Upcycled Denim Care Guide

Caring for Your One-of-One

Every piece is handcrafted from upcycled and repurposed materials — denim, bandanas, flannels, corduroy, lace, and more. Because mixed textiles and hand-applied patchwork respond differently than standard denim, a little extra care goes a long way in keeping your piece looking as intentional as the day it was made.

Washing

Cold hand wash or dry clean only. All LIMBO.NYC upcycled denim is recommended for hand washing in cold water or professional dry cleaning. Machine washing — even on a gentle cycle — can stress patchwork seams, loosen raw edges, and cause unwanted fading or bleeding between fabrics.

• Turn the garment inside out before submerging.
• Use a small amount of mild, color-safe detergent.
• Gently agitate by hand — no wringing or twisting.
• Rinse thoroughly in cold water until water runs clear.

Spot Cleaning Patchwork

For minor marks on patchwork panels, spot clean rather than doing a full wash when possible. Dampen a clean cloth with cold water and a drop of mild detergent, then dab (don't rub) the affected area. Rubbing can fray raw edges and spread the stain into adjacent fabric panels.

Drying

Air dry only — no dryer. Lay the garment flat or hang it away from direct sunlight and heat. Dryers can cause patchwork fabrics to shrink at different rates, distorting the silhouette and weakening stitch bonds over time. Reshape the piece while damp and allow it to dry completely before storing or wearing.

Dye-Transfer Cautions

Many of the fabrics used — overdyed denim, bandanas, and flannel — can transfer dye, especially when wet or with heat. To reduce the risk:

• Wash dark or heavily dyed pieces separately for the first few washes.
• Avoid wearing light-colored clothing against the garment right after washing.
• Do not use hot water, which accelerates dye bleed.

Mending

Distressing, fraying, and intentional abrasions are part of the design — not signs of damage. However, if you notice a seam separating or a patch lifting, address it early before it worsens.

• Use a needle and thread that matches the nearest fabric color to tack loose edges back down.
• For raw hems, a small line of seam sealant can prevent further unraveling without altering the look.
• Reinforcement stitching on distressed areas is encouraged and in the spirit of the garment's construction.

When to Seek Repair Help

Some repairs are best left to someone with garment experience. Reach out to a local tailor or denim repair specialist if:

• A patchwork panel is fully detaching from the base denim.
• Structural seams (inseam, waistband, or crotch) are splitting.
• You want to add new patches or extend the patchwork — a skilled hand will keep it looking intentional.

You can also contact us and we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.