Denim that has gone through washing process has been trendy since the 1960s. This particular style of denim wash is distinguished by a somewhat vintage appearance. The term derives from the original denim manufacturing technique of wearing down the cloth by rubbing pumice stones over it. Pumice stones are made of silica-rich, hot rock that is melted during explosive eruptions that occur as the earth rises and falls. These are rough, lightweight, and very porous materials that float in water. The United States, Turkey, Italy, Iceland, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines are major producers of pumice stone.
It is a key element of stonewashed clothing and is used to abrade the fabric’s surface in order to create a surface pattern effect, create colour contrast, and provide a soft hand.
Origin of Stone Washing: Innovators and Milestones
Several people and organisations have been given credit for the invention of stone washing denim:
- According to Levi Strauss & Co., Donald Freeland, a worker at the Great Western Garment Company (subsequently bought by Levi’s), is recognised as having invented the idea of “stone washing” denim in the 1950s.
- Another person whose invention of the method is acknowledged date back to the 1970s is Claude Blankiet.
- Additionally, claiming to have contributed to the invention of the method, the denim producer Edwin dates their claim to the 1980s.
- Lee established the idea of stone washing jeans in 1982, setting the stage for the fad. A more prominent faded look was then produced with the advent of “acid-washed” denim, which carried on the innovation.
Denim Wash: Market Growth
Denim a key fabric in the worldwide garment business, is an essential part of the casual wardrobe. Denim fabric’s market value was projected to be around 27.1 billion dollars in 2022 and to rise to more than 35 billion dollars by 2027. In the retail industry for jeans, the offline channel is by far the most significant one, with a value anticipated to reach over 70 billion dollars by 2030. It was estimated that the year’s market for denim wash would be valued at around 95 billion dollars.
According to projections, the size of the worldwide denim fabric industry, which was estimated to be worth $18.1 billion in 2020, would increase by 4.4% between 2021 and 2030 to reach $27.9 billion. Additionally, sand-washed textiles with a worn-in or even faded appearance, are becoming increasingly popular in jeans fashion.
Evolving Denim Wash Techniques and Pricing Trends: A Comprehensive Analysis
Enzyme washing, bleaching, desizing, and softener treatment are common washing methods that first gained popularity as a result of worries about the look of stone washed jeans clothing. But as high-performance washing procedures like acid washing, enzyme stone washing, and enzyme stone bleaching have become more prevalent, these approaches have steadily lost favour. In order to complement dry procedures, the wet washing industry began to grow in popularity during 2014–2015. Some wet washing methods are still quite new on the market, but because of how well they work, they are anticipated to get better. Notably, wet cleaning methods such as ozone wash, semi-bleach, clean cup with brightener, whole body laser print, and acid enzyme wash have spread widely in recent years.
Despite their initial costly investment, the immersion dry wash techniques of “laser destroy” and “laser whiskering,” which both move quickly and are ecologically benign, rose to prominence in 2015.
Final Words For Denim Wash
It is possible to summarise the pricing behaviour of denim garment washing by noting that, over time, costs have usually increased for most significant washing methods (both dry and wet).
The bulk of methods’ prices have been rising over time. The increase in labour and material prices is the main cause of this trend. However, enzyme wash has become less expensive because enzyme costs have changed in the market.
As a result, it is anticipated that premium acid denim wash would cost more than they did in the past.
Acid washing has been used in a variety of methods to create individual aesthetics, and as a result, its price has changed significantly. However, given its negative impacts when used in combination with pumice washing, many managements have recently displayed reluctance.
Similar patterns are seen with laser whiskering as well. Due to their precise and unique effects on objects, laser treatments are in great demand despite their high initial costs.
That’s where HMS Washing enters!
Baytech’s Handmade stones provide the same effects as acid washing, pumice washing and laser treatments, HMS is one of the most sought-after washing methods for denim washing. So much so that we are also introducing different variations for thinner fabrics!
Take a look at our press releases
FAQ:
1. What stones are used for denim washes?
2. What is Denim Stone Washing?
Using abrasive stones to damage and fade denim fabric is known as “denim stone washing.”
3. What does stone washing do?
4. What is Jeans Stone Washing?
Jeans stone washing is a type of denim wash where the stone washing technique is used particularly to denim or cotton clothing in order to create a faded and worn appearance.