https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-slightly-fade-very-dark-denim Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:15:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-slightly-fade-very-dark-denim#post-1021465 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 01:40:52 +0000 ironkurtin 1021465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hang them in the sun for a few days. That should do it. Otherwise wash them with a hardcore detergent on hot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-slightly-fade-very-dark-denim#post-1021464 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 01:40:39 +0000 Anonymous 1021464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe the best thing is just to keep washing them as often as you can. You could dry laying then out in the sun, right side out. I wouldn't use Coke after hearing it dissolves pennies soaked long enough. Isn't it also suggested to clean motors by pouring it over them? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-slightly-fade-very-dark-denim#post-1021460 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 01:34:10 +0000 DeclawedJaguar 1021460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No personal experience here, but I would stay away from bleach if there is any spandex/elastane or what have you in the fabric. Bleach destroys elastics like nobody's business. Vinegar usually helps with setting dyes, but it might not help you lighten them.</p> <p>Sand paper (or actual sand) followed by a couple of washes sound like the best option for subtle fading, IMO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-slightly-fade-very-dark-denim#post-1021436 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 01:01:58 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1021436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm surprised that simple washing hasn't done it - I'm assuming you're washing right side out, correct? If they are still depositing dye on hands/surfaces, they're still pretty new so a few more washes and wears might do it. I have read that soaking in Coke before washing will soften up a stiff denim, but I don't know if it'll help with color any. Rit makes a color remover that's sold with the dyes, but again that might be overkill if you're just looking for a tad lighter. Bleach will work but is hard to control. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-slightly-fade-very-dark-denim#post-1021427 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 00:54:28 +0000 Janet 1021427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I considered a weak bleach wash. I also read various things online ranging from washing with salt to other more drastic things. I guess salt won't hurt a washing machine? </p> <p>I thought I'd ask here because I trust you all way more than random strangers who posted on a random website a few years ago. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-slightly-fade-very-dark-denim#post-1021403 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 00:39:59 +0000 Caro in Oz 1021403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah memories :)&nbsp;Back in the day when I wore 501s I used to wash them 4 or five times in cold water &amp; put them out in the sun for a few days. Or I'd wear them into the surf, the hit of salt water &amp; sand worked well. Not sure if it will work with modern denim. A light bleach bath would be an option if you can stand the smell. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-slightly-fade-very-dark-denim#post-1021401 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 00:37:56 +0000 Day Vies 1021401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a hard one. I have a cream leather sofa and deep dark dyed jeans leave dye on it when it's humid. You're right -- they are fading (depositing color everywhere!) but I've seen in passing some articles on fading/distressing jeans using low-grit&nbsp;sandpaper. I say this only because the jeans I referenced earlier showed signs of fading on the pockets and inner thighs so maybe you could speed up the fading&nbsp;process with sandpaper? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-slightly-fade-very-dark-denim#post-1021396 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 00:27:46 +0000 Janet 1021396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a pair of very dark uniform wash denim jeans that I would be interested in fading just a bit for a little more casual look. They've been washed a few times but have exhibited no fading I can see. They also deposit a little blue dye on light colored things (including my hands), so I'm thinking the fading might help with that as well.</p> <p>Has anyone here faded their jeans? If so, how did you do it? Please don't tell me to wash them in hot water, because I don't want them to shrink! </p>