Garment Dye One at a Time
Your wordrobe is about to get an upgrade. These are made with a special technique called garment dye, which gives them a vintage look Below, we’ll explain the garment-dyeing process and why you’ll love the effect.
It’s a technique, not a particular type of dye. The typical method for adding color to a garment (like a jacket) is through a process called piece-dying, which means the fabric roll is dyed before it’s cut into a pattern and sewn together. Piece-dyeing fabric creates an even color without variation. Garment-dyeing flips the process around; the garment is sewn first, then washed in color.
WHAT MAKES
GARMENT-DYED CLOTHES
LOOK DISTRESSED?
Since the finished piece of clothing is washed in dye all at once, you’ll see some variation where the color collects differently. This usually happens when the texture changes, like on a ribbed collar or at the seams. It is what gives garment-dyed pieces variation in color.
Even in a batch of clothes that were garment-dyed together, no style is exactly alike. “We like that garment dye washes down over time just like denim. It gives pieces an authentic, heritage look,”
In general, garment-dyed clothes have a washed-out look. Most of the time interior tags are attached before the garment-dyeing process, you may find that they’re the same color as the piece. Seams may be another clue, since dye also coats sewing thread during the coloring process. But keep in mind that seams may absorb the dye differently, depending on what the thread is made of.
HOW DO I CARE FOR GARMENT-DYED CLOTHING?
A good rule of thumb is to care for your garment-dyed items just as you would your denim. We recommend washing on the cold cycle and hanging to dry, since it’s better for the environment and protects your clothes.
