Name: Faruk
Message: Hello! I have a question that I don't think has been answered directly in your FAQ section. I've bleached a pair of jeans and now they are pretty much white. Now I want to dye them a deep red color, but I don't know which dye would be the best to use for this kind of material. This is not for simply decorative purposes, since I would still like to wear the jeans, so I am looking for dye that won't stiffen the pants. I hope you can help me (and from the looks of your site, you probably can :-) Thank you!


The best kind of dye to use for 100% cotton jeans is cool water fiber reactive dye, because it can be used at room temperature, and because it is easier to use and much more permanent than other types of dye. Unlike fabric paint, it will not stiffen the fabric at all.

Hot water dyes, such as all-purpose dye, must be used only with very hot water, which may shrink your jeans, and they fade quickly, and bleed with every pass through the laundry. I do not advise the use of all-purpose dyes on cotton clothing.

The most popular brand of fiber reactive dye is Procion MX dye. You can mail-order Procion MX dyes from most of the dye supply companies on my Sources for Dye Supplies page, or click on the Dick Blick Art Materials ad at the left.

The easiest way to dye your jeans a solid color is in the washing machine; see "How can I dye clothing or fabric in the washing machine?".

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