A new year, a new fade update. December marked the fourth month of the Indigo Invitational Year 5, during which I’ve been fading a pair of our B-02 REGULAR STRAIGHT 14 oz. green cast selvedge.

We’re now getting to the point where all the whiskers and honeycombs have taken their shape and are starting to fade in nicely. There are a lot of green and indigo tones visible throughout the jeans, and the laps are also beginning to show some fading. If you’re aiming for a vintage, faded look, now would be a good time to give them their first wash. But since I’m going for more contrast, I’ll postpone the first wash for now, probably for at least another two months.

This fabric is available in our webshop in the B-01 SLIM TAPERED and B-02 REGULAR STRAIGHT fits, so you can start your own fading journey with our green cast as well.

I’ll be sharing an update every month to track how this pair transforms over time, so stay tuned for the next chapter. In the meantime, you can follow along on my personal account (@lennaertnijgh) as I continue putting this new fabric to the test.

— Lennaert, founder of BENZAK

Curious about the Indigo Invitational, or denim fading contests in general? This article breaks down everything you need to know about the world’s biggest denim fading competition.

For a closer look at how long wear transforms denim, visit our Fade Archive. It features a selection of well-worn BENZAK jeans (and a jackets), including a few standout pieces that came to life during past fading contests. Each piece shows the character that only real use and time can create.