9 Types of Jean Washes and How To Style Them

‍

Denim is a wardrobe staple, and with so many shades and styles available, there’s no need to play favorites with your go-to pair. Each denim wash—from classic indigo to bold acid—has a unique character, so why not give it a spot in your closet?

In this guide, we’ll explore nine popular types of jean washes and how they’re created, plus style tips for elevating your denim looks. Whether you’re going for casual but stylish or wanting to dress to the nines, read on for inspiration. 

What’s raw denim?

Raw denim, sometimes called dry denim, is in its most natural state, untouched by washes, treatments, or distressing. The untreated material is known for its rich indigo hue and firm, structured feel. Although raw denim feels stiff initially, it’s built to last, offering incredible durability. 

Raw denim molds to your shape as you wear it, creating personalized fades, creases, and patterns that tell the story of your movement. Over time, raw denim pieces become one-of-a-kind, making raw denim a favorite among people who appreciate individuality and craftsmanship in their wardrobe. 

Denim wash types: 9 standard washes of jeans 

Jean washes transform raw denim into various unique styles. Here are nine options you can find on ThredUp—and what to wear them with.

1. Stone wash denim 

Stone wash denim is crafted by tumbling the fabric with pumice stones in industrial washers. The friction softens the material, giving stone wash jeans a worn-in texture and faded color. This method mimics denim’s natural aging process, giving it a vintage feel right off the rack. 

Style tip: Pair stone wash straight-leg jeans with a retro-print graphic tee, a cropped leather jacket, and classic white sneakers. Add a crossbody bag and head out for casual weekend fun and relaxed café hangouts with friends.

2. Acid wash denim 

This denim wash is created by pre-soaking pumice stones in bleach and tumbling them with the fabric. Acid washing removes color inconsistently, leaving a bold, high-contrast pattern.

Style tip: Match acid wash boyfriend jeans with a fitted black turtleneck, lace-up combat boots, and a sleek shoulder bag. If it’s cool outside, add a colorful scarf and neutral beanie. This outfit is perfect for concerts and art exhibits.

3. Dark wash denim 

Dark wash jeans undergo minimal processing, preserving the denim’s deep indigo shade. This wash often involves a gentle rinse to remove excess dye. 

Dark wash jeans are celebrated for versatility—you can easily dress them up or down. 

Style tip: Style dark wash flare jeans with a silky, jewel-toned blouse, pointed-toe flats, and a tailored blazer. Add a statement necklace or scarf, and you have a professional outfit you can wear to the office on casual Fridays and then out to dinner afterward. 

4. Medium wash denim 

Medium wash jeans are created by extending the rinse wash process. A softening agent is used to achieve a lighter color and softer feel than dark wash denim. This denim wash strikes a middle ground, making medium wash jeans a year-round favorite for versatile styling. 

Style tip: Tuck a flowy, floral peasant blouse into medium wash jeans—try a wide-leg style for a trendy look. To complete the outfit, add flat sandals and a straw bag. Wear this to outdoor events, weekend brunches, and farmers’ markets. 

{{inline-banner}}

5. Light wash denim 

This denim wash undergoes extensive washing to remove most of its indigo dye. The result is a denim wash with a pale, sun-bleached appearance. 

Light wash denim is associated with relaxed, casual vibes, making it particularly popular in the summer. 

Style tip: Pair light wash jeans with a cropped linen tank, espadrilles, and oversized sunglasses. Add a tote bag and lightweight cardigan for breezy days. This look is excellent for picnics and weekend getaways.

6. Rinse wash denim 

Rinse wash denim is processed with minimal agitation and water. This preserves the fabric’s natural texture and deep color while removing excess dye. The result is clean, uniform jeans you can wear with almost anything. 

Style tip: If you have a curvy body type, wear high-waisted rinse wash jeans with a white button-up shirt and structured camel trench coat. Add a structured handbag and loafers, and you’re ready for a client lunch meeting or gallery opening. 

7. Enzyme wash denim 

Enzyme washing is an eco-friendly process using natural enzymes to gently break down denim fibers. It creates a soft, worn-in texture with subtle fading. This wash is a sustainable alternative to harsh chemical treatments, which might be particularly valuable for environmentally conscious shoppers. 

Style tip: Create a comfortable, cozy outfit by combining enzyme wash jeans with a comfy knit sweater, ankle boots, and a plaid scarf. This is a chic fall look, especially when you add a wool coat. Wear this ensemble apple picking or for a casual coffee or breakfast date. 

8. Bleach wash denim 

Bleach wash denim is treated with bleach either during or after washing for a bright, faded finish. Designers often use spray techniques or hand application when creating bleach wash denim. This treatment creates denim jeans with a beachy vibe, ideal for warm months.

Style tip: Pair bleach wash denim shorts with a tie-dye crop top, slip-on sneakers, and layered bracelets. Add a bucket hat and mini backpack for a carefree outfit for a music festival or an outdoor party. 

9. Black denim 

Black jeans are a modern take on classic denim. Instead of the traditional dyed denim in indigo, this denim is dyed using black pigments. The fabric is minimally processed, with only a rinse wash or enzyme treatment to maintain the garment’s deep color while softening it for comfortable wear. 

Black denim jeans fade into a one-of-a-kind patina over time for lived-in character.

Style tip: Style black jeans with a fitted white T-shirt or graphic tee, and add a light-wash denim jacket with patches for contrast. Complete the denim-on-denim outfit with chunky black boots or sneakers—the choice is yours—and a small crossbody bag. Wear this look to run errands or browse a bookstore. 

Denim finishes and distressing techniques

Denim finishes and distressing techniques go beyond denim washing to add more character and personality to jeans. These post-wash treatments include the following: 

• Whiskering: Whiskering creates fine, faded lines across areas like the hips and thighs. This technique mimics natural wear patterns and is often achieved by manually sanding the denim jeans or using lasers to create the whiskers. 
• Distressed denim: Distressed denim has frayed edges, intentional rips, and worn patches for a lived-in aesthetic. This look is created with tools like razors, sandpaper, and lasers. 
• Hand sanding: Hand sanding involves manually rubbing denim with sandpaper to create subtle fading and a soft, worn texture. This technique allows precise control over where the distressing appears. 

Find different washes of denim on ThredUp

Whether you’re drawn to edgy black distressed denim or summery light wash pairs, ThredUp is your ultimate destination for exploring all the options.

ThredUp’s dedicated Denim Shop makes browsing various denim washes and finishes easy. Use our advanced search filters to narrow down your options, or try our smart visual search to find jeans tailored to your personal style. 

Your dream denim is just a click away on ThredUp’s extensive online thrift store.

‍