How to slightly fade very dark denim?

Janet

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.

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!

12 years ago

General

7 replies

Latest reply was from ironkurtin

Day Vies

Veteran

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 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 process with sandpaper?

12 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Ah memories Back in the day when I wore 501s I used to wash them 4 or five times in cold water & put them out in the sun for a few days. Or I'd wear them into the surf, the hit of salt water & 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.

12 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

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?

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.

12 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

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.

12 years ago

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

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.

Sand paper (or actual sand) followed by a couple of washes sound like the best option for subtle fading, IMO.

12 years ago

Anonymous

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?

12 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Hang them in the sun for a few days. That should do it. Otherwise wash them with a hardcore detergent on hot.

12 years ago

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