Raw hems leave the bottom edge of jeans unfinished and slightly frayed, which creates a casual, undone look that contrasts with clean, folded hems on traditional denim. This detailing shows up on jeans, shorts, and skirts, and the unfinished edge softens over time as threads loosen and fray further with wear and washing. Denim Things stocks raw hem styles across different fits and washes, so you can incorporate the detail into cropped, ankle-length, or full-length silhouettes depending on how you want the hemline to interact with your footwear.
The raw hem functions as both a styling choice and a practical solution for customizing length without professional tailoring. Because the edge isn't finished, you can cut the jeans to your preferred length at home and allow the hem to fray naturally, which eliminates the need for hemming services. The fraying process varies based on fabric weight and weave—lighter denim frays more aggressively, while heavyweight fabrics produce subtler, more controlled fraying.
Stop by to see raw hem options in different cuts and try on styles that work with your preferred inseam length.
Why Raw Hems Work for Certain Looks
Raw hems became popular in street style and contemporary fashion because they add texture and visual interest to an otherwise simple garment. The unfinished edge breaks up the clean lines of tailored jeans, which shifts the piece toward casual or deliberately undone aesthetics. This works particularly well with cropped styles, where the raw hem draws attention to the ankle and creates a deliberate stopping point that pairs with sneakers, boots, or sandals.
After wearing raw hem denim through several washes, you'll notice the fraying settles into a consistent pattern rather than continuing to unravel indefinitely. The threads soften and curl slightly, creating a textured edge that stays intact at the inseam while displaying controlled distressing along the hem. This maturation process adds character to the jeans without compromising their structure, and the fraying becomes a feature rather than a sign of wear.
Styling flexibility includes pairing raw hem jeans with sleek tops to contrast the casual hemline, layering with denim jackets for cohesive denim-on-denim outfits, or wearing with heels to dress up the distressed detail. The collection includes raw hem options in multiple fits, from slim and tapered to relaxed and straight, so the hemline detail works across different silhouettes.
