Sanforized vs Unsanforized Denim
The single question that decides whether your pattern survives the first wash.
Short answer
Sanforized denim has been mechanically preshrunk and moves very little. Unsanforized will shrink substantially, and the allowance has to be in the pattern before you cut.
Side by side
| Sanforized / preshrunk | Unsanforized | |
|---|---|---|
| Shrinkage | Roughly 1–3% | Can reach 8–10% |
| Pattern | Cut as drawn | Cut oversize to allow for it |
| Predictability | High | Needs a wash test |
| Common in | Most commercial denim | Traditional and heritage goods |
| Risk if ignored | Low | A whole cut in the wrong size |
Choose Sanforized / preshrunk when…
Almost all commercial production, and any programme where you cannot absorb a sizing surprise.
Choose Unsanforized when…
Purist heritage product where the soak-and-shrink is part of what is being sold — and only with a wash test done first.
See Both in Stock
Each of these reads live from our warehouse sheets.
Still Deciding?
Tell us what you are making and we will tell you which of the two suits it, and what we have in both.