noob question about denim OD vs. IB denim >>>

[catdad1]

This is my interpretation I've read over the past few months.

OD: Entire completed indigo garment undergoes a treatment to absorb the black overdye. Through wear, the overdyed pigment will shed. I currently only have the IHSH 293 and 888 21od show fades so far regarding overdyed fades. It's similar to what you'd expect out of a traditional denim garment, but more subtle I'd say. Grays and light blues in areas of wear. The garment will be slightly smaller than the untreated counterpart.

IB: I've only got the 295 ib on ice. The individual warp and weft are indeed blue and black. No post construction wash process unlike the overdyed garments. I can't speak to how the 295 fades yet but I can say it's an amazingly built shirt and photos online show great contrast. It's significantly heftier than my 33 blk. You can't go wrong with either shirt in my opinion.

295 ib and 526lod (direct dye)

295 ib. Look at those individual thread colors! Makes the interior of the garment dark.

526lod

[Brandrea]

@catdad1 thanks for this detail, really appreciated.

I know it’s all very subjective, but would you say one is more pliable or easier wearing than the other?

I honestly think I prefer the contrast fades of the OD to the IB … at least in your pictures.

[catdad1]

@Brandrea as a former die hard fader, I've come to appreciate OD a lot more these days. It's always a soft garment from day 1, and the darker color makes it easier to just throw on and get on with the day. The photos in my previous post aren't properly faded, yet. I'd check out threads for the pieces you're interested in and see how others have faded them!

[catdad1]

Also, you'll likely get more contrast in IB fabrics compared to OD if that's what you're going for.

[Brandrea]

@catdad1 I’d say I’m looking for something that has nice dark fades if that makes any sense.

I’ll research the two threads for the shirts I’m interested in for sure. Thanks for that suggestion.

[yannis]

@catdad1 the ib will definitely give more contrast fades than the od. The od fades slower with less contrast.

[goosehd]

@Brandrea go here to study different denims and fade potential: https://ironheart.co.uk/collections/hall-of-fades

[wjw]

OD definitely more muted fades and more of a black looking garment. IB will be higher contrast fades and way more blue. Starts out super dark but gets bluer and bluer with wash and wear. The OD can kind of go from black with greyish fades to dark blue looking to brighter blue fades depending on the light you are in (that perfect light makes it look more blue, while most the time it looks more black). I've had the 293 (for 6 months) and 14oz-ib pants for over a year for my reference.

[freepickin]

I've seen a handful of OD jackets like the lefty OD, has IH ever made an IB jacket before?

[wjw]

I know they make the type 3 14oz ib. Don't know about other jackets off hand

[freepickin]

@wjw hot damn that's a beautiful jacket, thanks for answering!

[Brandrea]

@goosehd that was really helpful, thank you. I prefer the OD black in these pictures so the next step is easy.

[goosehd]

@Brandrea You are welcome and enjoy!

[Brandrea]

@wjw that’s a really helpful description, and what I’m seeing in quite a few of the pictures in different product threads.