About our denim:

We select premium deadstock American Selvage denim. From past collections we made our jeans using Red Selvage sourced from the Cone Mill's White Oak Plant in Greensboro, NC. We have a particular fondness for the robust selvage produced on Draper Shuttle looms and how it holds up in the ocean. We experiment with all different types of Selvage, even some made from hemp. Many of these antique looms date back nearly a century ago and are diligently maintained to this day.

Selvage: Challenges and Cycles

As many would attest, breaking in selvage takes some time. While many of us appreciate the journey, it's undeniably a gradual process – one that may span months or even years of consistent wear with minimal, if any, washes to achieve the desired faded and high-contrast appearance. The challenge we encountered was ending up with a pair of jeans that could hold up their integrity and fade over time but also feel clean and be less grimy. Even after resorting to the freezer trick to eliminate some of the set-in funk, the issue persisted, perhaps due to our demanding on the go lifestyle, wearing jeans for everything. Like many others, we work in our jeans; as well. So eventually we through them in the wash on a delicate cycle, inside out and then hang up or lay flat to dry. After any wash, the denim is changed, which is to be loved. 

Seawash Ethos:

Enter ocean-washed denim, a solution that significantly reduces the time and effort required to break in jeans. The saltwater not only remarkably softens the selvage but also sets the indigo into the cotton which contributes to a distinctive fade, making each pair one-of-a-kind. Over time, the jeans adapt to the unique wear patterns of one's body and movements, offering both comfort and individuality.

Our process has been evolving since we started in 2009. There's a delicate balance when it comes to washing jeans in the sea. Many different variables can affect the look and feel of our jeans. As oyster farmers, we continuously take notice of the forecast, changing tides and temperatures. The water temp plays a huge roll in what takes place below the surface. This includes everything from algae blooms to spawning to jingle shells, and barnacles. Many species and fouling spawn several times a year in a wide range of temperatures. Generally the colder the water, the slower going and when the temp rises, more things come to life. 

WASH BREAKDOWNS

When it comes to denim washing it's no different. The cotton responds uniquely for each Moon Collection.

First we determine the SEAWASH duration, we have it broken down into four different lunar cycles: Quarter, Half, Whole, and Double.

Quarter-Moon SEAWASH: 8-day submersion maintains dark indigo wash, denim noticeably softens. Denim is at its highest durability. Lifetime warranty. 

Half-Moon SEAWASH: 16-day submersion softens denim, slight distress patterns begin to form. Denim is highly durable. Limited warranty 

Whole-Moon SEAWASH: 28-day submersion typically brings a lighter wash, denim softens for a super worn-in feel with high contrast fades

Double-Moon SEAWASH: 56-day submersion breaks denim down completely for an ultra-worn, ultra-distress + radical contrast pair of jeans that is one of a kind. 

1. Quarter Moon:  8 continuous days in sea. Our richest indigo wash with minimal fade or effects from sea-life, as intended. The salt sets the indigo into the fabric noticeably softening the jacket. Just a pinch of salt for the denim purest who prefer a dark wash with splash of the sea. 

2. Half Moon: 14-16 Days in the sea. After 330+ hours in the saltwater, the denim is adequately broken in with deep indigo retention. Wear and fouling begin to form but don't quiet set in. This makes for a deep dark wash that has a hint of wear.

3. Whole Moon: 28 Days in the Sea. The right amount of time for seaworn perfection. The denim is fully broken-in, the fades are uniquely unparalleled with intricate, one-of-a-kind seaworn patterns. 

4. Double Moon: 56 days in the Sea.  For the denimhead that wants the ultimate worn in, dangerously distressed, stand-out piece that will set apart from the rest of their denim wardrobe. Well over 1400 hours inside the belly of an oyster bag, experiencing everything the ocean has to offer. This is the high watermark for radical denim fades. One of a kind, second to none. Worn by the Sea.

Choose Post-SeaWash Options:

1. Washed at Sea (Saltwater, Most Sustainable): Free

   • Hand washed at sea with saltwater and an oyster brush to remove most fouling.
   • Denim sundries with salty Nantucket air, capturing the essence of a faraway isle. 

2. Rinsed (Freshwater, Salt-Free): 

   • Hand washed at sea with saltwater and an oyster brush to remove most fouling.
   • Then, a thorough cold freshwater wash and rinse with all-natural denim detergents.
   • Sundried with the salty breeze, embracing a bit of fouling and patina for character. 

3. Laundered by Hand (Painstakingly Fresh + Clean):

   • Hand washed at sea with saltwater and an oyster brush to remove most fouling.
   • Then, soaked and meticulously scrubbed in cold freshwater with high-quality denim detergent.
   • Process is repeated until all-natural fouling is removed. 
   • Sundried with the salty breeze, leaving only the natural fades and patina.