Technoligy

In this section, we keep it simple and show how we at Washed Grey Studio create our vintage blanks: when we use factory washes and pigments, when we sand down fabrics, and when we carefully add hand-aged details. The result is a soft fabric with predictable shrinkage, lasting color, and a smooth surface — perfect for your prints and embroidery. Below, you’ll find each method explained in plain language: how it looks and feels, what the limits are, and how you can best customize it further.

Garment-dyed is a technique of dyeing finished garments rather than fabric rolls. Because of the different fabric densities and thicker seams, the dye absorbs unevenly — slightly darker along the edges and softer around collars and cuffs. This natural irregularity gives the piece depth and a refined vintage look that simply can’t be achieved with standard fabric dyeing.

Sun Faded — this effect recreates the look of fabric naturally bleached by the sun. We achieve it artificially, imitating the soft fading that comes from long wear and sunlight exposure. The color becomes gentler, loses its “brand-new” sharpness, and takes on a distinctive vintage tone, as if the piece has already lived through a few seasons with you. Technically, this is done by spraying pigment onto specific areas of the garment, creating natural transitions and a smooth fading gradient. For example, we use this method in our #101 hoodie.

Distressed — this technique gives garments intentional signs of wear and tear. Methods include sanding the fabric, adding subtle abrasions on seams and cuffs, or creating controlled frays and small cuts along the edges. All of this is done by hand to keep the piece looking naturally vintage while still durable. Sometimes the method is pushed further — the garment appears heavily torn, becoming a pure concentrate of style. It’s no coincidence that every luxury brand features “ripped” pieces in their collections: it has long been a symbol of boldness and fearless fashion statements.

 

Stone Wash — one of the most classic aging techniques. During washing, garments are tumbled with pumice stones or artificial stones, which gradually soften the fabric, lighten the color, and create characteristic wear patterns. The result is a vintage, lived-in look with a comfortable feel right from the start — no stiffness of brand-new fabric.

Acid Wash — the iconic effect from the ’80s and ’90s, where fabric shows strong contrasts with lighter spots and cloudy patterns. Despite the name, it’s not actually acid but bleach or special agents applied to already-dyed garments. The result is a one-of-a-kind pattern — no two pieces ever look the same. This technique brings a bold vintage vibe and instantly makes the garment stand out.

Whiskers & Creases — these are the artificial “whiskers” and folds that normally appear on garments after years of wear. Most often seen on jeans around the thighs or behind the knees, the effect can be applied to other clothing as well. The fabric is lightly sanded or faded along natural fold lines, giving the piece an authentic, lived-in look. This technique adds depth and a genuine vintage character to the garment.