Used Finish
Used finish is a process that intentionally creates a worn-in appearance through washing, friction, decolorization, tears, and similar treatments, giving the fabric color fading, abrasion, fuzziness, and a weathered texture that looks as if it has been worn for years.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Used finish is a secondary processing that gives new clothing or textile a weathered, aged look. In addition to lightening the color, it combines seam and edge wear, wrinkles, fuzziness, and similar effects to create an appearance that looks well worn.
Denim is the typical material, but it is also used for cotton fabrics, cut-and-sew items, sweatshirts, and more. Because the finish varies greatly depending on the processing method, material, and dyeing method, appearance and durability are not uniform even when the name is the same.
Features
The main visual features are uneven fading, whitish abrasion, fading around seam allowances and seams, and localized fuzziness. By adjusting the processing position, it creates whisker-like wrinkle marks and natural wear on areas such as the knees and hems.
Methods such as washing, abrasion, bleaching, pigment application, and tearing are used alone or in combination. While processing may make the textile softer, it can also affect the surface fibers and strength, so it is necessary to check not only the appearance but also the physical properties.
- Stone wash is one method for creating color fading and a soft texture through washing.
- Bleach processing is a method of removing color with chemicals or similar agents to create a light tone and contrast.
- Processing that adds tears or fraying may require reinforcement specifications depending on the degree of damage.
Main Applications
It is used mainly for casual wear such as jeans, work pants, denim jackets, military-style outerwear, T-shirts, and sweatshirts. It is a finish that makes it easy to use the natural character of the material to create a rough, broken-in impression.
It is not limited to any particular season, but thick denim and fleece make it easy to express raised fading, while thin shirt fabrics and cut-and-sew items often make use of light fading and a soft texture.
Selection and Handling Notes
When planning, check not only the processed sample but also color differences in mass production, processing position, tear size, and strength. Because processing that includes handwork tends to vary from piece to piece, it is important to clearly state that variation as an allowable range in the specification sheet and inspection criteria.
For textiles and products that have undergone washing, design the pattern with post-processing shrinkage in mind. Before sewing, check the shrinkage rate, skewing, and grain condition of the textile, and if necessary, perform hot-water shrinking or grain straightening. In particular, pay attention to twisting after washing in patterned items and products with side seams.
In sewing, if damaged areas are close to seam allowances or areas under stress, tearing may progress. Consider specifications such as reinforcing cloth, patches, and stitching, and share the sequence of the processing and sewing steps with the factory. During washing, there is a risk of color transfer and further fading, so it is basic to follow the care label instructions.
Difference from Similar Terms
Damage processing often refers to finishes that emphasize a worn appearance such as tears, holes, abrasion, and fraying, and it may be handled as part of used finish. Used finish, on the other hand, is used as a broader expression that includes color fading and a worn-in feel from washing.
Vintage processing may also express a color tone, fading, specifications, and texture that evoke a particular era or old clothing. Since it is not always clearly distinguished from used finish, when placing an order it is important to share the finish based on samples and finished specifications rather than on the processing method alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does used finish reduce the strength of clothing?
It depends on the processing method and degree. In processing that adds friction, decolorization, or tears, the surface fibers and textile structure may weaken, making wear and tearing more likely to progress. For load-bearing areas, consider avoiding the processing area or reinforcing it with patches or stitching.
Will used-finish products fade further when washed?
Depending on the dye and processing details, wear and washing can cause fading, color transfer, and changes in fuzziness. In particular, dark-colored items should be washed separately and inside out, and handled in accordance with the care label for each product.
What is the difference between used finish and stone wash?
Used finish is a general term for finishes that create a worn-in appearance. Stone wash is one representative washing process used for that effect, and it gives color fading and softness through washing. Used finish includes other processing methods as well.
