Color Loss & Streaks In Denim

The faded streaks on these denim jeans are due to lack of dye colorfastness to use and care.

What Is The Problem?

After cleaning, cotton & cotton blend denim fabric can show dye fading and/or “streaks”. Usually, this dye fading is noted in dark blue or black denim jean pants, but it is sometimes seen in other colors, as well as on other denim fashions; such as jean jackets, vests, shirts, etc.

What Does It Look Like?

The overall color is dull and frosted with extensive areas that look bleached out on edges, double thick seams and wear areas. Also, chalky irregular faded streaks will many times appear.

What Caused It?

The crocking or rubbing off of the surface color begins from abrasion during wear, but is accentuated by later cleaning because the dyes do not properly penetrate the yarns. This type of dye failure can occur in drycleaning or washing or both depending on the solubility of the dyestuff. Such objectionable dye loss and streaks could show up in a short period of use, even after the initial cleaning, or it may appear later with repeated wear and care.

Can It Be Prevented?

Some color loss and frosting is to be expected on most denim fabric from normal wear and care, but drastic dye fading and streaks should not occur. Excessive adverse color failure can only be controlled by better dye application in the original dyeing process by the manufacturer.

Who Is Responsible?

When the manufacturer’s indicated care instruction is followed and denim still shows objectionable dye disturbance, the manufacturer that originally dyed the fabric must be held responsible.

Is There A Remedy?

Unfortunately, there is no remedy that will restore faded denim fabric to a “like-new” condition.

This close up view of the leg on these jeans shows drastic dye fade streaks.