What a vintage wash is
A vintage wash is a finish added after the jean is sewn. Most vintage wash jeans are stonewashed during production to lift the indigo, then faded where a pair naturally breaks in: whiskering across the lap, honeycombs behind the knee, lighter streaks down the thigh. Done well, the fades look natural, and the jean looks 10 to 30 years old on day one. Since the fading is done wash by wash, no two pairs come out exactly alike. Expect small differences in where the whiskers fall and how light the knee gets, the same way two real vintage pairs would differ.
That washing also does some of the breaking in for you. A vintage wash usually feels softer from the first wear than a dark or raw jean, and because the color has already been lifted, later fading is gentler and harder to spot.
Light, medium and faded black: choosing a vintage wash
Light blue is the most common vintage wash, with an indigo that's muted rather than bright. It reads the most laid back and lived in. Medium washes keep more depth and work in more places, which is why the Billie in its medium washes sits at the top of this page. Faded black is the other classic, a soft charcoal that pairs with almost everything.
Shop by shade in light wash, medium wash and black denim. Each wash has its own character, so two pairs of the same style in different washes can look like different jeans.
Rigid cotton or stretch denim
Most vintage wash jeans are made of 100% cotton denim or stretch denim, and the choice changes how they feel. Almost everything in this collection is 100% cotton: the Billie, Kira, Regina, Christie, Marcenia Boot, Cate and Frida Crop. Rigid cotton fits snug at first, then softens and takes your shape, and it holds up to years of wear.
The Libby is the stretch denim option. It's mostly cotton with 2% elastane, cut slim with a mid rise and a cropped, tapered leg. If you want modern comfort and easy mobility from the first wear, start there.
Vintage wash jeans in straight, slim and wide leg
The Billie is a relaxed straight and our best seller, cropped at 26 1/2" with a mid rise. The Libby is the slim choice. The Christie is a high rise barrel leg that curves through the knee, and the Marcenia Boot is a low rise, slouchy bootcut.
For a wide leg, the Regina sits low with a full-length, 25 1/2" leg opening, and the Kira is a mid rise, full-length wide leg that drapes. The Frida Crop is a high rise wide leg cut at the ankle. The Cate is a high rise, cropped relaxed trouser in denim with knee darts and utility pockets. The Georgia Crop comes from our Re-Loved Project, so each one is one of a kind.
How to style vintage wash jeans
Balance proportions first. A wide leg or barrel jean looks right with a fitted top, and a slim pair like the Libby can take an oversized sweater or a boxy jacket. Pick a top in a contrasting color: black, chocolate or a deep red stands out against a light vintage wash, while a crisp white tee keeps things simple.
Footwear sets the tone. Sneakers keep vintage wash jeans laid back for casual outings and everyday wear. Heels, a pointed flat or a heeled boot give the same pair a polished edge for dinner, and with a full length wide leg they keep the hem off the ground. Accessories do the rest: a leather belt, gold jewelry or a structured bag is enough.
If you care more about the cut than the wash, shop our vintage inspired jeans.
