Raw Denim Jeans vs Selvedge Denim Jeans: What’s the Difference?

Understanding Raw Denim Jeans vs Selvedge Denim Jeans is important because many people assume that both terms refer to the same thing. This is actually not the case. Raw denim refers to denim fabric that has not been subjected to any washing or heavy fabric treatment after dyeing. On the other hand, selvedge denim refers to fabric that contains a clean edge that is self-finished and is usually manufactured on traditional shuttle looms.

The simple difference is this: raw denim is about finish, while selvedge denim is about fabric construction. A pair of jeans can be raw and selvedge at the same time, but they do not have to be. You can explore the full denim jeans collection to compare different denim styles, washes, and finishes.

What Are Raw Denim Jeans?

To put it simply, raw denim jeans have not had any washing or other treatments done to the fabric after the fabric has been woven. Used jeans are more likely to retain their original indigo color with the fabric being more pliable.

What is considered to be the most appealing feature of raw denim is actually the fading. The jeans will accumulate marks from everyday wear. This can occur around the pockets, hem, and even the knees and thighs. Because of this, raw denim has a reputation for being more appealing to people looking to wear jeans that are personalized to them and their preferences.

What Are Selvedge Denim Jeans?

Selvedge denim jeans are made from denim fabric with a clean woven edge. This edge prevents the fabric from unraveling and is often visible when the jean cuff is rolled. Many selvedge jeans show a colored line, often red, along the inside outseam.

Selvedge denim is often linked with higher-quality production because it is commonly made on slower shuttle looms. However, selvedge does not automatically mean the jeans are raw. Selvedge denim can be raw, washed, dark, faded, or even distressed.

Raw Denim Jeans vs Selvedge Denim Jeans: Main Difference

The main difference is that raw denim describes whether the fabric has been washed, while selvedge denim describes how the fabric edge is woven. Raw denim is about treatment. Selvedge denim is about construction.

In Raw Denim Jeans vs Selvedge Denim Jeans, raw denim focuses on color, stiffness, shrinkage, and fading. Selvedge denim focuses on woven edge quality, fabric detail, craftsmanship, and the clean inside seam. These two features can appear together, but they are not the same thing.

Can Denim Be Both Raw and Selvedge?

Yes, denim can be both raw and selvedge. In fact, many premium denim jeans are raw selvedge jeans. This means the fabric is unwashed and also has a clean selvedge edge. These jeans often appeal to denim lovers because they offer deep color, strong structure, and traditional construction.

However, not all raw jeans are selvedge. Some raw jeans are made from regular wide-loom denim without a selvedge edge. Also, not all selvedge jeans are raw. Some selvedge jeans are pre-washed for softness and comfort.

Comfort and First Wear

Raw jeans feel stiffer during initial wears because the fabric has not gone through a wash process. They feel especially stiff during the initial wears around the waist, thigh, knee, and seat.

Selvedge jeans can feel stiff or soft based on whether they are raw, or have gone through a wash process. Raw selvedge denim can feel firm. If selvedge denim has gone through a wash process, it can feel soft from day one. It can be more comfortable depending on the finish and the fabric weight, as opposed to the selvedge denims edge.

Fading and Aging

Raw denim is known for its unique way of fading, and for good reason. After the first few wears, the fabric can show specific fades in the places where the fabric has the most friction. Since the fabric is untreated, and dark, it can create an even more unique fading pattern.

Selvedge denim can also show a beautiful fading process, especially if it is raw. However, fading occurs through the dye, the fabric, the weave, and the wash. Selvedge denim may have a pre-faded look if it has been washed.

Shrinkage and Sizing

After the first wash, unsanforized raw denim can shrink. Sanforized raw denim can have a minimal shrinkage, but still can also change after the first wash. Because of this, more care needs to be taken to size sanforized raw denim.

Selvedge denim can also show a similar shrinkage. If the selvedge denim is raw and unsanforized, shrinkage can happen. If it is washed or sanforized, there is less risk of shrinkage. Always check fabric details before choosing size.

Durability and Fabric Strength

Unwashed denim is more likely to be durable and sturdy because of the way denim fabric is naturally strong. With proper care, unwashed denim can last a long time.

