How To Care For Your New Tobaccos. Hint: Don't Throw Them In The Washer

A lot has been said about the care of selvedge denim jeans, most of it falls into the “different strokes for different folks” category. One thing that almost everyone can agree on is this, if you take care of your selvedge denim it will last a long time and look good.

We at Tobacco Motorwear Company would add that, in the case of Tobaccos, they’ll take care of you too.

So, here are a few of our tips on how to get the most out of your Tobacco Motorwear, protective motorcycle jeans.

BREAKING IN 

We didn’t skimp on materials. Our denims and canvas are hefty, raw and unwashed. You may find them stiff or even restricting at first, especially if you are used to lightweight, stretch denim. Don’t panic. As you wear your jeans, they’ll stretch in the areas you need more room and will become more form fitting where you need less. The fabric will soften and fade over time. This is the beauty of raw fabric. Every fade, fold, and line, will be entirely self-inflicted. Your Tobaccos will be unlike any other pair.

SOAK or NO SOAK

Some “denim-heads” pre-soak their jeans to get rid of any excess dye and shrinkage early, then wear the jeans at least 6 months before the next wash. Others prefer to wear jeans raw for 6 months, or as long as possible before washing to get high-contrast fades. In my experience both can work. Though cold water is always recommended, warm water can be used if you want more shrinkage. Some guys even wear their jeans in the tub and then wear them dry. Do some web research before doing anything too crazy.

WASHING

When it comes to washing raw denim or canvas, the consensus is, less is more. Wear your jeans often; wash when needed. It’s not unusual for raw jeans to go 4-6 months between washes. Depending on how often you ride or wear your Tobaccos you may need even less.  When you wash denim, the water washes out some of the dye. The loose dye then transfers to lighter areas that have faded. The more you wash, the more dye you loose and transfer, resulting in a flat, monochromatic look, rather than the contrasting dark and lighter shades you get with natural wear and limited washes.

Though raw jeans are machine washable, many denim-heads prefer to hand wash gently, inside out, in a tub of cool water, with “dark” detergent made to wash colors and prevent dye loss. Then hang dry.

 SHRINKAGE and BLEED

Shrinkage isn’t just a George Costanza nightmare, in the world of raw denim it is one of many factors that make theses jeans fit like none you have ever owned. Our denims and canvas are Sanfordized and 100% cotton, they will shrink 3-5% after the first wash, most of that in length.

After washing, jeans will feel tighter at first, but cotton has some natural stretch and will loosen up after a couple wears. This has been accounted for in our design.

Before the initial wash, dye may “bleed” or transfer onto other materials and fabrics, particularly when wet. Take care to not accidentally stain something you touch or sit on.

Shrinkage can be avoided by dry cleaning.

KEVLAR®

Kevlar® is extremely durable, abrasion, heat and puncture resistant, it can help prevent or minimize some injuries that may occur in a motorcycle accident. Tobaccos will make you safer on the road but nothing will save you from idiocy, yours or someone else’s. Always ride safely.

Also, don’t tell your buddy that your pants are bullet proof, then make a bet and stand there while he shoots you in the leg. That would be very stupid. This is not ballistic Kevlar®

DuPont™,  Kevlar® are trademarks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company

ENJOY

When you get your Tobaccos take the time to notice all the effort and detailed craftsmanship that went into creating these jeans, and then put them on and beat the hell out of them. Your Tobaccos are made to get better with wear so get on a bike and go for a ride!