Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean by "no waistband gap" or "hourglass" fit?
A fit problem experienced by many women is too much space in the waist of jeans, when they buy a size that fits their hips and bum. This leads to a "gap" in way the waist fits, usually at the back. For our target customer, this is a chronic issue in almost every brand they buy from, and usually the gap is 1-3" of excess fabric.
What is "raw" denim?
Raw denim is denim straight from the mill, which has not been washed as part of the treatment process before sale. It has a more crisp hand-feel and uniform appearance than prewashed denim, and often has a slight smell of indigo dye. As raw denim has never been washed, it will shrink on the first wash, as well as experience a moderate level of colour bleeding (more than in subsequent washes), leading many to advocate for hand-washing as a gentle way to preserve its appearance over time.
Why do some people prefer raw denim?
Raw denim has a stiffness and smoothness that many people find appealing, as well as a "premium" look of uniform, untreated fabric. It also has a smell that many find appealing. As it has never been washed or pre-treated, it is also totally unfaded when first purchased.
Do you offer "tall" or "petite" inseam lengths?
Yes! We can make our products to any inseam length, as long as the fabric used to make the product is still in stock. Please email connect@formerastudio.com at the time of your order to request a custom length. Please note that custom inseam lengths make the product final sale.
Do you do custom hemming?
Absolutely - we can do custom hemming for purchases made at our Toronto studio (while you wait) or you can request it for a product ordered from our site. Please note that custom hemming makes a product final sale.
Do you make custom jeans?
We can, though pricing varies depending on the customizations. Please email connect@formerastudio.com with your request, and we will try our best to accommodate.
Denim Care - Best Practices
Wash cold, inside out, with a mild detergent.
Washing jeans inside out will help keep the indigo colour from fading, and washing cold will minimize garment shrinkage.
Wash new denim alone for its first wash.
New denim, especially dark denim, can bleed dye during its first wash. Always wash with like colours, as washing dark denim with light coloured clothing can result in unwanted dye transfer between garments.
For our marbled or embroidered products, wash by hand, inside out, in the bathtub.
Hand washing will help preserve the vibrancy of the marbling paint. We recommend using a handwashing laundry soap such as Soak, or a lingerie detergent.
Hang to dry.
Hanging jeans to dry minimizes shrinkage, and also reduces wear and tear on the fabric, increasing longevity.
Remove wrinkles with an iron, or Ultra-Low clothes dryer.
To remove wrinkles, iron damp jeans inside-out, on the medium/high or cotton iron setting.
If you don't have an iron, the Ultra Low/No Heat/Air Dry dryer setting can be used for 10 minutes at the end of the drying process instead. Be careful not to dry jeans with hot air, as this will cause them to shrink.