The denim world has a lot of focus on selvedge denim, and for good reason. Selvedge denim is woven tightly with strong threads. As with all denim, the durability of selvedge denim depends on fabric weight, stitching, fit, and finishing. The selvedge edge is a sign of good craftsmanship, but it is by no means a sign of a quality product.

Best Choice for Women’s Denim Jeans

Women’s jeans can come in raw denim or selvedge denim. Raw denim can be very stiff, and therefore the fit needs to allow bending and movement. Washed selvedge denim can be a more comfortable option.

Denim jeans for women can be styled in light wash, dark wash, straight fit, slim fit, wide leg, or vintage styles. If comfort is the main goal, washed denim may be easier. If long-term character matters, raw denim can be a strong choice.

Best Choice for Ripped Denim Jeans

Raw denim is not a good option for ripped jeans since rips require washing, fading and distressing. These jeans are not meant for slow fading, and are better for those who want an already worn look.

Mens ripped denim jeans usually work better in washed denim because the fabric already has softness and distressed detail. Raw denim is better when you want fades to develop naturally instead of buying a finished worn look.

Best Choice for Denim Tears Jeans

Denim Tears jeans tend to feature statement styles, strong distressing, patching, fading, and worn finishes. Since these designs require a completed look, fully constructed faded denim or treated denim tends to be more compatible.

Denim tears jeans can still use strong denim fabric, but they are different from raw denim culture. Raw denim is about slow aging, while statement denim is usually about instant visual impact.

Style Difference

New raw denim jeans are dark, and clean and have a lot of structure. This is the base of a good classic denim jeans and t-shirt look, which can be built upon with denim jackets, flannel shirts, button-ups, or even workwear.

Selvedge denim often looks a lot cleaner and more structured because of the selvedge edge, and many choose to roll their selvedge cuff, which is a great detail that adds character but is not distracting.

Care Difference

From the start, care for raw denim means infrequent washing, and when it is washed, the denim is turned inside out and washed in cold water and dried on a low setting. During the first few wears and early washes, the denim can bleed, requiring care.

For selvedge denim, care also depends on whether the denim is raw or washed. Raw selvedge needs more careful washing, while washed selvedge is easier. In either case, gentle care preserves the color, fabric, seams, and fit.

Which Is Better for Daily Wear?

For everyday use, selvedge or standard washed denim is often better, as it has a more comfortable wash and means you avoid the risk of shrinkage.

It is better if your jeans provide comfort from day one.

Raw denim is better if you like the break-in process. Initially it is less comfortable, but gives you a more personalized feel over time. You should use washed denim if you want something lower-maintenance. If you want a more personalized denim feel, go with raw denim.

Which Is Better for Denim Lovers?

Raw selvedge jeans are preferred by many denim lovers as they include both features. Natural fading is a characteristic of raw denim, while the selvedge gives the traditional woven edge.

A beginner can also go with any raw denim jeans or washed selvedge. The best choice for you is determined by your budget, comfort, and the care of the denim.

Raw Denim Jeans vs Selvedge Denim Jeans Checklist

Use this checklist before the choosing denim jeans:

• If you want fading, go with raw denim.
• If you want the woven edge, go with selvedge denim.
• If you want the color, go with raw denim.
• If you want the traditional construction, go with selvedge.
• If you want both features, go with raw selvedge.
• If you want comfort, go with washed denim.
• If you want raw denim, check for shrinkage.
• Check the comfort of the fabric, weight, and also check the stitching and the hardware.
• Choose based on lifestyle, not only denim terms.

Common Buying Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes in the comparison of Raw Denim Jeans and Selvedge Denim Jeans is the assumption that both terms mean the same thing.

Raw means unwashed. Selvedge means self-finished woven edge. They can appear together, but they are different characteristics.

Another mistake is buying raw denim without knowing about the shrinkage and stiffness. Raw denim can feel stiff at first and can change after the first wash. If you want the everyday comfort, washed denim can be the best option.

Conclusion

Raw and selvedge denim refers to different things. Raw denim has not been washed or treated, while selvedge denim has a self-finished edge from the weave. One refers to the finish and the other to the construction.

If you want deep color and natural fading with a personal break-in, choose raw denim.

Choose selvedge denim if you want immaculate edges and care about traditional fabric details. Choose raw selvage denim if you want some natural aging along with premium construction.

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