do a test, and decide about this dress.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project/page/2#post-2366117 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:44:18 +0000 Brooklyn 2366117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks slim cat. I practically fainted with excitement when I pulled the teal jeans out of the washing machine. Why aren’t the stores full of teal jeans???</p> <p>Thanks Jonesy. I’m so happy to have inspired you! I hope your DIY worked out.</p> <p>Thanks BlueJay. That Cue mesh top is a real winner. I’d love something similar in - you guessed it - teal. (Is there a pattern here…)</p> <p>Thanks RobinF. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2366103 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 01:02:28 +0000 slim cat 2366103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fantastic project! Love all the denim pieces with teal jeans just killing me - so in love with that color on you! It's all fabulously styled and put together - joy to see it all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2366085 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:27:18 +0000 Jonesy 2366085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Creative and beautiful! I love the dyed jeans--the colors, the slouchiness, the everything! The juxtaposition with your tailored pieces is really fab, and I love them with the docs. The deep reddish/burgundy skirt looks awesome too!</p> <p>I dyed some pants and shirts earlier this summer (some a pinkish-brown) and thought of you--you are an inspiration! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2366054 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:28:26 +0000 BlueJay 2366054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All of your outfits are great! I always marvel how proficient you are with not only dying such great colours, but also achieving such fantastic shades and tones with dye! I love your Cue mesh top and I will be copying your #9 outfit in the fall. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2366044 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:08:16 +0000 RobinF 2366044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, these are beautiful! Love the way the jeans still have some shading. You are the dye master for sure. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2366043 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:52:16 +0000 Brooklyn 2366043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Sal. Foot issues can be very difficult to resolve. I sympathise. </p> <p>Thanks Bonnie.</p> <p>Thanks Angie. Docs FTW! I’d love an asymmetrical denim skirt too but haven’t seen the right one. </p> <p>Thanks Suz. I think you are right. Plum can go both ways. </p> <p>Thanks ChristelJ and JenniNZ.</p> <p>Thanks Janet. I would dye it a mix of red and blue. Maybe a wine colour. There is a risk it could go brownish because orange has yellow in it. It is hard to cover stains with dye. Sometimes the stain picks up the dye too. </p> <p>Thanks AmyD. That’s very kind but no shop for me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2365993 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 19:56:39 +0000 Sal 2365993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a good successful project! They look awesome. I agree denim is such a practical fabric and it’s a shame it’s available in quite limited colours.</p> <p>Love your jacket collection too. You wear shorter ones as well as longer.</p> <p>I having foot issues - and trying to work out which shoes work better is an ongoing quest. I haven’t quite worked it out yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2365989 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 18:19:03 +0000 Bonnie 2365989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love every outfit! You are so creative and inspiring.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2365988 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 18:08:25 +0000 Angie 2365988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Brooklyn,</b> I'm a DOCS fan! Back when I wore them, once broken in - VERY comfy, and yes that thick sole is part of the reason.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am LOVING my one white denim skirt, and wear it a lot with Summery blouse and open weave jumpers! I bet you'll love your burgundy version, and YES to a teal one :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2365982 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 15:35:45 +0000 Suz 2365982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ohhhhh. You are so clever. And persistent as well! And thoughtful in your choices; it's clear you have put considerable thought into the silhouette you are after as well as the colours you want to produce and how to do that.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love all of these, but I especially love the plum jeans and wine skirt. The plum jeans look rich and unexpected and even a bit dressy, and the skirt is a gorgeous shape on you and a colour that can mix so well. The teal jeans are also incredible. I can easily understand why others are asking about those. I think teal is one of those colours (like plum) that can look fantastic on people with warm and cool colouring, sort of universal colours, I guess depending a bit on how the undertones skew, but still....anyway...I think they are colours that also work with just about any hair colour, so women who change their hair colour often will still find these colours flattering, regardless.