PSA: I had to pick between a clean finish or a raw edge on a denim jacket and I'm still not sure I got it right.

I was working on a custom piece for a friend's birthday and hit a wall. The design called for this distressed look on the sleeves, but I couldn't decide if I should do a proper turned hem or just leave the raw denim frayed. I spent like 3 hours staring at the fabric. I went with the raw edge because I thought it looked more authentic, but now I'm worried it just looks messy and unfinished. Has anyone else had a project where the 'cool' detail choice ended up feeling like a mistake later?

3 comments

3 Comments

terryk102mo ago

Saw a video from a tailor who said raw edges on denim are a style choice, not a mistake. The fraying gets better with wear and adds character. If your friend wanted a distressed look, you probably nailed it. Overthinking it is part of the process, but trust your first call.

alex3072mo ago

Totally get where terryk10 is coming from with that. I've spent way too long staring at a pair of jeans I just hemmed, second guessing if I left them too long or too short. That raw edge look really does grow on you, like it tells a story after a few washes. It's easy to overthink when you're making something for a friend, but a little fray can be the whole point. Sometimes the best stuff comes from just going with your gut and not stressing the small stuff.

grace_gonzalez462mo ago

Honestly, @terryk10 is right about trusting your first call. But what gets me is how the raw edge thing is actually super practical. Like, if your friend's weight changes a bit, that unfinished hem gives you a little extra fabric to let down later without it looking weird. It's like building in a secret adjustment. A clean hem locks you in, but a raw edge leaves options open. It's a style choice that's also kinda smart.