Sanforized vs. Unsanforized denim: What's the difference?

by Pride N'Joy

For denim enthusiasts, terms like oz weight, selvedge vs. non-selvedge, and various cutting styles are already familiar details in denim product descriptions. However, one key detail often misunderstood is the difference between sanforized and unsanforized denim.

When exploring the world of denim, one crucial factor that can greatly influence your choice is whether the denim is sanforized or unsanforized. Sanforized denim undergoes a special pre-shrink process to minimize shrinkage after washing, resulting in a more predictable fit.

On the other hand, unsanforized denim will experience significant and unique shrinkage over time, shaping itself personally based on your wear habits! Besides affecting shrinkage, unsanforized denim is typically stiffer because it does not go through a pre-shrink process, meaning the starch used in denim production remains intact. That’s why a high-oz sanforized denim isn't necessarily stiffer than a lower-oz unsanforized denim.

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