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2365971 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 13:13:55 +0000 ChristelJ 2365971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, thank you for sharing your glorious projects with us. Love your rich color choices and every outfit is terrific. My favorites are the plum jean outfits. I can see why plum is your new black; it harmonizes so beautifully with your other pieces and with your own coloring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2365970 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 13:12:14 +0000 Janet 2365970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I so admire your DIY projects! These are awesome. Love love love the plum!</p> <p>I have a beautiful silk top that acquired some tiny dark stains right on the front while it was at the cleaners. When they attempted to remove those, they actually made the issue worse. I managed to score a replacement when the designer had a sale (and am going to baby that piece!), but I still have the stained top and would love to see if it could be dyed. The color might be tricky, since it’s a warm orange-red. I’d love to try to get it to a burgundy shade but am not sure if it can be done, or how to do it. Maybe if I try it and it doesn’t work, I can just dye it black. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2365969 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 12:54:16 +0000 AmyD 2365969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am mezmerized by these overdyed items and the stellar outfits you have created with them. I especially love the looks that are more monochromatic, they're just superbly cool and exciting! In fact, I really wish you had an Etsy store selling your overdyed jeans creations because I would snap them up - especially that teal and plummy eggplant and I might request a cobalt version. Carry on, Brooklyn! YLF!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2365957 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 03:09:44 +0000 Jenni NZ 2365957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Brooklyn I especially like the teal! I would like more in my wardrobe one day but am hardly purchasing anything at present ( only 2 items this calendar year). One was a dark green cardigan, not quite teal.<br /> Love all your colour combinations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2365954 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 02:42:34 +0000 Brooklyn 2365954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jenny H. I do it in the washing machine using RIT liquid dye. I use a cotton cycle at 40C. A higher temperature would be better but it might shrink or damage the clothes. I use double the recommended dye for a dark, saturated result, followed by dye fixative. There are pros and cons to using the machine. The advantages are it’s easy and avoids mess. And I tend to get a very consistent (non-splotchy) result. The disadvantages are it can lead to dye lingering in your wash for one or more cycles. This seems particularly true for red dye. Blues, greens and light colours seem much less problematic. So I would always run a load of darks or an empty load after dyeing. And wipe the drum and door of the washing machine. I wear mostly darker colours so it’s an issue I can manage but caution is required! I may have accidentally dyed our white sheets slightly pink :)</p> <p>Thanks FC. I aim for a high level of mix and match in my wardrobe so I’m glad you noticed that. </p> <p>Thanks Dee. I love the denim skirt too. It’s making me think about other denim items that could be dyed.</p> <p>Thanks RC. Why oh why is teal so hard to find. I stock up when it’s around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2365952 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 02:30:51 +0000 Brooklyn 2365952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Ms M, Jaime and Style Fan.</p> <p>Thanks Kkards. I use a dye fixative, which is also sold by RIT, when I’m doing a saturated colour. I don’t bother if it’s a light colour. It takes about an extra 30 minutes and does seem to help with colour fastness. That said, I always wash my dyed items with darks or similar colours. And I use a product called “colour catcher” when I wash them. It’s a piece of paper that you add to the wash that helps to prevent dye transfer.</p> <p>Thanks Julie. My jeans are cotton but I have dyed items with a small percentage of elastane with no problem. I think it would work fine. Be aware that stitching usually does not take the dye, but that can look quite good as a contrast.</p> <p>Thanks JAileen.</p> <p>Thanks Angie. I like that 90s vibe. I really like the denim skirt with the mesh top too! I think it will work better for me in Spring with a tee or lightweight knit. It’s about the right weight for Spring when it’s too early for linen skirts but warm enough for bare legs. I like it so much I am thinking about a teal version, he he.</p> <p>Thanks Star.</p> <p>Thanks KG. I actually think it works better to overdye jeans that have some unevenness in their original colour. The dye attaches itself more to the faded areas, which gives a more interesting result (in my opinion of course). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2365948 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 01:04:44 +0000 MsMaven 2365948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fun experiment! Such great results! I never would have thought of this, but I think you may have started a new trend. All the combinations are great. I personally love the 9 through 12 color combinations.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks so much for sharing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/denim-overdye-project#post-2365945 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 00:54:38 +0000 Jaime 2365945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would never, I could never, but I am in awe. Just stunning in every sense. </p>