FAQ
Production
All of our garments are designed in Maine and sewn in small batches in Los Angeles. Some are made in-house at our own factory, and others are produced by local partners who specialize in denim, knitwear, or shirting - each one chosen for their attention to detail and craft. As we grow, we’ve been able to bring more and more production under our own roof, which feels like a return to the heart of the work.
Since the beginning, we’ve done all of our own plant based garment dyeing and washing by hand in our small factory in Boyle Heights. That includes our hand-dipped indigo pieces (except our denim, which is yarn-dyed in Japan!). We also handle all of our finishing and distribution in-house, so every piece passes through our hands before it gets to yours.
About our Denim
We use organic, natural indigo dyed Japanese denim, one of the rarest and most traditional forms of denim still made today. It’s nothing like the mass-produced denim you’ll find in most clothing, and every pair of jeans we make carries that difference.
Natural Indigo, Not Synthetic:
Most denim today is dyed with synthetic indigo, a petroleum-based chemical designed for speed and uniformity. Ours is dyed with true, plant-based indigo, using a slow fermentation method. Our denim uses a traditional twill weave with natural (undyed) yarn in the weft and yarn-dyed natural indigo in the warp (yarn dyeing is done after the cotton is spun and before the denim is woven) creating a fabric that’s both sturdy and full of depth, designed to soften and fade beautifully with wear. The result of this process is a color that’s rich, complex, and alive. It shifts with time, wear, and exposure, no two pieces are exactly the same.
Organic Cotton:
The organic cotton in our Denim is grown from GMO-free seeds by farmers who work in harmony with the land. Instead of synthetic pesticides, they use natural methods - like neem tree extract and beneficial insects - to protect crops. The cotton is grown in rotational systems that preserve soil fertility, support biodiversity, and prevent erosion, making it gentler on the earth and safer for the people who tend it.
Japanese Selvage Weaving:
Our denim is woven on antique shuttle looms in Japan, one narrow strip at a time. That slow process creates a dense, durable fabric with a clean, self-finished edge called a selvage, a sign of quality and tradition.
Why don’t I see the selvage edge on Rudy Jude jeans?:
We use the same rare Japanese denim throughout our line, but not every style features the exposed selvage edge. That’s a design choice, not a quality difference. Including the selvage in a side seam limits the kinds of patterns and silhouettes we can create. For styles that require more flexibility in fit or shape, we prioritize the integrity of the design over showcasing the selvage itself.
Is the Denim “Raw”?
We choose to rinse our jeans in a mushroom-derived enzyme bath to gently soften the fabric without using harsh chemicals or excessive water. While many selvage denim brands sell their jeans “raw”, meaning stiff, unwashed, and often uncomfortable at first, we believe in making garments that feel good from day one. The enzyme process preserves the integrity of the fabric while making the jeans easier to wear and live in, so they can become part of your life right away, not after months of breaking in.
Small Batch = Subtle Variation:
Because this denim is made in small runs using natural dyes and traditional methods, slight variations in shade, handfeel, or stiffness from batch to batch are expected. These changes aren’t flaws, they’re part of the garment’s story. Each piece reflects the season, the dye bath, the weave,making it uniquely yours.
Other FAQ
Why do you use a pre-order model?
We use pre-orders because it allows us to produce only what is needed, no excess, no waste. As a small, independent brand without outside funding or wholesale accounts, pre-orders create a sustainable way for us to operate with integrity. This model helps us use better materials, pay our team fairly, and stay focused on quality over speed.
Pre-orders are about trust. You’re not just buying a piece, you’re investing in the process. And we take that seriously.
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Why do you release small drops instead of seasonal collections?
Instead of releasing one big seasonal collection, we work in smaller, more frequent drops. This allows us to work at a human pace, stay close to the making process, and design in real time, responding to the world around us, not a fashion calendar. It also allows us to maintain a tighter production loop and minimize waste.
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What should I know about sizing in small-batch clothing?
Because we produce in small batches using natural fibers, slight sizing variation can happen from one piece to another. Fabric lots may vary in weight or tension, and natural shrinkage during washing or dyeing can affect the final fit slightly.
Cotton jeans, in particular, will feel snug at first but soften and stretch with wear. If you’ve been living in a well-worn pair, a new pair might feel tighter by comparison, but they’ll break in and mold to your body beautifully over time.
If you’re between sizes or unsure, reach out, we’re happy to guide you.
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How do I care for plant-dyed clothing?
Plant-dyed clothing is sensitive to time, light, and pH levels. It’s part of what makes it beautiful, it lives and changes with you.
To care for it:
• Wash gently (by hand or on cold gentle cycle) with a pH-neutral detergent.
• Dry flat or hang to dry in the shade, avoid long exposure to direct sun.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from light.
• Avoid bleach, spot removers, or anything highly acidic or alkaline.
Plant Dyed clothing will change over time. Your garment will develop its own patina, deepening in tone or softening depending on your environment.
SIDE NOTE: if you want to speed up the patina and wear, get them really dirty, wash hot, dry in dryer - this process risks making holes, color fading unevenly, and possible failure in places you’ll need to patch. Making this choice in care can make for beautiful and personal pieces that are entirely custom to you and your lifestyle.
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What happens if I spill something acidic (like lime juice) on plant-dyed clothing?
Plant dyes are pH reactive, meaning their color can shift when exposed to acids (like lemon or vinegar) or alkalines (like baking soda or some soaps). If you spill something acidic:
1. Rinse the area immediately with cold water.
2. Avoid scrubbing.
3. Wash the garment gently and evenly to minimize uneven tones.
Sometimes the shift will fade completely(!) and sometimes it leaves a trace, sometimes it takes several washes to fade.
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What if my plant-dyed garment gets stained?
First, try a gentle wash with a pH-neutral soap. If the stain remains, consider overdyeing. Plant-dyed garments are perfect candidates for re-dyeing, adding layers of new color, depth, and history. Overdyeing doesn’t erase, it evolves.
You can dye at home with natural materials or reach out for resources, we’re happy to connect you with artists who may offer this service.
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Why is plant-dyed clothing so rare?
Because it’s slow. Because it’s skilled. Because it doesn’t fit easily into the systems of mass production.
Plant dyeing takes time, labor, and natural materials. It can’t be automated. It reacts to water, weather, soil, and even the hands doing the work. Every batch is slightly different, and that kind of beautiful variability makes it difficult for larger companies to work with. We choose it precisely because it honors nature, tradition, and process over perfection.
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Do you accept returns or exchanges?
Please visit our shipping and returns page for information!